Publications

River bank instability from unsustainable sand mining in the lower Mekong River

Publication ID: pub.1124049167

Publication date: 13/01/2020

Keywords: Extraction Rates; Lower Mekong River; Mekong Delta; Regulatory Frameworks; River Bank Instability; River Bed; Sand Flux; Sand Mining; Sediment Load; Sediment Transport; Sustainable Balance

Recent growth of the construction industry has fuelled the demand for sand, with considerable volumes being extracted from the world’s large rivers. Sediment transport from upstream naturally replenishes sediment stored in river beds, but the absence of sand flux data from large rivers inhibits assessment of the sustainability of ongoing sand mining. Here, we demonstrate […]

The Land Variational Ensemble Data Assimilation Framework: LAVENDAR v1.0.0

Publication ID: pub.1123893741

Publication date: 07/01/2020

Keywords: Crop Behaviour; Canopy Height; Data Assimilation (DA); Estimates; Four-dimensional Ensemble Variational (4D-En-Var); Gross Primary Productivity; Joint UK Land Environment Simulator (JULES); Land Variational Ensemble Data Assimilation Framework (LAVENDAR); Leaf Area Index; Maize; Nebraska; Observation; Parameters; US; Variables

Abstract. The Land Variational Ensemble Data Assimilation Framework (LAVENDAR) implements the method of four-dimensional ensemble variational (4D-En-Var) data assimilation (DA) for land surface models. Four-dimensional ensemble variational data assimilation negates the often costly calculation of a model adjoint required by traditional variational techniques (such as 4D-Var) for optimizing parameters or state variables over a time […]

Endangering humanity: an international crime?

Publication ID: pub.1074228084

Publication date: 01/01/2020

Keywords: Anthropocene; Global; Global Catastrophe; Human Extinction; Human Security; Intergenerational Ethics; International Criminal Law

Abstract In the Anthropocene, human beings are capable of bringing about globally catastrophic outcomes that could damage conditions for present and future human life on Earth in unprecedented ways. This paper argues that the scale and severity of these dangers justifies a new international criminal offence of ‘postericide’ that would protect present and future people […]

Assessing and visualising hazard impacts to enhance the resilience of Critical Infrastructures to urban flooding

Publication ID: pub.1123314521

Publication date: 12/12/2019

Keywords: Climate Change; Flood Modelling; Natural Hazards; Resilience; Torbay; UK; Visualisation

The design, construction and maintenance of Critical Infrastructures (CI) is commonly based on standards that are rigorous, so as to withstand any climate or weather-linked pressures. However, due to climate change, climate characteristics may shift, resulting in increased frequency/magnitude of potential failures, or exposure to new unknown risks. As vital components for the normal functioning […]

Global Carbon Budget 2019

Publication ID: pub.1123116324

Publication date: 04/12/2019

Keywords: Anthropogenic; Atmosphere; Atmospheric CO2 Concentration Growth Rate (GATM); Carbon Budget; Carbon Budget Imbalance (BIM) Carbon Cycle; Climate Change; Economy; Emissions from Land Use Change (ELUC); Fossil CO2 Emissions (EFF); Global; Mean; Models; Ocean; Ocean CO2 Sink (SOCEAN); Policies; Terrestrial Biosphere; Terrestrial CO2 Sink (SLAND); Trend Uncertainties; Variability

Abstract. Accurate assessment of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and their redistribution among the atmosphere, ocean, and terrestrial biosphere – the “global carbon budget” – is important to better understand the global carbon cycle, support the development of climate policies, and project future climate change. Here we describe data sets and methodology to quantify the […]

Carbon dioxide emissions continue to grow amidst slowly emerging climate policies

Publication ID: pub.1123094987

Publication date: 04/12/2019

Keywords: Carbon Dioxide; Climate Policies; Emissions; Fossil Fuels; Global; Global Warming; Low-carbon Technologies; Pathway; Phasing Out

A failure to recognize the factors behind continued emissions growth could limit the world’s ability to shift to a pathway consistent with 1.5 °C or 2 °C of global warming. Continued support for low-carbon technologies needs to be combined with policies directed at phasing out the use of fossil fuels.