Heat waves in the Colombian Caribbean: A public health problem?

A popular belief states that if frog is submerged in a container and gradually heats it up, it will try to adapt until it dies; this is probably the situation faced by more and more human populations. As stated by thousands of scientists, academics, and researchers worldwide, the planet's warming is directly related to climate change.

Forest yield prediction under different climate change scenarios using data intelligent models in Pakistan

Abstract This study aimed to develop and evaluate data driven models for prediction of forest yield under different climate change scenarios in the Gallies forest division of district Abbottabad, Pakistan. The Random Forest (RF) and Kernel Ridge Regression (KRR) models were developed and evaluated using yield data of two species (Blue pine and Silver fir) as an objective variable and climate data (temperature, humidity, rainfall and wind speed) as predictive variables. Prediction accuracy of both the models were assessed by means of root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), correlation coefficient (r), relative root mean squared error (RRMSE), Legates-McCabes (LM), Willmotts index (WI) and Nash-Sutcliffe (NSE) metrics. Overall, the RF model outperformed the KRR model due to its higher accuracy in forecasting of forest yield. The study strongly recommends that RF model should be applied in other regions of the country for prediction of forest growth and yield, which may help in the management and future planning of forest productivity in Pakistan.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver e avaliar modelos baseados em dados para previsão da produção florestal em diferentes cenários de mudanças climáticas na divisão florestal Gallies do distrito de Abbottabad, Paquistão. Os modelos Random Forest (RF) e Kernel Ridge Regression (KRR) foram desenvolvidos e avaliados usando dados de produção de duas espécies (pinheiro-azul e abeto-prateado) como uma variável objetiva e dados climáticos (temperatura, umidade, precipitação e velocidade do vento) como preditivos variáveis. A precisão da previsão de ambos os modelos foi avaliada por meio de erro quadrático médio (RMSE), erro absoluto médio (MAE), coeficiente de correlação (r), erro quadrático médio relativo (RRMSE), Legates-McCabes (LM), índice de Willmott (WI) e métricas Nash-Sutcliffe (NSE). No geral, o modelo RF superou o modelo KRR devido à sua maior precisão na previsão do rendimento florestal. O estudo recomenda fortemente que o modelo RF seja aplicado em outras regiões do país para previsão do crescimento e produtividade florestal, o que pode ajudar no manejo e planejamento futuro da produtividade florestal no Paquistão.

Forest yield prediction under different climate change scenarios using data intelligent models in Pakistan / Previsão de produção florestal em diferentes cenários de mudanças climáticas usando modelos inteligentes de dados no Paquistão

Abstract This study aimed to develop and evaluate data driven models for prediction of forest yield under different climate change scenarios in the Gallies forest division of district Abbottabad, Pakistan. The Random Forest (RF) and Kernel Ridge Regression (KRR) models were developed and evaluated using yield data of two species (Blue pine and Silver fir) as an objective variable and climate data (temperature, humidity, rainfall and wind speed) as predictive variables. Prediction accuracy of both the models were assessed by means of root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), correlation coefficient (r), relative root mean squared error (RRMSE), Legates-McCabe's (LM), Willmott's index (WI) and Nash-Sutcliffe (NSE) metrics. Overall, the RF model outperformed the KRR model due to its higher accuracy in forecasting of forest yield. The study strongly recommends that RF model should be applied in other regions of the country for prediction of forest growth and yield, which may help in the management and future planning of forest productivity in Pakistan.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver e avaliar modelos baseados em dados para previsão da produção florestal em diferentes cenários de mudanças climáticas na divisão florestal Gallies do distrito de Abbottabad, Paquistão. Os modelos Random Forest (RF) e Kernel Ridge Regression (KRR) foram desenvolvidos e avaliados usando dados de produção de duas espécies (pinheiro-azul e abeto-prateado) como uma variável objetiva e dados climáticos (temperatura, umidade, precipitação e velocidade do vento) como preditivos variáveis. A precisão da previsão de ambos os modelos foi avaliada por meio de erro quadrático médio (RMSE), erro absoluto médio (MAE), coeficiente de correlação (r), erro quadrático médio relativo (RRMSE), Legates-McCabe's (LM), índice de Willmott (WI) e métricas Nash-Sutcliffe (NSE). No geral, o modelo RF superou o modelo KRR devido à sua maior precisão na previsão do rendimento florestal. O estudo recomenda fortemente que o modelo RF seja aplicado em outras regiões do país para previsão do crescimento e produtividade florestal, o que pode ajudar no manejo e planejamento futuro da produtividade florestal no Paquistão.

Primer registro de Psilocybe cubensis en un ambiente natural de Chile / First record of Psilocybe cubensis from a natural habitat in Chile

Psilocybe cubensiso también llamado hongo San Isidro, es un basidiomicete de distribución amplia que se encuentra por lo general en zonas de clima tropical y subtropical. Aquí se describe el primer registro de esta especie psicotrópica en condiciones naturales para Chile, desde una zona rural de clima de transición entre mediterráneo y templado. Se discuten los posibles causantes de esta extensión geográfica de la especie.(AU)

Psilocybe cubensis, also known as San Isidro, is a widely distributed basidiomycete, generally found in tropical and subtropical climate zones. Here, we describe the first record of this psychotropic speciesin natural conditions for Chile, from a rural environment in the transition zone between mediterranean and temperate climate. Possible causes for thisgeographic expansion of the species arediscussed.(AU)

Enfermedades emergentes, pobreza y hambre / Emerging diseases, poverty and hunger

La pobreza y el hambre son elementos significativos para la prevalencia de las enfermedades emergentes, además de la ignorancia, la indigencia, las falencias sanitarias y los cambios ambientales debidos al calentamiento global. La desnutrición es consecuencia de la pobreza y ésta es causa de desnutrición. Los niños que viven en condiciones de mayor vulnerabilidad tienen un riesgo alto de morir por diarrea, neumonía y enfermedades emergentes. La mayoría son desnutridos. Su futuro en la adultez guarda relación con la desnutrición en la infancia. En el mundo 820 millones de niños padecen hambre y mueren anualmente 3 millones de menores de 5 años, según datos del Fondo de las Naciones Unidas para la Infancia. En Argentina, según datos del segundo semestre de 2022, un 39,2% de la población es pobre (Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas y Censos). El 15,5% de niños y adolescentes padecen inseguridad alimentaria y 2 millones de niños padecen hambre (Médicos sin Fronteras). La tasa de mortalidad infantil en menores de 5 años tiene una prevalencia del 0,4%. Los cambios climáticos ejercen influencia sobre la salud, produciendo cambios en la epidemiologia de las enfermedades emergentes, mientras que la insuficiente alimentación ocasiona efectos negativos sobre la salud. El calentamiento global aumenta las inundaciones y las sequías, incidiendo en la escasez de alimentos e incrementando las enfermedades emergentes. La situación debe ser revertida mediante el desarrollo sostenido de la educación, el bienestar social y los proyectos sanitarios. (AU)

Poverty and hunger are significant elements for the prevalence of emerging diseases, in addition to ignorance, indigence, sanitary deficiencies and environmental changes due to global warming. Malnutrition is a consequence of poverty and poverty is a cause of malnutrition. Children living in more vulnerable conditions are at greater risk of dying from diarrhea, pneumonia and emerging diseases. Most are malnourished. Their future in adulthood is related to malnutrition in childhood. Worldwide, 820 million children suffer from hunger and 3 million children under 5 die annually (United Nations Children's Fund). In Argentina, according to data from the second half of 2022, 39.2% of the population is poor (Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas y Censos). 15.5% of children and adolescents are food insecure and 2 million children are hungry (Médecins Sans Frontières). The infant mortality rate in children under 5 years of age has a prevalence of 0.4%. Climate change influences health, producing changes in the epidemiology of emerging diseases, while insufficient food has negative effects on health. Global warming increases floods and droughts, leading to food shortages and increasing emerging diseases. The situation must be reversed through sustained development of education, social welfare and health projects. (AU)

Representaciones sobre el cuidado de enfermería en contexto de crisis ambiental en el currículo de pregrado / Representations about Nursing Care within the Undergraduate Curriculum in the Context of an Environmental Crisis

Introducción: Se ha sugerido que la crisis ambiental es una de las mayores amenazas para la salud pública. Sin embargo, se presta poca atención a este fenómeno en la formación de profesionales de la salud. Objetivo: Identificar las representaciones sociales sobre la enseñanza-aprendizaje del cuidado de enfermería en el contexto de crisis ambiental global, desde la perspectiva de enfermeras docentes universitarios en Chile. Métodos: Estudio cualitativo, descriptivo, hermenéutico, delineado por medio de las representaciones sociales en su enfoque procesual. El método de producción de información resultó la entrevista enfocada. El muestreo fue teórico y el tamaño de la muestra se determinó por criterio de saturación (n = 15). Se realizó triangulación de fuentes y se utilizó el análisis de contenido cualitativo inductivo. Resultados: Emergieron tres líneas temáticas: 1. Cambio climático y medio ambiente en el currículo; 2. Oportunidades en la enseñanza y el aprendizaje de cambio climático y medio ambiente, con cuatro categorías: sensibilidad de los estudiantes frente a temas medioambientales; motivaciones personales del docente, asignaturas facilitadoras y políticas institucionales; y 3. Barreras en la enseñanza y el aprendizaje de cambio climático y medio ambiente, con tres categorías: modelo biomédico, resistencia al cambio y escases de interdisciplinariedad. Conclusiones: Los temas relacionados con la crisis ambiental global no están considerados en los currículos de enfermería, y se incluyen en las asignaturas solo cuando hay interés por parte del docente(AU)

Introduction: The environmental crisis has been suggested to be one of the greatest threats to public health. However, this phenomenon is given little attention during the training of health professionals. Objective: To identify the social representations about the teaching-learning of nursing care in the context of the global environmental crisis, from the perspective of university teaching nurses in Chile. Methods: A qualitative, descriptive and hermeneutic study was carried out, with a process-based approach using social representations. The method for producing information was the focused interview. The sampling was theoretical and the sample size was determined by saturation criteria (n=15). Triangulation of sources was performed and inductive qualitative content analysis was used. Results: Three thematic lines appeared: 1. climate change and environment within the curriculum; 2. opportunities as part of teaching and learning about climate change and environment (including four categories: students' sensitivity towards environmental issues, professors' personal motivations, facilitating subjects, and institutional policies); and 3. obstacles in teaching and learning about climate change and environment (including three categories: biomedical model, resistance to change, and scarcity of interdisciplinarity). Conclusions: Topics related to the global environmental crisis are not considered within the nursing curriculums; they are included in subjects only when the professors are interested in doing so(AU)

Intervención educativa sobre cambio climático en estudiantes de medicina / Educational Intervention about Climate Change with Medical Students

Introducción: El cambio climático constituye un peligro inminente para la salud humana y ambiental global. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de un programa educativo para modificar conocimientos sobre cambio climático en estudiantes de medicina. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio cuasiexperimental de intervención educativa. El universo estuvo constituido por 52 estudiantes de medicina del Policlínico Docente Manuel González Díaz, en Bahía Honda, provincia Artemisa, en el período de enero a diciembre de 2022; y la muestra, por 37 estudiantes de medicina de tercero a quinto año que dieron su consentimiento para participar en la investigación. Se aplicó un cuestionario inicial para evaluar conocimientos sobre el tema, se identificaron las necesidades de aprendizaje y, posteriormente, se diseñó el programa educativo por seis semanas. Finalmente, se evaluó su impacto. Se utilizó la estadística descriptiva e inferencial para realizar la tabulación de datos. Resultados: La mayoría de los estudiantes antes de la intervención poseían bajos conocimientos sobre la temática, tenían un concepto restringido sobre cambio climático, sus consecuencias y a quiénes impactará mayormente. Algunos desconocían las políticas nacionales y los planes estratégicos que actualmente se están implementando en el país. Aunque la mayoría tenía un sentido de preocupación y de importancia ante este tema, mostraron desconocimiento en las acciones que de alguna manera realizaban para cuidar el medio ambiente. Conclusiones: El programa educativo implementado logró corregir las deficiencias. Una vez más se puso de manifiesto la significación de la labor educativa para promover salud(AU)

Introduction: Climate change is an impending danger to human and global environmental health. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of an educational program to modify knowledge about climate change in medical students. Methods: A quasiexperimental study of educational intervention was conducted. The study universe was made up of 52 medical students from Policlínico Docente Manuel González Díaz, in Bahía Honda Municipality, Artemisa province, in the period from January to December 2022. The sample consisted of 37 medical students from third to fifth academic years who gave their consent to participate in the research. An initial questionnaire was applied to assess knowledge on the subject, their learning needs were identified and, subsequently, the educational program was designed to be applied in six weeks. Finally, its impact was assessed. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data tabulation. Results: Most of the students, before the intervention, had little knowledge about the subject, had a restricted concept of climate change, its consequences and who will be most impacted by it. Some were unaware of the national policies and strategic plans currently being implemented in the country. Although most of the respondents had a sense of concern and importance with respect to this issue, they showed lack of knowledge regarding the actions that they somehow did to care for the environment. Conclusions: The implemented educational program was successful in correcting the deficiencies. Once again, the significance of the educational work to promote health became evident(AU)

Impacto de la superación profesional en la meteoro labilidad de la enfermedad cerebrovascular / Climate change and cardiovascular disease: impact of professional development

Introducción: La enfermedad cerebrovascular (ECV) es una urgencia neurológica que en ocasiones se encuentra influenciada por los cambios del tiempo. La ECV isquémica es una emergencia médica con una ventana estrecha para su diagnóstico y tratamiento. El daño generado por esta enfermedad se estima mediante de la mortalidad, discapacidad e impacto social. Objetivo: Proponer un programa de capacitación basado en los efectos fisiopatológicos que provocan en los pacientes, cambios de tiempo y ritmo circadiano en el contexto de la adaptación al cambio climático. Método: Se desarrolló un estudio multietápico prospectivo en el Hospital Universitario Mártires del 9 de Abril del municipio Sagua la Grande entre los años 1993 a 2017. En la primera etapa se seleccionó un universo de 52 profesionales de la salud que atendieron a estos pacientes; en la segunda, 48 y en la tercera, 61. Resultados: El nivel de conocimiento del personal de salud en una primera etapa era inadecuado (78,85 %); en la tercera, este porcentaje disminuyó (14,75 %). Como resultado de la capacitación mejoraron los tiempos de atención a los pacientes con ECV a su llegada al hospital, y en la tercera, más del 50 % de los enfermos fueron atendidos antes de las seis horas de inicio de los síntomas. Conclusiones: La capacitación sobre ECV basada en los efectos fisiopatológicos que provocan en los pacientes el cambio climático y el ritmo circadiano disminuyó el tiempo de espera, y se asoció con una reducción de la morbilidad y la mortalidad, después de aplicar este programa.

Introduction: cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is a neurological emergency that is sometimes influenced by climate changes. Ischemic CVD is a medical emergency with a narrow window for diagnosis and treatment. The damage generated by this disease is estimated through mortality, disability and social impact. Objective: to propose a training program based on the pathophysiological effects in patients caused by changes in time and circadian rhythm in the context of adaptation to climate change. Methods: a multistage prospective study was conducted at "Mártires del 9 de Abril" University Hospital in Sagua la Grande municipality between 1993 and 2017. A universe of health professionals who cared for these patients was selected as follows: 52 in the first stage; 48 in the second stage, and 61 in the third ones. Results: the level of knowledge of health personnel in the first stage was inadequate (78.85%); this percentage decreased in the third stage (14.75%). Care times for CVD patients improved upon arrival at the hospital as a result of the training, as well as in the third ones, more than 50% of the patients were seen within six hours of the onset of symptoms. Conclusions: CVD training based on the pathophysiological effects of climate change and circadian rhythm on patients decreased waiting time, and was associated with reduced morbidity and mortality, after applying this program.

Disaster mycology

Natural and human-made disasters have long played a role in shaping the environment and microbial communities, also affecting non-microbial life on Earth. Disaster microbiology is a new concept based on the notion that a disaster changes the environment causing adaptation or alteration of microbial populations-growth, death, transportation to a new area, development traits, or resistance-that can have downstream effects on the affected ecosystem. Such downstream effects include blooms of microbial populations and the ability to colonize a new niche or host, cause disease, or survive in former extreme conditions. Throughout history, fungal populations have been affected by disasters. There are prehistoric archeological records of fungal blooms after asteroid impacts and fungi implicated in the fall of the dinosaurs. In recent times, drought and dust storms have caused disturbance of soil fungi, and hurricanes have induced the growth of molds on wet surfaces, resulting in an increased incidence of fungal disease. Probably, the anticipated increase in extreme heat would force fungi adaptation to survive at high temperatures, like those in the human body, and thus be able to infect mammals. This may lead to a drastic rise of new fungal diseases in humans.

Los desastres naturales o los causados por el hombre impactan la formación de ecosistemas y comunidades microbianas, y también afectan las formas de vida no microbianas. Este concepto es conocido como "microbiología de desastres", una subespecialización de la microbiología, basada en los cambios ambientales generados por un desastre y las posibles adaptaciones o alteraciones de las poblaciones microbianas -crecimiento, muerte, trasporte a una nueva región, o adquisición de resistencia o de nuevas características- que influirán en el moldeamiento del ecosistema transformado. Algunos de los efectos de estas adaptaciones pueden ser: el surgimiento de poblaciones microbianas, la habilidad de colonizar nuevos nichos u huéspedes, la generación de nuevas enfermedades, o el crecimiento de microorganismos en condiciones que antes eran "extremas" para ellos. A lo largo de la historia, varias poblaciones de hongos han sido afectadas por desastres. Existen registros arqueológicos prehistóricos que evidencian la presencia y el crecimiento de hongos luego del impacto de asteroides, y otros de hongos relacionados con la extinción de los dinosaurios. Actualmente, las sequías y las tormentas de polvo causan perturbaciones en las comunidades de hongos del suelo, y los huracanes inducen el crecimiento de hongos filamentosos en superficies húmedas, lo que aumenta la cantidad de enfermedades por hongos. Además, con el aumento de las temperaturas extremas es posible que los hongos puedan adaptarse para sobrevivir a temperaturas más altas, equivalentes a las temperaturas corporales, y nuevas especies puedan infectar mamíferos. Esto puede llevar a un aumento drástico de las infecciones fúngicas en humanos.

Juicios de daños y aporte de los tribunales chilenos ante los desafíos ético-ambientales que impone el cambio climático / Litigation for damages and contribution of the Chilean courts to the ethical-environmental challenges posed by climate change / Julgamento de danos e contribuições dos tribunais chilenos diante dos desafios ético-ambientais trazidos pela mudança climática

Este artículo muestra que la experiencia acumulada por la Corte Suprema chilena en juicios sobre responsabilidad civil y ambiental, debiera permitirle abordar los problemas ético-ambientales y jurídicos que el calentamiento global implica, sea previniendo daños mediante la imposición a los principales emisores de gases de efecto invernadero, incluido el Estado, del deber de reducir acelerada y significativamente las emisiones, sea exigiendo y haciendo cumplir la obligación de adaptación al cambio climático mediante la atribución de responsabilidad extracontractual o ambiental.

This article shows that the experience accrued by the Chilean Supreme Court in lawsuits on tort and environmental liability, should allow it to address the ethical-environmental and legal issues that global warming implies, either by preventing harm through the imposition on the major emitters of greenhouse gases, including the State, of the duty to reduce emissions rapidly and significantly, or by demanding and enforcing the obligation to adapt to climate change through the attribution of tort liability or environmental liability.

Esse artigo mostra que a experiência acumulada pela Corte Suprema chilena em julgamentos sobre responsabilidade civil e ambiental, deveria permitir-lhe abordar os problemas ético-ambientais e jurídicos que o aquecimento global implica, seja prevenindo danos mediante a imposição aos principais emissores de gases de efeito estufa, incluindo o Estado, do dever de reduzir acelerada e significativamente as emissões, seja exigindo e fazendo cumprir a obrigação de adaptação à mudança climática mediante a atribuição de responsabilidade extracontratual ou ambiental.

A Way Forward for A Greener Future – Sustainability in Oral Health Care

Oral health professionals promote universal oral health for diseases that are primarily preventable and/or treated in their early stages. The delivery of oral health care, whether through therapeutic interventions, pre-ventive care, or long-term maintenance, causes pollutants and has a significant carbon footprint. Oral health practitioners share a moral obligation to society to offer optimal oral health services, ensure patient safety, and decrease their environmental impact. To ensure the long-term viability of oral healthcare services, all or-ganisations should recognise the critical need to work together to develop knowledge, identify remedial pos-sibilities, and exchange best practices that are environmentally friendly.

Alterações climáticas e sua repercussão sobre a saúde humana em países da América do Sul / Climate change and its impact on human health in South America

Nas últimas duas décadas as mudanças climáticas têm se intensificado, causado danos ao meio ambiente e aos indivíduos que nele habitam. Várias ações do ser humano têm contribuído para que cada vez mais essas mudanças climáticas sejam mais presentes e intensas. O aumento das desigualdades e vulnerabilidades sociais, o desmatamento, os incêndios florestais voluntários, a degradação do solo e a poluição ambiental aliados à variabilidade climática global da temperatura da água do mar podem potencialmente levar a eventos climáticos extremos, potencializando os efeitos negativos sobre a saúde. Neste trabalho é apresentado um resumo do relatório do Lancet Countdown South America, fruto da colaboração acadêmica multidisciplinar de instituições de ensino e agências sul-americanas de saúde de 12 países (Argentina, Bolívia, Brasil, Colômbia, Chile, Equador, Guiana, Paraguai, Peru, Uruguai, Venezuela e Suriname) publicado por Hartinger e cols. (2023). Este estudo é uma alerta, pois nele são publicados os resultados do levantamento sobre mudanças climáticas e seus efeitos sobre a saúde humana no continente sul-americano. Conhecê-las é o primeiro passo para que políticas de saúde pública sejam instituídas, e, preferencialmente, de modo preventivo.

Climate change has intensified in the last two decades, damaging the environment and those who inhabit it. Human activity has increased the prevalence and intensity of these changes. Increased social inequality and vulnerability, deforestation, intentional forest fires, soil degradation, and environmental pollution, when associated with sea temperature variability, can lead to extreme weather events, increasing negative health effects. This report summarizes Lancet Countdown South America (Hartinger et al. 2023), the result of multidisciplinary collaboration between education institutions and South American health agencies from 12 countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela and Suriname. This should be considered a wake-up call because it contains the results of a climate change survey and its effects on human health in South America. Knowing these effects is the first step toward appropriate, preferably preventive, public health policies.

Eventos de blanqueamiento del coral Porites lobata (2006-2022) y actividades de restauración en el sitio Ramsar ''Complejo Los Cóbanos", El Salvador

Introducción: El blanqueamiento global coralino refleja la fragilidad del coral a condiciones ambientales adversas y al cambio climático. Porites lobata es la especie de coral hermatípico más abundante actualmente en El Salvador y ha experimentado eventos de blanqueamiento recientes en el área natural protegida Complejo Los Cóbanos. Objetivo: Describir los episodios de blanqueamiento que colonias de P. lobata experimentaron en Los Cóbanos, El Salvador, durante los últimos 18 años, y analizar los esfuerzos de restauración de coral. Métodos: Aproximadamente 2 100 imágenes (2006 - 2022) tomadas sin periodicidad específica de dos sitios fueron revisadas. Parámetros del agua desde 2014 fueron registradas sin una periodicidad temporal definida. Las áreas de estudio fueron son playa El Faro y colonias submareales cerca de un importante resort de playa. La primera área presentó colonias dispersas en una zona intermareal, la otra, colonias más grandes a 2 m de profundidad en marea baja. También, revisar literatura acerca de actividades para restaurar arrecifes dentro del país. Resultados: Varios eventos de blanqueamiento ocurrieron durante este período de observación. Algunos de ellos podrían estar asociados a temperaturas altas del agua de mar (> 30 o C) de mayo a octubre (estación lluviosa), floraciones algales nocivas, así como causas desconocidas. Varios blanqueamientos que causaron pérdida de cobertura de coral en las colonias intermareales ocurrieron durante el evento global (2015-2016). Conclusiones: Blanqueamiento en el Complejo los Cóbanos ocurre en diferentes patrones de intensidad durante la estación lluviosa que comprende niveles de alta temperatura y turbidez en el agua, así como floraciones algales. El episodio de 2015-2016 causó pérdida de cobertura de coral en las colonias intermareales y las submareales experimentaron pequeños daños permanentes (< 5 % mortalidad). Las políticas de restauración nacionales requieren más esfuerzos estratégicos considerando la hidrodinámica y las capacidades institucionales locales.

Introduction: Global coral bleaching reflects coral fragility to adverse environmental conditions and climate change. Porites lobata is the most abundant hermatypic coral species currently in El Salvador and has experienced recent bleaching events at natural protected area Complejo Los Cóbanos. Objective: To describe the bleaching episodes that colonies of P. lobata experienced at Los Cóbanos, El Salvador, during the last 18 years, and analyze coral restoration efforts. Methods: Approximately 2 100 images (2006 - 2022) taken without specific periodicity from two sites were reviewed. Water parameters since 2014 were registered without defined frequency. The areas sampled were El Faro beach and subtidal colonies near an important beach resort. The first area presented dispersed colonies on an intertidal zone, the other, larger colonies at 2 m deep in low tide. Also, literature about activities to restore reefs within the country was reviewed. Results: Several bleaching events occurred during this observation period. Some of them could be associated to high sea water temperatures (> 30 o C) from May to October (rainy season), others to harmful algae blooms, as well as unknown causes. Severe bleaching that caused loss of coral coverage on intertidal colonies occurred during the global event (2015-2016). Conclusion: Bleaching at Los Cóbanos occurs in different intensity patterns usually during the rainy season that encompasses high temperature and turbidity levels in water, as well as algal blooms. The 2015-2016 episode caused coral coverage loss on the intertidal colonies and subtidal ones experienced little permanent damages (< 5% mortality). National restoration policies for coral colonies require more strategic efforts considering the local littoral hydrodynamics and institutional capabilities.

The Impact of Climate Change on Paediatric Dentistry

The effects of global warming and climate change are happening at a faster rate than expected, and they are going to get worse. Global climate change has already started to show the effects on environment—fast melting glaciers, accelerated sea level rise and base shifting of native flora and fauna. There has been an increase in temperature globally with a few countries already showing intense heat waves and extreme cold temperatures. The interrelation between dentistry, environmental impact and human health is still in its nascent stage, but studies in medicine show that the healthcare industry contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, poor air quality, food and water insecurity, extreme weather events and vector?borne illnesses. The concept of eco?friendly dentistry has evolved in this context for providing environmentally feasible dental solutions. Paediatric dentistry is no exception. The concept of prevention has to be promoted more in paediatric dentistry to provide a positive impact on environment. The prevention of oral diseases will lead to less travel to paediatric dental clinics, less use of dental materials, lesser energy usage, minimal use of single?use plastics and less use of nitrous oxide/general anaesthesia for behaviour management. The greenhouse gases have an effect on teeth of children in relation to early childhood caries (ECC). Here, we discuss the impact of climate change on paediatric dentistry and what changes can be made to provide environment?friendly solutions

Climate awareness, anxiety, and actions among youth: a qualitative study in a middle-income country

Objectives: The impact of climate change on mental health is well established, but few studies have examined the perspectives of young people, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In this qualitative study, we explored how Brazilian children and adolescents experience climate change. This approach can help inform environmental education, communication, and self-care strategies for this age group. Methods: We conducted focus groups with 50 children and adolescents aged 5 to 18 years in three locations in Brazil. We analyzed the data using an interpretative phenomenological analysis framework. Results: We identified three profiles of involvement with climate change: unaware, disengaged, and engaged. Profiles were largely related to different socioeconomic contexts. We analyzed each profile across the dimensions of space, time, emotions, and actions. Adults were portrayed by participants as stubborn deniers, as neutral influences, or as role models of knowledge and engagement. Due to their age and developmental level, young children had distinctive perceptions of climate change. Conclusion: Spatial and temporal perceptions of climate change are a key element for experiencing and engaging with environmental concerns and vary according to age and socioeconomic differences. Effective communication to foster climate action at individual and collective levels requires narratives that reach different ages. Replication of these findings in other LMICs is warranted.