ABSTRACT
"Geosafe" is a web-based service enabling insurance agencies to access a climate data-base supporting farm insurance business. Risk indexes are elaborated on the whole national territory according to the local hazard conditions and exposure. The current agrometeorological products are developed for maize, wheat, grape and olive. For each of these crops, phenological models represent the specific weather sensitivity. Meteorological informative layers are then used to define heat stresses, low temperature and drought hazards.
ABSTRACT
Various environmental factors influence the outbreak and spread of epidemic or even pandemic events which, in turn, may cause feedbacks on the environment. The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic on 13 March 2020 and its rapid onset, spatial extent and complex consequences make it a once-in-a-century global disaster. Most countries responded by social distancing measures and severely diminished economic and other activities. Consequently, by the end of April 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to numerous environmental impacts, both positive such as enhanced air and water quality in urban areas, and negative, such as shoreline pollution due to the disposal of sanitary consumables. This study presents an early overview of the observed and potential impacts of the COVID-19 on the environment. We argue that the effects of COVID-19 are determined mainly by anthropogenic factors which are becoming obvious as human activity diminishes across the planet, and the impacts on cities and public health will be continued in the coming years.