In this review paper, the authors identify priority areas, and opportunities for electric utilities in developing and emerging economies to incorporate Earth observation (EO) data into rural electrification planning, renewable energy resource assessment, distributed generation, grid operation and reliability, and disaster risk reduction and recovery efforts. Using a methodological framework, the authors conducted a comprehensive literature review of primary and gray literature. This paper reviews the many existing applications for EO data, such as the use of nighttime lights imagery for estimations of rural electrification, EO-derived normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) products for vegetation monitoring for overhead transmission line management, solar radiance data for renewable energy project planning, and nowcasting for extreme weather events and other disaster monitoring. These and other applications can enhance energy security through improved governance of and access to modern and reliable electricity, renewable energy management, and disaster risk assessment in developing nations, paving the way for more sustainable social and economic development. Real-world examples of EO data use by utilities in developing and emerging economies, as well as barriers and opportunities for EO technology transfer, are discussed. Recommendations for stakeholder engagement, future EO training opportunities, and human capacity building are also presented.
The brick kiln industrial sector in South Asia accounts for large amounts of short-lived climate forcer (SLCF) emissions, namely black carbon (BC), organic carbon (OC), and sulfur dioxide (SO2; the precursor to atmospheric sulfate [SO4]). These SLCFs are air pollutants and have important impacts on both human health and the Arctic, a region currently experiencing more than double the rate of warming relative to the global average. Using previously derived Arctic equilibrium temperature response factors, we estimate the contribution to Arctic temperature impacts from previously reported emissions of BC, OC, and SO2 from four prevalent South Asian brick kiln types (Bull’s Trench [BTK], Down Draught [DDK], Vertical Shaft [VSBK], and Zig-zag). Net annual BC (115 gigagrams [Gg]), OC (17 Gg), and SO2 (350 Gg) baseline emissions from all four South Asian kiln types resulted in 3.36 milliKelvin (mK) of Arctic surface warming. Given these baseline emissions and Arctic temperature responses, we estimate the current and maximum potential emission and temperature mitigation considering two kiln type conversions. Assuming no change in brick production, baseline emissions have been reduced by 17% when considering current BTK to Zig-zag conversions and have the potential to decrease by 82% given a 100% future conversion rate. This results in a 25% and 119% reduction in Arctic warming, respectively. Replacing DDKs with VSBKs increases baseline SLCF emissions by 28% based on current conversions and has the potential to increase by 131%. This conversion still reduces baseline warming by 31% and 149%, respectively. These results show that brick kiln conversions can have different impacts on local air quality and Arctic climate. When considering brick kiln emissions mitigation options, regional and/or local policy action should consider several factors, including local air quality, worker health and safety, cost, quality of bricks, as well as global climate impacts.
The Mission Mosquito Information Sharing Program (ISP), a collaboration between the U.S. Department of State and Battelle Memorial Institute, is a public diplomacy effort to build and expand an international network of health communicators to increase engagement on mosquito-borne disease. Nineteen professionals from countries experiencing mosquito-borne diseases engaged in a two-week multi-directional information exchange across the United States in May 2018. Program alumni applied knowledge and tools from the ISP in follow-on projects and public outreach campaigns in their home countries. This paper summarizes the ISP and lessons learned, and highlights a science communication case study examining skills and understanding gained.
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