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Climate Change Effects and Sustainability Needs

The Case of Morocco

  • 2024
  • Book

About this book

This book provides simultaneously, a cross-sectoral, multi-scale assessment of climate change issues in Morocco and proposes levers of action and innovative practices to be used to strengthen the resilience and adaptation strategies. The book offers the opportunity to debate contemporary mutations, the paradigms of change as a complex process, the dynamics of values, the complexity of the issues and the opportunities for transformation, starting from a reflective approach on the historical, scientific, theoretical and strategic dimensions of action, creativity and environmental innovation in a perspective of sustainability.

Table of Contents

  1. Frontmatter

  2. Climate Observation and Prediction in Morocco

    1. Frontmatter

    2. Chapter 1. Exploring Climate Change: Morocco in Focus

      Kholoud Kahime, Abdelali Boussakouran, Moulay Abdelmonaim El Hidan, Mohamed El Yamani
      The chapter 'Exploring Climate Change: Morocco in Focus' delves into the significant challenges posed by climate change in Morocco, a country particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures and decreasing precipitation. It discusses the historical evolution of climate change, the drivers behind it, and future projections based on various climate models. The text highlights the critical impacts on water resources, including reduced availability and increased contamination, and the severe consequences for agriculture, such as decreased crop yields and increased water scarcity. It emphasizes the urgent need for adaptation and resilience strategies to mitigate these challenges and ensure sustainable development.
    3. Chapter 2. Are the Heat Waves Recorded in Morocco During the Summer of 2022 Exceptional?

      Jaafar El Kassioui, Mohamed Hanchane
      The study investigates the exceptional nature of heat waves in Morocco during the summer of 2022, comparing them to a reference period of 1980–2019. Using daily maximum temperature data, the authors define heat waves as periods where Tmax exceeds the 90th percentile for at least three consecutive days. The analysis reveals an increasing trend in hot days and heat waves over the past decades, with some stations recording longer and more frequent heat waves in 2022. However, the extreme temperatures of 2022 did not exceed the record values from the reference period, suggesting that while the summer was hot, it may not be exceptional in the context of long-term climate trends. The study highlights the importance of understanding these trends to better prepare for future heat waves and their potential impacts on human health and natural systems.
    4. Chapter 3. Climate Change Projection and Numerical Climate Modeling in the Rheris Watershed (Region Draa Tafilalet—Morocco)

      Abdelmoumen Benchattou, Mohamed El Ghachi
      The chapter delves into the climate change projections and numerical climate modeling in the Rheris Watershed, Morocco, highlighting the significant impact of climate variability on the occurrence of floods. It utilizes advanced climate models such as the KNMI Climate Change Atlas and AR5 CMIP5 subset model to project future climate scenarios under optimistic and pessimistic GEIEC scenarios. The study area, the Rheris Watershed, is characterized by a semi-arid climate and is particularly vulnerable to extreme hydrological events. The chapter presents a comprehensive analysis of temperature and precipitation trends, demonstrating a projected increase in temperature and decrease in precipitation by the year 2100. This detailed examination of climate change impacts on the hydro-climatic system underscores the urgent need for climate adaptation measures to mitigate the risks associated with flooding and other hydrological extremes.
  3. Climate Change Effects on Ecosystems and Water Resources: Politics of Adaptation

    1. Frontmatter

    2. Chapter 4. Genetic Control of Bactrocera oleae Gmelin (Diptera: Tephritidae) for Climate Change Mitigation

      Tariq Nacimi, Driss Hmouni, Yamna Ouguas
      The chapter delves into the genetic control of Bactrocera oleae, a significant pest affecting olive trees worldwide. It begins by highlighting the extensive cultivation of olive trees, particularly in the Mediterranean region, and the severe economic losses caused by B. oleae. The life cycle and distribution of B. oleae are detailed, along with the damage it inflicts on olive crops. Various control techniques, including cultural practices, mass trapping, biological control, and chemical control, are discussed. The chapter then focuses on genetic control as a promising strategy for reducing the use of plant protection products and minimizing environmental impact. It explores the genetic resistance of different olive cultivars and the potential for selecting cultivars less susceptible to B. oleae infestation. The study involved sampling 21 olive cultivars and analyzing their infestation rates and intensity, providing valuable insights into the genetic control of this pest.
    3. Chapter 5. Climatic Drought in the Hydraulic Basin of Oum Er Rbia, Morocco (1980–2021): Statistical and Cartographic Analysis

      Meriem Hamid, Jalal Aguerd, Mohamed El Ghachi
      The chapter delves into the analysis of climatic drought in the Oum Er Rbia hydraulic basin in Morocco from 1980 to 2021. It begins by defining drought and its historical significance in Morocco, highlighting the importance of understanding its impacts in the context of climate change. The study uses the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) to classify and measure drought severity, revealing a notable recurrence of dry years. The analysis identifies five distinct phases of drought, including two wet phases and three dry phases, with the most recent phase marked by a severe drought persisting until 2021. The impacts of these droughts on water resources and economic sectors, particularly agriculture, are detailed. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the need for Morocco to focus on drought management and water resource adaptation in the face of global warming.
    4. Chapter 6. Analysis of Hydrological Regime Variability from 1980 to 2014 of the Source of Ain Asserdoune in Beni Mellal, Morocco

      Khouldia Nafia, Mimoun Goumih, Mohamed El Ghachi
      The chapter delves into the hydrological regime of the Ain Asserdoune spring in Beni Mellal, Morocco, from 1980 to 2014. It examines the variability of the spring's flow, influenced by climate change and human activities. The study includes an analysis of annual and monthly flow patterns, highlighting irregularities and the impact of precipitation and temperature changes. The research also explores the geographical and geological context of the region, providing a holistic view of the factors affecting the spring's hydrological behavior. The findings underscore the importance of understanding these dynamics for sustainable water resource management in semi-arid regions.
  4. Climate Change and Adaptation: Focus on Agricultural Sector

    1. Frontmatter

    2. Chapter 7. The Drought Resilience of Vast Livestock Reared in Agropastoral Versus Sylvo-Agro-Pastoral Systems in Morocco

      Bouchra El Amiri, Reda Azmi, Said Laaribya, Brahim Dani, Mounia Sibaoueih, Berkat Omar
      The chapter delves into the drought resilience of livestock in Morocco, focusing on agropastoral and sylvo-agropastoral systems. It examines how these systems fare under different climate scenarios, highlighting the significant impact of drought on livestock feeding requirements. The study compares the forage production and carrying capacity of rangelands and forest grazed lands in Settat and Benslimane, revealing that the sylvo-agropastoral system generally performs better. Additionally, it explores the strategies farmers employ to cope with drought, such as maintaining feed stocks, purchasing feed, and selling livestock. The chapter underscores the urgent need to address the degradation of rangelands and the increasing demand for livestock feed, particularly in the face of climate change. By offering a comprehensive analysis of these systems and farmer adaptations, the chapter provides valuable insights for sustainable livestock management in drought-prone regions.
    3. Chapter 8. Moroccan Durum Wheat Breeding to Keep Pace with Climate Change

      Abdelali Boussakouran, Yahia Rharrabti, Kholoud Kahime, Mohamed El Yamani
      The chapter delves into the critical role of durum wheat in Morocco's agriculture, emphasizing its importance in local diets and the challenges posed by climate change. It reviews the historical evolution of durum wheat breeding in Morocco, from the early 20th century to the present, highlighting key advancements and partnerships with international research institutions. The chapter also explores the impact of drought on durum wheat yields and the genetic progress made in developing drought-tolerant varieties. It concludes by emphasizing the need for integrated approaches to ensure the long-term sustainability of durum wheat cultivation in the face of climate change.
    4. Chapter 9. Symbiotic Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi as a Soil Essential Component Contributing to Soil Fertility for Sustainable Agriculture in Arid Environment

      Lahcen Ouahmane, Hanane Dounas, Mohamed El Yamani, Kholoud Kahime
      This chapter delves into the symbiotic relationship between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which are essential components of soil fertility. AMF, belonging to the phylum Glomeromycota, form a network of filaments that greatly amplify the surface area of contact between roots and soil, facilitating the exchange of nutrients and water. The fungi receive sugars and amino acids from the host plant in exchange for mineral nutrients and water. This symbiosis is believed to have originated over 400 million years ago and has evolved to benefit both the plant and the fungus. The chapter highlights the various types of mycorrhizae, with a focus on arbuscular and ectomycorrhizal symbioses. It also discusses the life cycle of AMF, their establishment in the host plant, and their role in improving plant growth, nutrient uptake, and tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of AMF in soil fertility and their potential in sustainable agriculture, particularly in arid environments.
  5. Urbanism, Green Building and Land Use: What can We Do in the Face of Climate Change

    1. Frontmatter

    2. Chapter 10. Life Cycle Assessment for Green Buildings: A Mini Literature Review

      Redouan Assadiki, Gérard Merlin, Hervé Boileau, Catherine Buhé, Fouzi Belmir
      This chapter explores the significance of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in the green building sector, particularly in Morocco. It delves into the rapid development of Morocco’s construction sector and the government’s ambitious building programs, highlighting the sector’s substantial energy consumption. The chapter reviews key LCA standards and their application in sustainability certification systems like BREEAM, LEED, and DGNB. It also provides a systematic literature review of LCA studies in buildings from 2000 to 2021, identifying trends, methodologies, and environmental indicators used. The chapter discusses the challenges and criticisms of LCA, including data requirements and complexity, and proposes suggestions for improving LCA practices in Morocco. Overall, the chapter offers a thorough examination of LCA’s role in enhancing the environmental performance of green buildings and provides valuable insights for future research and policy decisions.
    3. Chapter 11. The Impact of Industrial Activities on the Land Surface Temperature (LST) in the Urban Environment of the City of Kenitra (Morocco)

      Rhita Nasraoui, Khalid Benzidiya
      The chapter investigates the impact of industrial activities on the land surface temperature (LST) in Kenitra, Morocco, using satellite data from Landsat and MODIS. The study reveals significant increases in LST due to urban expansion and industrial activities, leading to the formation of urban heat islands. Key findings include a decrease in vegetation cover and an increase in built-up areas, contributing to higher surface temperatures. The research emphasizes the importance of urban planning strategies to mitigate these effects, highlighting the use of remote sensing data for informed decision-making. The chapter also explores the relationship between spectral indices and surface temperature, demonstrating the negative correlation between LST and vegetation and water cover, and the positive correlation with built-up areas. The study provides valuable insights into the environmental impacts of urbanization and industrial growth, making it a crucial resource for urban planners and environmental scientists.
    4. Chapter 12. The Effect of Incorporating Alfa Fibers on Physical, Mechanical, and Durability Properties of Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks

      Reda Sadouri, Youssef Cherradi, Mustafa Benyoucef
      The chapter delves into the potential of stabilized soil as a sustainable building material, focusing on compressed earth blocks (CEBs). It highlights the challenges posed by the building industry to climate change and the need for affordable, eco-friendly housing. The study investigates the effects of incorporating Alfa fibers and Portland cement as stabilizers on the physical, mechanical, and durability properties of CEBs. The research shows that Alfa fibers reduce the apparent density of CEBs, improve sound insulation, and enhance vibration dampening. However, they slightly decrease compressive strength. The study concludes that Alfa fibers can produce lightweight, durable, and sustainable blocks, making them a promising material for green construction.
  6. 13. Correction to: Exploring Climate Change: Morocco in Focus

    Kholoud Kahime, Abdelali Boussakouran, Moulay Abdelmonaim El Hidan, Mohamed El Yamani
    This chapter addresses a crucial correction to the original publication of 'Exploring Climate Change: Morocco in Focus'. The primary focus is on rectifying the inadvertent errors in author identification and sequence, which were initially published incorrectly. The update ensures that the correct corresponding author is identified and that the authors are listed in the proper order. This correction is vital for maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the scholarly work, making it a necessary read for those interested in the original publication and the broader topic of climate change effects and sustainability needs in Morocco.
  7. Backmatter

Title
Climate Change Effects and Sustainability Needs
Editors
Kholoud Kahime
Mohamed El Yamani
Stéphane Pouffary
Copyright Year
2024
Electronic ISBN
978-3-031-59603-2
Print ISBN
978-3-031-59602-5
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-59603-2

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