Online Poster Session: Online Only Room 1
Unveiling the Effects of Heat Waves on Perinatal Outcomes: An Analysis of the Metropolitan Region and Concepción (2015-2022)
Poster Session Macarena Martínez órdenes
Heat waves are one of the extreme phenomena of climate change associated with significant impacts on human health. Although their effect on children and the elderly has been studied, little attention has been paid to their impact on pregnant women. This research analyzes the effects of heat waves and urban heat islands on maternal and perinatal outcomes in the Metropolitan regions and Greater Concepción. A retrospective cohort of pregnant women from the northern area of the Metropolitan region and Greater Concepción are studied. Historical databases of climate variables from the Chilean Meteorological Directorate (DMC) for temperature, humidity, and wind speed are used. Three exposures considered are: (1) exceeding the maximum temperature threshold, (2) occurrence of heat waves, and (3) belonging to an urban heat island. The perinatal outcomes evaluated are stillbirth, abruptio placentae, and non-preeclamptic hypertensive gestational syndrome; this information is obtained from clinical records and delivery sheets of hospitals. Time series models, ground temperature models, and projections of the outcomes under different contextual thresholds are used. The findings of this study provide important information to understand the effects of climate change on maternal health. They will help inform policies and actions to protect pregnant women from the negative impacts of heat waves.
Exploring Water Hyacinth Pyrolysis for South Africa's Decarbonisation and Just Energy Transition
Poster Session Obianuju Patience Ilo, Mulala Danny Simatele
South Africa, heavily reliant on coal, aims to reduce carbon emissions by transitioning to cleaner energy sources. One promising avenue is using pyrolysis on water hyacinth, an invasive species that threatens sustainability, to create a low-carbon economy. Traditional control methods for water hyacinths are costly and ineffective, prompting the search for alternative solutions. This study uses Response Surface Methodology to optimise pyrolysis parameters, precisely temperature and particle size, to enhance the yield of liquid fractions from water hyacinths. Experiments were carried out at temperatures ranging from 273.22 to 676.78 °C and particle sizes from 380 to 2620 µm, with a heating rate of 30 °C/min and a nitrogen flow rate of 25 l/min. Findings indicate that higher temperatures and larger particle sizes increase liquid yields while decreasing char production. The pyro-oil yield peaked at 48.45 wt.% at 575 °C, compared to 24.36 wt.% at 273.22 °C, before slightly declining at higher temperatures. Conversely, char production dropped from 58.21 wt.% at the lowest temperature to 33.84 wt.% at the highest tested temperature. The study suggests that valorising water hyacinths through optimised pyrolysis can yield significant socio-economic and environmental benefits. This approach, supported by sound policies and strategies, could facilitate the transition towards commercialising bio-oil production, contributing to sustainable energy solutions for South Africa.
Digital Tools and Climate Change Education: Exploring the Role of Digital Games
Poster Session Adib Jawad
This study explores the potential of digital technologies, particularly games, to enhance Climate Change Education (CCE) by engaging learners in innovative and interactive ways. Through a multimodal discourse analysis of digital games, the research examines how game elements—such as narratives, visual design, and interactivity—can effectively communicate climate change concepts, foster environmental empathy, and promote problem-solving skills. The study also addresses the inclusion and accessibility of these games, focusing on gender dynamics and technological accessibility to ensure they can reach diverse audiences. Additionally, it considers the practical challenges of implementing game-based learning in educational settings. By providing insights into the role of digital games in CCE, this study informs educators, policymakers, and game developers on how to better engage students and promote climate literacy, offering a forward-thinking approach to addressing the global climate crisis through education.
