Decision making for net zero policy design and climate action:Considerations for improving translation at the research-policy interface: A UK Carbon Dioxide Removal Case Study

The impacts of climate change on society and the natural environment are being experienced now, with extreme weather events increasing in frequency and severity across the globe. To keep the Paris Agreement's ambition of limiting warming to 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels there is now also a need to establish and scale a new sector to remove CO2 at Giga-tonne scale for over a century. Despite this mounting evidence and warnings, current climate policy in the UK and globally falls far short of achieving the required reductions in CO2 emissions or establishment of a new removal sector needed to stave off the risks posed by climate change. Some of the science on climate risk is abundant and well evidenced, but the policy response is lacking in effectiveness. Other evidence to design policy, such as Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR), is fraught with deep uncertainty. Why are the plethora of scientific evidence, assessments and decision support tools available to decision and policymakers not always translating into effective climate-net zero policy action? How can emergent evidence be brought in introduced to shape new sectors such as CDR? What are the capacity gaps? Through a combination of literature review, interviews and UK policy workshops over 17 months these are some of the questions that this contribution sought insight. We set out three recommendations for policymakers and other stakeholders, including academic researchers and third sector organisations, to address the identified gaps associated with translating climate risk and net zero decision support into effective climate policy: Enhance collaboration between decision-makers, policymakers, analysts, researchers, and other stakeholders to co-develop and co-design operational climate risk assessments and policies, relevant to context. Identify the research and capacity gaps around climate risk decision-making under uncertainty, and work with stakeholders across the decision value chain to ensure those gaps are addressed. Co-create effective translation mechanisms to embed decision-support tools into policy better, employing a participatory approach to ensure inclusion of diverse values and viewpoints. It is fundamental that there is improvement in our understanding about how we can make good decisions and operationalise them, rather than simply focus on further research on the climate risk and net zero problem

Decision making for net zero policy design and climate action:Considerations for improving translation at the research-policy interface: A UK Carbon Dioxide Removal Case Study

The impacts of climate change on society and the natural environment are being experienced now, with extreme weather events increasing in frequency and severity across the globe. To keep the Paris Agreement's ambition of limiting warming to 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels there is now also a need to establish and scale a new sector to remove CO2 at Giga-tonne scale for over a century. Despite this mounting evidence and warnings, current climate policy in the UK and globally falls far short of achieving the required reductions in CO2 emissions or establishment of a new removal sector needed to stave off the risks posed by climate change. Some of the science on climate risk is abundant and well evidenced, but the policy response is lacking in effectiveness. Other evidence to design policy, such as Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR), is fraught with deep uncertainty. Why are the plethora of scientific evidence, assessments and decision support tools available to decision and policymakers not always translating into effective climate-net zero policy action? How can emergent evidence be brought in introduced to shape new sectors such as CDR? What are the capacity gaps? Through a combination of literature review, interviews and UK policy workshops over 17 months these are some of the questions that this contribution sought insight. We set out three recommendations for policymakers and other stakeholders, including academic researchers and third sector organisations, to address the identified gaps associated with translating climate risk and net zero decision support into effective climate policy: Enhance collaboration between decision-makers, policymakers, analysts, researchers, and other stakeholders to co-develop and co-design operational climate risk assessments and policies, relevant to context. Identify the research and capacity gaps around climate risk decision-making under uncertainty, and work with stakeholders across the decision value chain to ensure those gaps are addressed. Co-create effective translation mechanisms to embed decision-support tools into policy better, employing a participatory approach to ensure inclusion of diverse values and viewpoints. It is fundamental that there is improvement in our understanding about how we can make good decisions and operationalise them, rather than simply focus on further research on the climate risk and net zero problem

THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN STATIC FOOT POSTURE AND PEAK PATELLAR TENDON FORCE DURING SINGLE-LEG LANDINGS: PRELIMINARY FINDINGS

Patellar tendinopathy is particularly prevalent in jumping-sport athletes and develops due to chronic overloading without appropriate load modification. Pronated and supinated foot postures have been suggested to be associated with the development of the injury. This study aimed to investigate the association between static foot posture, measured using the Foot Posture Index (FPI), and peak patellar tendon force during single-leg drop landings. Kinetic and kinematic data were collected during a single-leg landing task and used to estimate peak patellar tendon force. There was no statistically significant association between FPI and peak patellar tendon force during landing (p = 0.910). Further research investigating how foot posture may affect lower limb loading during landing is required to inform pre-screening and rehabilitation protocols for jumping sport athletes

Immunomodulatory effects of fucoidan in recreationally active adult males undertaking 3-weeks of intensified training

The aim of the current study was to determine whether daily fucoidan supplementation ( Undaria pinnatifida extract containing &gt;85% fucoidan, 1 g/day) for three-weeks in a double blind-placebo controlled cross-over trial (ACTRN12621000872831) could modulate alterations in faecal (calprotectin, lysozyme and IgA) and salivary (lactoferrin, lysozyme and IgA) markers of mucosal immune competence typically observed in response to both acute physical activity, and a period of intensified exercise training, in healthy recreationally active men ( n  = 12). Participants responded positively to the intensified training with 16-19% improvement in mean power that was not different between supplement groups. Faecal biomarkers and concentrations of lactoferrin, lysozyme and IgA from resting saliva samples were largely stable over the supplementation period. Concentrations of salivary biomarkers varied significantly over time in response to acute exercise, however differences between supplementation groups were modest. For salivary lysozyme, there was a trend for a lower magnitude of increase post-exercise ( p  = 0.08) and limited return towards pre-exercise in response to fucoidan. For salivary IgA, a greater acute exercise response was noted for IgA in response to fucoidan (~2.7-fold higher; p  = 0.02). Different dosage and supplementation protocols and inclusion of additional immune markers should be considered in subsequent assessments of any potential benefits of fucoidan supplementation in healthy active adults. </p

Genomic analyses suggest strong population connectivity over large spatial scales of the commercially important baitworm, Australonuphis teres (Onuphidae)

Barriers to dispersal can disrupt gene flow between populations, resulting in genetically distinct populations. Although many marine animals have potential for long-distance dispersal via a planktonic stage, gene flow among populations separated by large geographic distances is not always evident. Polychaetes are ecologically important and have been used as biological surrogates for marine biodiversity. Some polychaete species are used as bait for recreational fisheries, with this demand supporting commercial fisheries for polychaetes to service the retail bait market. However, despite their ecological and economic importance, very little is known about the life history or population dynamics of polychaetes, and few studies have used genetic or genomic approaches to understand polychaete population connectivity. Here, we investigate the population structure of one commonly collected beachworm species used for bait on the eastern coast of Australia, namely, Australonuphis teres, by using genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism data. We sampled A. teres from hierarchical nested spatial scales along 900 km of the coast in New South Wales. We identified six genetic groups, but there was no clear geographic pattern of distribution. Our results suggest that there is considerable gene flow among the sampled populations. These high-resolution genomic data support the findings of previous studies, and we infer that oceanographic processes promote genetic exchange among polychaete populations in south-eastern Australia.This work was funded by the New South Wales Recreational Fishing Saltwater Trust, Project DPIS011 (to RCC). C. I. Fraser was supported by a Rutherford Discovery Fellowship from the Royal Society of New Zealand (UOO1803)

Global Connectivity of Southern Ocean Ecosystems

Southern Ocean ecosystems are globally important. Processes in the Antarctic atmosphere, cryosphere, and the Southern Ocean directly influence global atmospheric and oceanic systems. Southern Ocean biogeochemistry has also been shown to have global importance. In contrast, ocean ecological processes are often seen as largely separate from the rest of the global system. In this paper, we consider the degree of ecological connectivity at different trophic levels, linking Southern Ocean ecosystems with the global ocean, and their importance not only for the regional ecosystem but also the wider Earth system. We also consider the human system connections, including the role of Southern Ocean ecosystems in supporting society, culture, and economy in many nations, influencing public and political views and hence policy. Rather than Southern Ocean ecosystems being defined by barriers at particular oceanic fronts, ecological changes are gradual due to cross-front exchanges involving oceanographic processes and organism movement. Millions of seabirds and hundreds of thousands of cetaceans move north out of polar waters in the austral autumn interacting in food webs across the Southern Hemisphere, and a few species cross the equator. A number of species migrate into the east and west ocean-basin boundary current and continental shelf regions of the major southern continents. Human travel in and out of the Southern Ocean region includes fisheries, tourism, and scientific vessels in all ocean sectors. These operations arise from many nations, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere, and are important in local communities as well as national economic, scientific, and political activities. As a result of the extensive connectivity, future changes in Southern Ocean ecosystems will have consequences throughout the Earth system, affecting ecosystem services with socio-economic impacts throughout the world. The high level of connectivity also means that changes and policy decisions in marine ecosystems outside the Southern Ocean have consequences for ecosystems south of the Antarctic Polar Front. Knowledge of Southern Ocean ecosystems and their global connectivity is critical for interpreting current change, projecting future change impacts, and identifying integrated strategies for conserving and managing both the Southern Ocean and the broader Earth system

The Anglo-Saxon migration and the formation of the early English gene pool

The history of the British Isles and Ireland is characterized by multiple periods of major cultural change, including the influential transformation after the end of Roman rule, which precipitated shifts in language, settlement patterns and material culture1. The extent to which migration from continental Europe mediated these transitions is a matter of long-standing debate2,3,4. Here we study genome-wide ancient DNA from 460 medieval northwestern Europeans—including 278 individuals from England—alongside archaeological data, to infer contemporary population dynamics. We identify a substantial increase of continental northern European ancestry in early medieval England, which is closely related to the early medieval and present-day inhabitants of Germany and Denmark, implying large-scale substantial migration across the North Sea into Britain during the Early Middle Ages. As a result, the individuals who we analysed from eastern England derived up to 76% of their ancestry from the continental North Sea zone, albeit with substantial regional variation and heterogeneity within sites. We show that women with immigrant ancestry were more often furnished with grave goods than women with local ancestry, whereas men with weapons were as likely not to be of immigrant ancestry. A comparison with present-day Britain indicates that subsequent demographic events reduced the fraction of continental northern European ancestry while introducing further ancestry components into the English gene pool, including substantial southwestern European ancestry most closely related to that seen in Iron Age France5,6

Can a phone call make a difference? Breastfeeding self-efficacy and nurse responses to mother's calls for help

Telephone support is a format that presents an opportunity to sustain breastfeeding at a time when mothers identify themselves as at risk of cessation. The interactive mechanisms by which support is provided have not, however, been well investigated. We aimed to identify characteristics of calls that support breastfeeding self-efficacy. Thematic analysis of 149 calls from mothers seeking help for breastfeeding made to a 24-hour parenting helpline over a four week period, in Brisbane, Australia. Call-takers were 12 qualified and experienced maternal and child health nurses. Calls classified according to changes in breastfeeding self-efficacy across the call were thematically analysed to identify distinguishing interactional characteristics. Key interactional characteristics that served to build self-efficacy were privileging the mother, teamwork and credible affirmation while those that failed to build self-efficacy were laissez-faire affirmation and pragmatic problem-solving responses. Nurse responses that undermined caller self-efficacy conceptualized breastfeeding as a problem. Telephone helplines have potential to enhance mothers' confidence and sustain breastfeeding when there is a call for help, this study highlights that the style of interaction is critical. The findings identify the need for specific training to increase awareness of interactional styles and delivery of advice through telehealth formats

Did interaction between human pressure and Little Ice Age drive biological turnover in New Zealand?

Aim To test for simultaneous Holocene biogeographic turnover events in the New Zealand region. Specifically, we synthesize ancient DNA, radiocarbon data and archaeological data to assess the chronologies of late Holocene lineage extinction and replacement. Location Cool-temperate coastal ecosystems of New Zealand and the subantarctic. Methods We present new ancient DNA and radiocarbon data for New Zealand sea lions, and synthesize existing climatic, genetic and archaeological data, to test for synchronous megafaunal extinction and replacement events. The collated data include ancient DNA sequences from over 200 ancient sea lion and penguin specimens, in addition to 150 modern genetic samples. Results Our temporal genetic analyses show that, following human-driven extinction events, synchronous marine megafaunal replacement events occurred at around 1500 AD, coinciding with the Little Ice Age onset and an associated drastic human demographic decline in southern New Zealand. Conclusions A combination of climatic and human demographic shifts likely facilitated northward expansion of subantarctic sea lion and penguin lineages, replacing extirpated mainland New Zealand marine megafauna. Broadly, the interaction between human pressure and late Holocene climatic change may explain multiple biological turnover events in the Southern Hemisphere.Funding was provided by the Royal Society of New Zealand Marsden Fund (UOO1112), the University of Otago and the Allan Wilson Centre

Rafting dispersal constrained by an oceanographic boundary

The role of oceanographic processes in mediating passive marine dispersal events is poorly understood. We conducted transect surveys across the subtropical front (STF), a major oceanographic boundary, to test the hypothesis that this physical feature constrains the rafting of detached macroalgae. Specifically, we used genetic analysis to assess the geographic origins of floating bull-kelp Durvillaea antarctica specimens in southern New Zealand. Nearly half of the floating specimens sampled immediately beyond the STF (30 to 60 km offshore) were shown to have distant subantarctic origins, despite their proximity to the New Zealand mainland at the time of sampling. These results suggest that the biogeographic composition of rafting communities is often predictable based on oceanographic features, but also imply that strong wind events have the potential to modify such patterns