Light pollution is a serious global issue that negatively affects human health, the environment, and wildlife, while also causing unnecessary energy consumption. Using satellite imagery from the S-NPP and NOAA-20 satellites, obtained via the Google Earth Engine platform, we analysed the situation in Slovenia from 2013 to 2022. Image processing involved inverse distance weighting interpolation and the kernel density estimation method. With time series we showed trends and ranges in the six major urban areas and with heat maps their spatial distribution. Special attention was given to the period of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 by comparing the data with those from previous and subsequent years. The results revealed a slight overall increase in light pollution, consistent with global trends.
Recurrent rainfall-induced landslides in Gumitir, East Java, threaten the Jember–Banyuwangi route. This study aims to develop mitigation strategies by analyzing influencing factors and predicting landslide-prone areas using logistic regression and random forest models. A dataset consisting of 96 landslide and 180 non-landslide points was randomly divided into a set for model training (70%) and testing (30%). The random forest model outperformed logistic regression with slope, elevation, flow accumulation, topographic wetness index, normalized difference vegetation index, and aspect identified as the most influential factors. These results support targeted and effective landslide risk mitigation.
Grasslands in the Natura 2000 site Kras are biodiversity hotspots with ecological, cultural and socioeconomic importance. However, the region faces challenges due to grassland loss and encroachment of forests and shrubs. This study examines land-use changes from 2002 to 2024 and the socioeconomic factors influencing these dynamics. Spatial analysis revealed substantial declines in grasslands, predominantly replaced by overgrown areas and forests. Socioeconomic factors such as farm holder age, livestock density and proximity to forests and roads showed complex interactions affecting grassland persistence, loss and gain. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted conservation measures integrating adaptive grazing, sustainable forestry and enhanced policy support to balance grassland conservation with economic viability.
Climate change is altering hydrological processes and water availability, requiring robust long-term analyses based on consistent data and models. In the article, the main components of the hydrological water balance––precipitation, evapotranspiration, and runoff––in Slovenia for the period 1972–2024 are analysed. The analysis is based on results from a verified national-scale mGROWA water balance model. The objective of study is to identify trends that could be relevant for water resources management in a changing climate. A key finding is that evapotranspiration has increased significantly in large parts of the country. However, above-average precipitation in recent years has so far compensated for this increase, preventing a country-wide decline in average runoff. Finally, a hydro-climatological trend indicator is proposed as a future element for monitoring the water balance components in Slovenia.
In Mediterranean regions, wildfires are exacerbated by rising temperatures and drought, stressing the need for rapid post-fire evaluation. This study employs Landsat‐8 imagery to evaluate the effects of forest fires during summer 2021 in Tizi Ouzou region, Algeria. We calculated the Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR) and its difference (dNBR) from pre- and post‐fire images, and analyzed the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Land Surface Temperature (LST) to evaluate vegetation loss and thermal response. Results indicate 24,700 hectares (~6.7%) with high severity, 55,200 ha (14.9%) with moderate–high and 94,500 ha (25.5%) with moderate–low. These findings highlight the value of combining spectral and thermal indices for wildfire assessment, offering guidance for restoration and management.
