“After record heat comes extreme cold to Russian Arctic coast:
“The year is coming to a close with temperatures down to minus 50 °C [-58F] in parts of northern Siberia… as if in a last counter offensive, a wounded Arctic in late December hit back with a freeze harsher than far below normal.”
https://thebarentsobserver.com/en/2020/12/after-record-heat-comes-extreme-cold-russian-arctic-coast
“A desperate search is under way today for 17 fishermen in perilous Arctic waters after their boat became “caked with ice” and “sank under its weight”.
“The vessel sank at 7am local time today off the Novaya Zemlya archipelago in the far north of Russia.”
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/boat-gets-stuck-ice-sinks-23229294
“‘Granddad’s Arctic isn’t coming back’: Northern Alaska is transitioning to a biologically changed landscape…
“The past year was the second warmest in the Arctic region on record, with the second lowest sea ice extent.”
“Boxing Day was another record-breaking day of temperatures in New Brunswick.
“Environment Canada says temperature records were set in more than a dozen communities throughout the province.”
https://www.919thebend.ca/2020/12/27/more-temperature-records-set-on-boxing-day/
“Flash floods, the warmest summer on record and 15 tornadoes spawned in one day: Chicago’s extreme weather during 2020.
““What sticks out to us was that we experienced many extremes,” Brett Borchardt, meteorologist for the National Weather Service’s Chicago office, said after conferring with colleagues.”
“This year’s wildfires have left a lingering hazard [in Oregon]: burn scars and compromised soil. This means potential flooding and landslides throughout the winter.
“For places like the McKenzie River Corridor, which was ravaged by the Holiday Farm Fire this year, the soil has been stripped of its ability to absorb moisture.”
https://www.opb.org/article/2020/12/26/wildfire-scar-flood-landslide-risk/
“Scientists have discovered why thousands of songbirds dropped dead earlier this year in the southwestern US.
“Starvation and an unexpected cold snap linked to the climate crisis were the causes of mass die-offs, according to the US Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico.”
“Residents accustomed to Yucatán’s heat [Mexico] huddled under blankets and some likely resorted to wearing socks and wool caps to keep warm overnight…
“Computer models show that it could get even colder in January and February, he said. The 2020-2021 winter season may be one for the record books…”
https://yucatanexpatlife.com/prepare-for-more-cold-weather-in-yucatan-says-meteorologist/
“‘Miners out, Covid out’: threats to indigenous reserve in Brazil grow:
“Illegal goldminers supported by Bolsonaro bring environmental destruction and coronavirus to Yanomami communities… with no sign of the garimpeiros leaving, indigenous leaders continue to fear for their people.”
“This year’s Atlantic hurricane season set a staggering number of records. There was a record 30 tropical storms and hurricanes, of which 12 hit the US mainland, another record.
“Most shocking were two immensely powerful hurricanes that pulverised much of Central America in November at the tail end of the season when storms are generally fewer and weaker.”
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/sea-temperatures-fuelled-a-violent-hurricane-season-b37pgvl93
“High winds have added to widespread flooding as Storm Bella continued to wreak havoc across much of the UK.
“In many coastal areas, communities were forced to erect flood defences to counter the impact of waves whipped up by gusts that reached 100mph overnight.”
“Nigeria: Travails of Lagos farmers as climate change bites hard:
“Flooded farms and scorched crops are realities of farmers in Lagos… Climate change has led to an increase in the risk of food insecurity for vulnerable groups, with Africa recording between 1-18% decreases in food production, says Agronomy Expert, Tanja Folnovic.”
https://www.salaamgateway.com/story/nigeria-travails-of-lagos-farmers-as-climate-change-bites-hard
“Survivors of Cyclone Idai, which ravaged parts of eastern Zimbabwe and Mozambique in March 2019, killing hundreds of people, are worried that Cyclone Chalane may be equally ferocious.
“Tropical storm Chalane… is now in the Mozambique Channel, according to ReliefWeb, a UN-sponsored information service… it could strengthen before it makes landfall…”
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/zimbabwe-survivors-of-cyclone-idai-worry-over-chalane/2091555
“Flooding destroys crops and roads in Rabigh, Saudi Arabia December 28 2020.”
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHGtnj-ancI&t=4s
“The forest fire that started in the Pathivara area in Taplejung district [Nepal] has entered the Kanchanjunga Conservation Area (KCA). The fire is continuous for more than five days…
“The fire has destroyed a huge forest area, affecting the habitat of red panda, an endangered animal.”
“Taiwan saw its highest average temperature on record in 2020, in line with a global warming trend…
“The average temperature in Taiwan this year was 24.62 degrees Celsius [76.31F]… It surpassed the previous record set in 2019, when Taiwan saw an annual average temperature of 24.55 degrees Celsius [76.19F].”
https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202012290007
“The world continued to pay a very high price for extreme weather in 2020, according to a report from the charity Christian Aid.
“While the world has been struggling to get to grips with the coronavirus pandemic, millions of people have also had to cope with the impacts of extreme weather events.”
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-55416013
“Scientists find 12 new deep sea Atlantic species – but they are already at risk from climate change: Cold-water coral is thought to be particularly under threat, with over half of these habitats at risk from climate change by 2100.”
You can read the previous ‘Climate’ thread here. I’ll be back tomorrow with an ‘Economic’ thread.
Public service announcement: If you’re struggling with the reality of these posts, confidential and free support is available at doomersupport.org.
Thank you for providing good information. I feel like you’re the only honest news source out there the days. Keep up the good work sharing what’s happening in the world.
Nick, thank you for the kind words and a very Happy New Year to you! JP