“Melting Antarctic ice predicted to cause rapid slowdown of deep ocean current by 2050…
“The research suggests if greenhouse gas emissions continue at today’s levels, the current in the deepest parts of the ocean could slow down by 40% in only three decades.”
“Thawing permafrost poses environmental threat to thousands of sites with legacy industrial contamination…
“Here we identify about 4500 industrial sites where potentially hazardous substances are actively handled or stored in the permafrost-dominated regions of the Arctic. Furthermore, we estimate that between 13,000 and 20,000 contaminated sites are related to these industrial sites.”
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-37276-4
“Ocean temperatures soared to new ‘pretty alarming’ highs off Nova Scotia in 2022.
“Ocean temperatures off Nova Scotia hit record highs last summer, eclipsing the record-breaking temperatures set in the Atlantic a decade earlier. “It’s pretty alarming,” said Fisheries and Oceans Canada research scientist Chantelle Layton.”
“New York City on pace for least-snowy season since recordkeeping began in 1869.
“According to the National Weather Service, only 2.3 inches of snow has fallen in New York City this season as of Tuesday. The record for the least amount of snow stands at 2.8 inches from 1972-73.”
https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/new-york-city-least-snowy-season-ever
“Average ice cover on the Great Lakes this year ties for third-lowest on record.
“Average ice cover on the Great Lakes dropped to one of the lowest levels on record this winter as the region has witnessed warmer than normal temperatures. Less ice sets the stage for the lakes to warm up sooner earlier in the year, and researchers say that could affect water quality and the food web.”
“‘Super weird’ spring keeps pothole patchers busy [Michigan]…
“Drastic swings in temperatures send meltwater into cracks in the street, which freeze when it cools down again and breaks pavement loose, he said. The worst ones are on the city’s busy thoroughfares, where heavy traffic shortens the lifespan of any patch the street crews apply.”
https://news.yahoo.com/super-weird-spring-keeps-pothole-123500251.html
“A dangerous spring for severe weather gains momentum…
“In its Day 4 outlook issued Tuesday, March 28, the NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center (SPC) is flagging much of the Plains and Midwest for a potential outbreak of severe weather on Thursday and Friday.”
https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2023/03/a-dangerous-spring-for-severe-weather-gains-momentum/
“California faces a second day of heavy rain and snow, adding to record snow levels and flooding concerns.
“The multiday storm comes as the state has already been slammed by at least 12 atmospheric rivers that have delivered a barrage of rain and snow in recent months. Waterlogged California will continue to see rain through the day Wednesday and Thursday…”
https://edition.cnn.com/2023/03/29/weather/california-storm-forecast-wednesday/index.html
“‘The worst drought ever’ [Negril, Jamaica]…
“”This is the worst drought situation that I have ever seen. The drought is so much on us that the grass is brown instead of green,” stated Samuels. He said schools and health centres are of concern and the corporation is prepared to assist, should assistance be requested.”
https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/the-worst-drought-ever/
“In Brazil’s northern states, 6 people died in floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains.
“…a state of emergency (OHAL) was declared in some cities due to the downpours that have been effective since last week. Authorities reported that 6 people have lost their lives in floods and landslides, and more than 50 thousand people have been negatively affected by the situation.”
“Argentina becoming net importer of soybean to feed its grain processing industry.
“Argentina’s soybean imports are expected to more than double this season due to the devastating impacts of the historic drought on the country’s 2022/23 harvest, the country’s Rosario grains exchange said in a report.”
“Argentina seems a factory of heat waves and this is the last of the season. Temperatures in the North are at record levels for end of March, >38C [100.4F] at Reconquista /Santa Fe Province.
“13 stations above 35C. The heat will end in the next 2 days but will persist in Central Chile.”
https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1641191930338869252
“UK government ‘strikingly unprepared’ for global warming.
“The UK government is “strikingly unprepared” for the effects of global warming leaving vital sectors, including agriculture, vulnerable even if emissions are cut, its independent climate advisers have warned.”
https://www.ft.com/content/fff530b6-1ab2-41fa-b981-4fe851eb5dc8
“France sees growing divide over irrigation reservoirs.
“This weekend’s clashes between police and protesters in the small French town of Sainte-Soline reflect growing anger over water reservoirs that are meant to help farmers to irrigate their crops in times of drought. But farmers who do not use reservoirs and environmentalists say the reservoirs will simply worsen water shortages.”
“Historic hot day in France with 9 stations above 30C [86F] and 28 above 29C! and dozens of records smashed.
“As forecast long time ago by your author,the hottest was indeed Navarrenx with 30.8C.”
https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1641085138376306689
“Madrid’s Urban Forest Isn’t Taking Root.
“Extreme weather and tree die-offs have hampered the Spanish capital’s plan to establish a 75-kilometer woodland, turning a “tree cemetery” into a political flashpoint… For the past three years, the Castilian plain on which Madrid sits has experienced summer heat waves and reduced rainfall in autumn and winter…”
“More than 60 forest fires ravage Asturias as Spain´s Military Emergency Unit joins over 500 others working on ground.
“…many of the fires are small in size and in areas of scrubland, but others pose a much greater risk and resulted in people having to flee their houses. The condition has been made much worse due to the bad weather conditions, which has resulted in strong gusts of winds and high temperatures of up to 29 degrees Celsius [84F].”
“Exceptional heat in SW Europe: 6 stations in Portugal yesterday rose above 30C [86F], many of which beat their monthly records for March.
“31.5C [89F] at Santarem is the 2nd hottest day ever recorded in March in Portugal just 0.1C behind the 31.6C of Amaraleja of 31 March 2005. List from IPMA.”
https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1641039922751500289
“Canary Islands see record high temperature for March at 37.7ºC [99.9F].
“On Wednesday, March 29th, the weather station in La Aldea de San Nicolas in Gran Canaria registered a temperature of 37,7ºC, setting a new record for the highest temperatures registered in the Canary Islands archipelago in the month of March.”
https://www.guidetocanaryislands.com/canary-islands-see-record-high-temperature-march-37-7-c/
“As announced yesterday, today Morocco really exaggerated 39.8C [103.6F] at Agadir Airport under harsh hot wind of chargui. It’s the highest temperature ever recorded in March at Agadir.
“Blazing hot also at Taroudant, Tiznit, Guelmin, Marrakech, Zag… all above 36C.”
https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1641142778078822400
“Tunisia cuts off water supply at night amid severe drought…
“Cutting off water without prior announcement, in areas of the capital Tunis, Hammamet, Sousse, Monastir and Sfax, threatens to fuel social tension in a country whose people suffer from poor public services, high inflation and a weak economy.”
“Severe drought in Namibia a cause for concern.
“A major part of Namibia is experiencing an acute drought, with the situation particularly serious south of the capital, Windhoek, with little or no rain received during the 2022/23 rainy season. According to Thinus Pretorius, chairperson of Namibia’s Livestock Producers’ Organisation, some parts south of Keetmanshoop had not received any rain.”
https://www.farmersweekly.co.za/agri-news/africa/severe-drought-in-namibia-a-cause-for-concern/
“Somalis displaced by long-term drought struggle to celebrate Ramadan.
“As the sun sets, families gather together to break their fast with generous dinners and special treats. But faced with the country’s longest drought, many people are struggling to make ends meet. Five consecutive failed rainy seasons has withered local crops and millions of livestock that are central to people’s diets have died.”
“Kenya: At Least 7 People Killed in Gilgil Flash Floods After Heavy Rainfall
“At least seven people were killed in flash floods at Oljorai area, Gilgil following heavy rains Monday night. According to Gilgil Sub-County Police Commander, Francis Tumbo, scores others have been injured in the incident.”
https://allafrica.com/stories/202303280359.html
“Storm kills 4 people, injures several in war-torn Syria…
“The heavy winds forced Syrian authorities to close all ports on the Mediterranean Sea while in the war-torn country’s rebel-held northwest, dozens of tents collapsed in settlements housing people displaced by Syria’s 12-year conflict.”
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/storm-kills-4-people-injures-war-torn-syria-98212471
“Massive water shortages likely months after unprecedented floods [Pakistan]…
“In the coming Kharif season, beginning on April 1, the country is heading towards a ‘massive water shortage’, somewhere between 27 per cent and 35 per cent, only months after unprecedented floods submerged large swathes of lands across Sindh and southern Punjab, Irsa sources told Dawn.”
https://www.dawn.com/news/1744764/massive-water-shortage-likely-months-after-unprecedented-floods
“Thai authorities on Thursday ordered urgent action to stop the spread of a fire that overnight engulfed forests on two mountains in a province northeast of the capital Bangkok.
“Firefighting vehicles had been deployed to extinguish the blaze, which broke out Wednesday night in Nakhon Nayok province, 114 kilometers (70 miles) northeast of Bangkok…”
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/ap-thai-bangkok-chiang-mai-b2310655.html
“As hydropower dams quell the Mekong’s life force, what are the costs?
“… over the past few decades, the construction of hydropower dams has undermined the river’s capacity to support life: more than 160 dams operate throughout the Mekong Basin, including 13 on the river’s mainstream, with hundreds more either planned or under construction.”
“China’s industrial recovery and warm weather drive Q1 smog surge – ministry.
“…unfavourable weather contributed to the smog, with temperatures hitting record highs for the time of year in some parts of the north, making it harder for pollution to disperse. The lack of cold air contributed to smoggy weather in the north in early March…”
“Urandangi residents consider future as outback Queensland town ‘wiped off map’ by floods.
“Founded in 1885 as a hub for the Northern Territory and Queensland droving industries, the country town remains an important centre, servicing outlying cattle stations, tourists and the dozen locals who love the simple outback life. But it could be the last time residents tread its streets after record floods destroyed everything.”
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-30/floods-wipe-urandangi-queensland-off-the-map/102154618
You can read the previous “Climate” thread here. I’ll be back tomorrow with a “Economic” thread.
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Hello Panopticon
Thanks for your overview. I found the longreads on the Mekong and permafrost regions very interesting and informative. One of my favourite books is ‘The world without us’ by Alan Weisman a kind of dystopia that will surely become a reality in all those exploited by us that we have to ‘ give up’ and leave without maintenance in a.o. the arctic regions with all its consequences.
I experienced your first post on sea currents as a ‘ cry wolf’. In the 8àer years it was really a ‘hot’ 🙂 topic. A turnaround that could suddenly! take place was the alarmist story where Europe would get the climate of New Foundland and the tropics would melt away. We’ll see…. In any case, there’s not much you can do about it.
In France, meanwhile, there is talk of a ‘ water war’. Macron today announced a water austerity plan with numerous measures and progressive pricing. Everything was discussed, including measuring the water temperature rise of the rivers where nuclear power plants are located, but above all agriculture is the big water guzzler. This needs to be restructured.
And then there are the paradoxes: on the one hand, the plan provides for natural storage and retention of groundwater levels, while on the other hand, it promotes the ‘mega-basins’, which mainly benefit the really big ‘agro-industrial establishments’ that pump up groundwater.
It is yet another example of a contradictory environmental policy in which economic growth, overproduction and depletion of natural resources is always honoured after all….as you can read in the Mekong exploitation…. this is how wine people do it and this is how we will continue to do it.
We will see… ‘The world without us’… Even biomass is through in the EU as a CO2 neutral source to produce electricity 🙂
There are in the meantime hundreds of thousands of French people who have signed a petition to ban the Brav.M the ‘ legitimised’ state motorcycle gangs with their extreme violence.
https://www.lefigaro.fr/actualite-france/petition-contre-la-brav-m-un-depute-renaissance-nomme-rapporteur-a-l-assemblee-nationale-20230330
Zip, thank you as ever for your thoughts. As a resident of the Hebrides, I have taken a keen interest in the slowing down of the AMOC over the years. A shutdown of that would be bad enough, with a permanent La Nina and us Northern Europeans getting the climate our latitude deserves. The mind boggles at the notion of all deep ocean currents stagnating.
Hopefully, you are correct and the paper overstates the threat, although IME narrowly-focused climate academics tend to constantly be surprised by processes taking place faster than expected. We used to have a drinking game based on it in a Facebook group I belonged to. 😆
The World Without Us is a fantastic book. Unfortunately, I don’t think there will be much left after we’re gone. Taking it all down with us. Homo stupidus.