Daily updates on climate change and the global economy.

Daily updates on climate change and the global economy.
Stay current with what’s happening around the world with a quick scan of top news.

Daily updates on climate change and the global economy.
Stay current with what’s happening around the world with a quick scan of top news.

Daily updates on climate change and the global economy.
Stay current with what’s happening around the world with a quick scan of top news.

Daily updates on climate change and the global economy.
Stay current with what’s happening around the world with a quick scan of top news.

“HISTORIC Extreme day >50C – Morocco for the first time reliably surpasses 50C [122F]…

“50.2 at Agadir Airport; All time records also: 48.7 Essaouira AP; 48.3 Tiznit; 48.2 Tan Tan; IRAQ: 52.5 Kannaqin monthly record; 50.6 Kirkuk all time high; 49.0 Mossul monthly record.”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1690072214719037442


“Morocco: sandstorm turns Marrakesh streets orange.

“The streets of Marrakesh were bathed in an eerie orange light on Thursday as a sandstorm hit the city, blotting out the sky. Local media reported that one man was killed by a fallen tree during the storm in the Moroccan city’s Medina quarter.”

https://tvpworld.com/71959564/morocco-sandstorm-turns-marrakesh-streets-orange


“Brutal conditions in the Canary Islands: At midnight local time at La Aldea de San Nicolas, Gran Canaria,the temperature was 41.9C [107.4F]!

“Not much better in La Gomera: 39.2C at Vallehermoso; During episodes of “calima”,the Canary Islands can have among the hottest nights in the world.”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1690162546982965248


“A Spanish lagoon has dried up completely for the second year in a row as the holiday hotspot swelters through its third heatwave this year…

“The largest permanent lagoon in southern Spain’s Donana national park has completely dried out for the second summer in a row due to a prolonged drought and the overexploitation of aquifers, the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) said on Thursday.”

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/spain-third-heatwave-summer-temperatures-b1099717.html


“Spain’s eastern city of Valencia set a new temperature record on Thursday as the country baked under its third heatwave of the summer.

““The mercury soared to 46.8C [116.2F] at Valencia airport, shattering the previous record of 43.4C set on July 6th, 1986, state weather agency Aemet said on social media.”

https://www.thelocal.es/20230811/valencia-shatters-heat-record


“Spain’s largest glacier in terminal phase: Study…

“Spain’s largest glacier, Aneto, is in a terminal state, according to a recent study by biologists and geographers. The black mucus appearing on the ice surface trap heat, accelerate the melting of the ice, according to the scientists cited by the Spanish daily El Pais on Wednesday.”

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/spains-largest-glacier-in-terminal-phase-study/2965322


“Historic heat also for Andorra:

“Tropical nights (Tmins >20C were recorded even above 1600m asl) and the station of La Comella (1225m) with a Tmin of 21.4C [70.5F] had the highest Tmin ever recorded in the history of Andorra.”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1689686036912451585


“Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration (İSKİ) General Manager Şafak Başa on Aug. 11 called on Istanbulites to save water.

“Speaking at the Groundbreaking Ceremony for Wastewater, Rainwater and Stream Rehabilitation Investments in Istanbul’s Şile district, Başa said they are experiencing a “catastrophic drought,” ANKA News Agency reported.”

https://www.duvarenglish.com/istanbuls-water-authority-head-calls-for-water-saving-amid-catastrophic-drought-news-62884


“Breaking news.

“Cizre in Turkey rose to 48.6C [119.5F] breaking again the national record of highest temperature in August and just 0.5C from Turkish all time high. Iraq, Georgia and Armenia are also sizzling with extreme heat.”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1689621310186328064


“New research published on Wednesday in Nature suggests that the Horn of Africa is likely to become even drier, not wetter in the future as predicted by most climate models.

“An international team of researchers have found a pre-historic climate tipping point that helps explain the disparity between these model predictions and the intensifying drought conditions in the Horn of Africa.”

https://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2023/08/10/horn-of-africa-reached-a-drought-tipping-point-11700-years-ago/


“Heatwave takes toll on Yemen’s precious indigenous Arabian horses.

“In Sanaa, the plateau that once provided a refuge from the heat now poses risks for animals. The high altitude and lack of shade make it difficult for animals to cool down in the unbearable summer heat this year, and the dry air can exacerbate respiratory problems.”

https://english.news.cn/20230811/6ded1bedef2f4870b168bdd2f19de3cc/c.html


“Another record in Agalega Island: With 32.0C [89.6F] it beat again the Mauritius national record of highest temperature of August. That’s after beating those of May, June and July multiple times each one.”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1689894417170362368


“Endless record heat in Sri Lanka with a new August record pulverized at Ratnapura today with 37.2C [99F].

“Record heat is also in the Philippines (Tmins >29C),Vietnam and Thailand. In just 10 days of August about 1/3 of world countries broke heat records, while only Italy had low records.”

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1689978807992639489


“Five dead, 40,000 evacuated as monsoon floods hit Myanmar…

“Myanmar is hit by heavy rains every year around this time, but extreme weather events have struck around the globe in recent weeks, events scientists say are made worse by climate change. In Bago, northeast of Yangon, some residents evacuated early while others were caught off guard by the rapidly rising water.”

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230811-five-dead-40-000-evacuated-as-monsoon-floods-hit-myanmar


“The residents in Yamunanagar and Ambala [Haryana state] woke up to waterlogging in residential premises with many getting a reminder of the floods that wreaked havoc last month…

“As per the office of Yamunanagar deputy commissioner, Jagadhari tehsil received record-breaking 215 mm [8.5 inches] rain in 24 hours till 8am…”

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/heavy-rain-brings-relief-from-heat-in-haryana-residents-face-waterlogging-and-flood-reminders-101691781361916.html


“No respite from deadly rains and landslides in Uttarakhand [Northern India], 9 more killed in the state.

“Two siblings were killed and a third got injured when the hut they were sleeping in was hit by a landslide in the early hours of Wednesday amid incessant rains in Gaurikund, the base camp of Kedarnath.”

https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/aug/10/no-respite-from-deadly-rains-and-landslides-in-uttarakhand-9-more-killed-in-the-state-2603925.html


“A flash flood in northwest China on Thursday night killed five villagers who were in the hills rounding up their sheep…

“A group of seven villagers in a rugged part of Gansu province were trying to herd more than 80 sheep when a sudden storm forced them to take shelter in their cars which were parked by a river, local officials told state media.”

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/flash-flood-china-kills-five-villagers-who-were-herding-sheep-2023-08-11/


“China floods hit rice, corn crops; trigger food inflation worries.

“Floods have damaged corn and rice crops in China’s key northern grain-producing belt, traders and analysts said, with more rain in the forecast as another typhoon approaches, threatening to add to global food inflation pressures.”

https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-floods-hit-rice-corn-crops-trigger-food-inflation-worries-2023-08-11/


“China Faces Early Attack From Crop Pests After Extreme Weather.

“China’s farmers are facing an earlier than expected assault on their crops this year as extreme weather accelerates the spread and growth of destructive diseases and pests such as the dreaded fall armyworm.”

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/china-faces-early-attack-crop-000000869.html


“North Koreans ordered to protect Kim dynasty portraits as Tropical Storm Khanun batters east Asia.

“After battering Japan and South Korea, Tropical Storm Khanun is heading towards North Korea, where citizens have been told they must prioritise safeguarding propaganda portraits of their leaders, according to the country’s official newspaper.”

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-11/tropical-storm-khanun-batters-east-asia-china-korea-japan/102716972


“How Japan tries to beat the heat.

“The heat has been brutal in Japan this summer. Weeks of stifling heat and humidity have led to a record high for June of 40.2C [104.4F] at Isesaki, followed in July by 41.1C at Kumagaya, the highest ever recorded temperature in Japan. It was also the nation’s overall hottest July on record, and which followed the warmest spring on record.”

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/how-japan-tries-to-beat-the-heat-pqrv5xb8w


“**JAPAN RECORD**

“On Thursday, the temperature in Itoigawa of Niigata Prefecture did not drop below 31.4°C/88.5F, making it the highest daily minimum ever recorded in all of Japan. Eight other places recorded among the top 20 highest lows on the same day.”

https://twitter.com/sayakasofiamori/status/1689756074482753536


“Unrelenting Hurricane Dora set to make history by becoming a typhoon [it did]…

“…when it crosses the international date line late Friday, it will become Typhoon Dora and only the second tropical system on record to remain at hurricane strength across the eastern, central and western Pacific basins. Hurricane John, the longest-lasting tropical cyclone on record, previously accomplished the same feat in 1994.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2023/08/11/hurricane-dora-typhoon-hawaii-record/


“As the death toll from the devastating wildfires on the island of Maui, Hawaii climbs to 67, officials believe it could be the deadliest disaster in the state’s history.

“On Friday morning, Hawaii Governor Josh Green said search and recovery efforts were underway for the approximately 1,000 people still unaccounted for.”

https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/news/maui-fires-hawaii-wildfires-cause-b2391721.html


“Hawaii’s endangered plant species face a long road to recovery after wildfires…

“Though Hawaii makes up less than 1% of U.S. land, it contains 44% of the country’s endangered and threatened plant life. While some native plants can gradually recover from wildfires of this scale, others will likely be scorched beyond regrowth, experts said.”

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/hawaiis-endangered-plant-species-face-long-road-recovery-wildfires-rcna99367


“Uruguay Wasn’t Supposed to Run Out of Water… A devastating drought has hit a country that seemed to have abundant fresh water…

“I asked Ramón Méndez, a former national director of energy, what went wrong this time around. He said Uruguay was caught by surprise because its people thought it would never run out of fresh water. After all, it had so much.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/10/climate/uruguay-wasnt-supposed-to-run-out-of-water.html


“Intense hail and flooding reported in Magdalena Contreras [Mexico] after heavy rains…

“Through videos shared by users on social networks, it was announced that in some streets of the demarcation there were large currents of water, which affected passers-by and drivers in the area.”

https://www.milenio.com/politica/comunidad/delegacion-magdalena-contreras-reporta-granizada-lluvias-fuertes


“Is Climate Change Causing More Record-Breaking Hail?

“…It’s easy to assume less ice would be falling from the sky in a warming world, but the connection isn’t quite that simple. Experts say some areas will likely see an increase in hailstorms, along with more potentially damaging hail, even as the global surface warms.”

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/is-climate-change-causing-more-record-breaking-hail/


“Miami has now spent 120 hours at or above a 105°F heat index so far this year… the most in any other entire year was 49 hours (in 2020).

“This summer is not comparable to any other and there’s still lots of it left! …Waters around the Florida Keys and Southeast Florida is between 4°F and 8°F warmer than average for this time of year, and well above the typical seasonal peak.”

https://twitter.com/BMcNoldy/status/1689571535541907456


“Breadfruit – a staple in the Caribbean – is growing in Florida…

“A breadfruit tree is growing in Loxahatchee Groves. It shouldn’t be there. For untold centuries, the Borneo native has been confined to the warmest, gooiest tropical climates, unable to withstand much below 50 degrees or much above the 25 degrees latitude of the lower Keys.”

https://eu.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/local/2023/08/10/breadfruit-a-staple-in-caribbean-diets-is-growing-in-south-florida/70514116007/


“PHOENIX — Gov. Katie Hobbs signed an executive order to improve future statewide heat response efforts on Friday. She also declared a state of emergency in regards to this summer’s record temperatures.

“Her announcement came 11 days after the Valley saw 31 consecutive days of 110+ degree weather… The heat state of emergency declaration will also open two new cooling centers on Capitol Mall grounds.”

https://ktar.com/story/5527340/gov-katie-hobbs-declares-heat-state-of-emergency-amid-arizona-summers-record-high-temps/


“Drought emergency declared in Yakima.

“In 2021 Washington had the second driest conditions on record, causing the department of ecology to issue a drought emergency for 96% of the state. Then in 2022, there was a nice amount of rain and snow runoff, but it wasn’t enough. Now five watersheds in eastern Washington, including Yakima, are in another drought emergency.”

https://www.freshplaza.com/europe/article/9550254/drought-emergency-declared-in-yakima/


“BC drought most severe in history, temperatures set to climb again in August.

“32/34 basins in British Columbia are at a level 3/5 drought or higher – 28 are a 4/5 or higher. At a news conference this morning (Thursday), Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Bowinn Ma said “This level of extreme drought has never been seen in this province before.””

https://www.myprincegeorgenow.com/182230/featured/bc-drought-most-severe-in-history-temperatures-set-to-climb-again-in-august/


“Ottawa rainfall records teetering already with soggy start to August.

“Even before Thursday’s deluge, Ottawa had already recorded 50.3 millimetres of rain in the first nine days of this month. Thursday’s downpour, which flooded underpasses, neighbourhoods and the Merivale Road Costco, came barely a year after another deluge…”

https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/ottawa-rainfall-records-teetering-already-with-soggy-start-to-august


“Further evacuations are being considered in Norway as flood waters continue to swamp houses and coat cars with mud in the south east of the Nordic country.

“Up to 2,000 people have already been moved away from their homes after days of torrential rain.”

https://news.sky.com/story/norway-more-evacuations-could-be-ordered-after-storm-hans-floods-swamp-homes-and-cause-power-cuts-12937965


“Cost of living crisis: What impact is climate change having on food inflation and grocery prices? …prices creeping up at the supermarket till is linked more closely to rising temperatures than some may realise. Britain’s era of cheap food is over, economists have told The Telegraph…”

https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/cost-living-crisis-impact-climate-162640892.html


“As the Atlantic hits record temperatures, what does it mean for marine life?

“The removal of a single organism in a food web can have drastic effects on the entire ecosystem. A lack of a predator’s typical food source leads to starvation and extinction. A food web disruption caused by heat waves has been observed before.”

https://globalnews.ca/news/9888888/sea-temperatures-atlantic-marine-life/


“The desperate race to create a protection zone around the rapidly melting Arctic.

“The ice once protected the Arctic ocean from threats – but as it melts it exposes the sea to fishing, shipping, mining and pollution. Would a marine protected area help secure this fragile ecosystem or is it too late?”

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/aug/11/polar-challenge-as-the-sea-ice-melts-can-countries-come-together-to-protect-the-arctic-ocean


“What Happens in Antarctica, Doesn’t Stay in Antarctica…

“The other fear is that Antarctica stops being our planet’s refrigerator and starts acting more like a radiator. At the moment, Antarctica’s ice reflects a large amount of solar radiation back into space, helping keep the world cool.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/08/11/what-happens-in-antarctica-doesn-t-stay-in-antarctica/0b90d0c6-3804-11ee-ac4e-e707870e43db_story.html


“Strong El Niño Odds Increasing, NOAA Latest Update Says…

“El Niño has an increasing chance of becoming strong, with potential influences on the weather we see through this winter, according to a just-released monthly update from NOAA.”

https://weather.com/news/climate/news/2023-08-10-el-nino-august-forecast-update-winter-noaa


“‘We’re in serious trouble’: Why a hotter world will be bad for our health…

“As other countries and continents tackle the comparatively new issue of extreme heat, Lee is conscious that lessons from those where it has long been a problem have not yet been learned. “We almost forget about it,” he says of intensely hot periods. “We complain, we suffer. And then this whole thing repeats again next summer.””

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/aug/11/were-in-serious-trouble-why-a-hotter-world-will-be-bad-for-our-health


You can read the previous “Climate” thread here. I’ll be back on Monday with an “Economic” thread.

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