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.

Huge thanks to this month’s sponsor, Kimberley Hare, Facilitator of ‘The Edge’ Retreat, and Author of “At the Edge: What is Mine to Do, and Who Can I do it With?” She was kind enough to interview me for this book.


“Breaking News! Code Yikes!

“In addition to record low Arctic sea-ice extent (which is now 350,000 km² below the previous daily record), as of the latest data (December 11th), global mean surface temperatures are once again at a record high for the day, at 1.68°C above the pre-industrial average.”

https://bsky.app/profile/climatecasino.net/post/3ld6vo7lnjk23


“The world’s oceans have continuously been running above pre-2023 daily temperatures for 638 days now.

“As far as I can determine, this has never happened before in the NOAA OISST V2.1 dataset. Will this streak soon end, with colder tropical Pacific temperatures?”

https://x.com/LeonSimons8/status/1867257967344779646


“Is it clouds, shipping or a volcano? Scientists present potential reasons for record heat…

““We weren’t expecting 2023 to be so exceptional,” acknowledged Robert Rohde, a climate scientist at Berkeley Earth… The elevated heat has continued throughout much of 2024, with scientists still waiting to see if the unexpected warming will die down. This year is certain to be the hottest on record…”

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/dec/12/record-heat-climate-crisis


“A controversial plan to refreeze the Arctic is seeing promising results. But scientists warn of big risks…

“Real Ice’s plan for protecting this icy ocean landscape involves inserting electric-powered, submersible pumps under sea ice to pump seawater onto the surface. The water freezes as it pools across the ice like a huge puddle, creating an extra layer of ice.”

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/12/climate/refreeze-arctic-real-ice/index.html


“One of world’s largest glacier floods triggered in Greenland.

“For the first time, scientists have observed the release of a massive glacial lake outburst in East Greenland, where more than 3,000 billion liters of meltwater were unleashed in just weeks.”

https://phys.org/news/2024-12-world-largest-glacier-triggered-greenland.html


“Stay away, forest visitors told after storm damage [Wales]…

“Natural Resources Wales released photos of damaged forests near Llandovery in Carmarthenshire and Crickhowell in Powys, showing dozens of felled trees. Gavin Bown of NRW said Storm Darragh took a significant toll on the land and with widespread fall of trees, the destruction could take years to overcome.”

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9wlgk51vwdo.amp


“How climate change and red tape could be jeopardising UK access to affordable food.

“For decades, this country’s level of food security has been more or less constant… But farmers warn that given all the pressures they’re facing, that critical buffer could be about to be removed, with domestic production falling and dependence on imported food rising.2

https://news.sky.com/story/how-climate-change-and-red-tape-could-be-jeopardising-uk-access-to-affordable-food-13272511


“In Valencia, after the floods, the scourge of mud.

“Residents of flood-stricken areas in the south of the city are struggling to rid themselves of the sometimes-polluted mud that clogs sewers, generates toxic dust and continues to saturate garages. There are fears of disease outbreaks.”

https://www.lemonde.fr/en/environment/article/2024/12/14/in-valencia-after-the-floods-the-scourge-of-mud_6736053_114.html


“‘The water war’: how drought threatens survival of Sicily’s towns…

“When authorities decreed that the little water left in their dam should be shared with the villages of another province, the inhabitants of Troina took action, and, on 30 November, occupied the distribution centre of the reservoir, blocking access.”

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/13/the-water-war-how-drought-threatens-survival-of-sicilys-towns


“Cyprus to rely more on desalination plants as arid winters leave dams dry.

“Cyprus will depend more on desalination plants to meet its water needs as a string of dry winters has reduced amounts in 108 dams to just a quarter of their capacity, the country’s agriculture and environment minister said Wednesday.”

https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/environment/1256090/cyprus-to-rely-more-on-desalination-plants-as-arid-winters-leave-dams-dry/


“Climate change intensifies extreme weather events in Namibia…

“Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism spokesperson Romeo Muyunda says the effects of climate change can be felt not only in the heat but in the change in weather patterns as well. “That includes the insufficient rain leading up to the drought, the shift in seasons, the rainy season starting late, the winter season being shorter, and now, the heat.””

https://www.namibian.com.na/climate-change-intensifies-extreme-weather-events-in-namibia/


“Namibia will slaughter 700 elephants, hippos, zebras and other animals due to drought.

“The drought is the worst in a century, and officials see no other choice. They say this step might relieve pressure on local resources at a time when close to half the country’s population is struggling with extreme food shortages.”

https://www.earth.com/news/nation-will-slaughter-700-elephants-hippos-zebras-and-other-animals-due-to-drought/


“South Africa’s record heatwaves, extreme weather: ‘We weren’t expecting this for another 50 years,’ says expert.

“South Africa is experiencing record-high temperatures, breaking several long-standing maximum and minimum records… A critical situation is emerging in South Africa’s water reserves as well, as water sources are drying up. As a result, animals are traveling considerable distances…”

https://www.news24.com/news24/opinions/analysis/sas-record-heatwaves-extreme-weather-we-werent-expecting-this-for-another-50-years-says-expert-20241214


“EXTRAORDINARY HEAT SOUTHERN AFRICA – 43.3 [109.9F] Tsabong is BOTSWANA’S HOTTEST DECEMBER DAY IN HISTORY.

“36.8 Gwoke 1300m ZIMBABWE; Crazy 45.9 Twee Rivieren 882m asl! SOUTH AFRICA all time high.”

https://x.com/extremetemps/status/1867200849774260328


“ZIMBABWE AGAIN – 44.7 [112.5F] yesterday at Beitbridge is HOTTEST DECEMBER DAY IN ZIMBABWE’S HISTORY.

“Many records from Namibia (40.4 Gobabis) to South Africa (40C up to 1800m asl ! Only Bolivia ever recorded 40C at such high elevations in Southern Hemisphere), Mozambique.”

https://x.com/extremetemps/status/1867533649543053810


“Zimbabwe at risk of another dry season after El Nino drought, says WFP.

“”We are worried. You can see the ground in front of us is bone dry,” said World Food Programme country director Barbara Clemens during a food distribution event in Chivi, southern Zimbabwe. Families in the district are already skipping meals to preserve the little food they have.”

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/zimbabwe-risk-another-dry-season-after-el-nino-drought-says-wfp-2024-12-12/


“France’s Mayotte on highest alert as Cyclone Chido nears…

““This is serious. Mayotte has never known a situation like it,” council chief Ben Issa Ousseni said Friday… “We’re really scared,” said Fatima, a resident of Majicavo-Koropa village on the eastern coast. “I’ve stocked up on water bottles, food, candles,” the 57-year-old told AFP.”

https://arynews.tv/frances-mayotte-highest-alert-cyclone-chido-nears/


“Flood alert issued as Tamil Nadu’s Poondi reservoir nears full capacity.

“Heavy rain in Chennai and surrounding districts has filled reservoirs to their maximum levels, prompting authorities to issue a flood alert. The Water Resources Department (WRD) has released 1,000 cusecs of water from the Poondi reservoir…”

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/tamil-nadu/story/heavy-rain-triggers-flood-alert-chennai-reservoirs-reach-capacity-2648977-2024-12-12


“Why Arunachal’s indigenous people refuse to give up fight against Siang dam [India]… “We will become completely landless if the dam is constructed, as all our subsistence land will be submerged.”

“…Arunachal Pradesh Hydro Power Advisor Ninong Ering told EastMojo that the proposed 12,500 MW Siang Dam [will] counter China’s stands to attempt to divert the Siang River in its territory. He commented that Adis must think of their future.”

https://www.eastmojo.com/news/aipp-eastmojo-fellowship-2024/2024/12/12/why-arunachals-indigenous-people-refuse-to-give-up-fight-against-siang-dam/


“China’s Hydropower Ambitions and the Human Cost of Water Control in Tibet…

“…the Motok project is likely to degrade water quality during its estimated five-year construction period and potentially enable China to exercise unprecedented control over critical water resources that sustain millions of people across South and Southeast Asia.”

https://english.khabarhub.com/2024/12/418852/


“SE ASIA HISTORIC HEAT: never ending record heat all over the tropics of Oceania and SE Asia.

“More December records broken: PHILIPPINES: 35.4 [95/7F] Catbalogan; INDONESIA: 34.8 Cilacap; VIETNAM:Record high Tmin 28.4 Song Tu Tay.”

https://x.com/extremetemps/status/1867819309768020195


“Record-breaking Philippines typhoon season was ‘supercharged’ by climate change.

“This year’s record-breaking typhoon season in the Philippines – which saw six consecutive storm systems hit the country in under a month – was “supercharged” by climate change, according to a rapid attribution study.”

https://www.carbonbrief.org/record-breaking-philippines-typhoon-season-was-supercharged-by-climate-change/


“An oppressive heatwave stretching across half of Australia from Darwin to Victoria will send temperatures soaring up to 15 degrees Celsius above average during the coming days…

“The severe heat follows Australia’s warmest spring on record and is likely to be followed by additional bursts of hot weather through the Christmas and New Year period.”

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-14/heatwave-half-australia-hottest-summer-weather-in-five-years/104723462


“81mm [3.2 inches] in an hour: Streets closed, flash flooding across Brisbane.

“Cars across Brisbane have been inundated by flash flooding and more than 50 streets are closed in SEQ after a massive downpour from a slow moving thunderstorm. More than 50 streets across southeast Queensland have been closed after a thunderstorm caused widespread flash flooding.”

https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/southeast-queensland-smashed-by-heavy-rain-and-storms/vi-AA1vQrv4


“EXCEPTIONAL HEAT IN OCEANIA – Oceania islands keep breaking heat records, both North/South of the equator, both West and East

“Historic heat in NEW CALEDONIA; December Records: 36.2 [97.2F] Ile Surprise; 33.1 La Roche (Mare Island).”

https://x.com/extremetemps/status/1867502222495690899


“Asuncion [Paraguay] reports the fall of almost 50 trees due to storms.

“In Asunción alone, nearly 50 trees were reported to have fallen during the storm that occurred between Thursday night and Friday. Vehicles and homes were affected.”

https://www.ultimahora.com/asuncion-reporta-la-caida-de-casi-50-arboles-por-tormentas


“SOUTH AMERICA HEAT WAVE – after hot and humid days, a very hot night followed between Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay.

“In particular, the Minimum temperature of 27.8C [82F] at San Jose de Chiquitos BOLIVIA is a new record of Highest minimum for December, beating that of Dec 2023.”

https://x.com/extremetemps/status/1867262525659918611


“Brazil farmer lobby asks to lift soybean ban from deforested Amazon rainforest.

“A farmers’ lobby in Brazil is seeking to end a two-decade-long agreement that forbids grain traders from buying soybeans from farms on deforested land in the Amazon rainforest, claiming the deal has created an uneven playing field.”

https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/brazil-farmer-lobby-asks-lift-soybean-ban-deforested-amazon-rainforest-2024-12-11/


“EXTRAORDINARY HEAT IN THE CARIBBEAN – every single island keeps destroying all 2023 records.

“Le Lamentin Int. AP of MARTINIQUE set a record again: 32.7C [90.9F] hottest December day in history.”

https://x.com/extremetemps/status/1867747507771773264


“Vibrio bacteria sickened dozens of people following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and the microbes’ range appears to be increasing up the East Coast as climate change warms coastal waters…

“Experts predict that by 2041 illnesses caused by V. vulnificus will be common around New York…”

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/flesh-eating-vibrio-bacteria-florida


“Record Warm Water Temperatures in the Great lakes; How it Effects Us.

“The Great Lakes have been experiencing record warm temperatures once again this year, causing major snowfall events already across the area. However, they may not be the only ones affected this year.”

https://woay.com/record-warm-water-temperatures-in-the-great-lakes-how-it-effects-us/


“A new December wind gust record was set in Fredericton, N.B., on Thursday as a powerful weather bomb blew threw Atlantic Canada…

“A rapidly intensifying low-pressure system—tracked from the Eastern United States into northern Quebec on Wednesday brought heavy rain, mild temperatures, and record-breaking wind gusts to the Maritimes.”

https://www.theweathernetwork.com/en/news/weather/forecasts/powerful-wind-storm-blows-in-a-new-record-for-atlantic-canada-city-fredericton


“HISTORIC WARMTH IN ALASKA AND CANADA – many December records broken.

“ALASKA: Kotzebue 39F/3.9c; Nome 44F/6.7c; CANADA Up to 18.1 [64.6F] at Daniel Harbour. Records: 15.0c Winterland; 14.1c Cartwright, new December record for Labrador!”

https://x.com/extremetemps/status/1867374143941095689


“A Single [Marine] Heatwave Killed Half of Alaska’s Common Murres, a Shocking New Study Reveals…

“As time went on, the event became regarded as the largest known die-off of a single bird species. Scientists determined the cause of death to be starvation, triggered by a massive two-year marine heatwave dubbed “the blob”…”

https://www.audubon.org/magazine/single-heatwave-killed-half-alaskas-common-murres-shocking-new-study-reveals


“Endocrine Disruption in Marine Species: Unraveling Pollution and Climate Change Effects…

“These stressors introduce a myriad of toxic chemicals into marine environments through industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and plastic debris, which interfere with endocrine signaling pathways and hormone regulation. Climate change compounds these issues…”

https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/64698/endocrine-disruption-in-marine-species-unraveling-pollution-and-climate-change-effects


“For Wild Animals, the Bird Flu Disaster Is Already Here…

“The virus has already decimated avian populations around the globe, with body counts that can sometimes be staggering: an estimated 24,000 Cape cormorants killed in South Africa, more than 57,000 pelicans reported dead in Peru. “The scale of the mortalities is truly unprecedented…””

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/13/science/bird-flu-h5n1-wildlife.html


“Landmark climate hearings conclude at world’s top court…

“In 2023, the UN, led by Vanuatu, specifically requested the international court adjudicate on climate responsibility, having expressed “profound alarm” that greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise despite vows to cut them drastically.”

https://www.dw.com/en/landmark-climate-hearings-conclude-at-worlds-top-court/a-71051459


“US supreme court to hear fuel firms’ challenge to California’s emission limits.

“The US supreme court agreed on Friday to hear a bid by fuel producers to challenge California’s standards for vehicle emissions and electric cars under a federal air-pollution law in a major case testing the Democrat-governed state’s power to fight greenhouse gases.”

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/dec/13/supreme-court-california-vehicle-emissions


“UN talks fail to reach agreement on dealing with rising risk of global drought…

“Despite two weeks of U.N.-sponsored talks in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh, the participating 197 nations failed to agree early Saturday on a plan to deal with global droughts, made longer and more severe by a warming climate.”

https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/talks-fail-reach-agreement-dealing-rising-risk-global-116786582


“Global political instability overtakes extreme weather as biggest risk concern.

“Shifting alliances and growing divisions within the geopolitical landscape have contributed to 96% of those responding to the survey revealing their belief that the world is a more dangerous place.”

https://www.thehrdirector.com/business-news/business/global-political-instability-overtakes-extreme-weather-biggest-risk-concern/


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