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.

Special sponsor for January 2025 is [you?]. Contact me here if you fancy helping me out and spending a month atop the C&E wall of fame.


“The latest data for the global surface temperature for December 28 put the planet very close to 1.9°C over the pre-industrial average.

“I expect December 29’s temperature to break 1.9°C. In the graphic below, the y-axis starts at 1.5°C over pre-industrial. Yikes!”

H/t Prof Eliot Jacobson

https://bsky.app/profile/climatecasino.net/post/3lejmyzuync2z


“World endures ‘decade of deadly heat’ as 2024 caps hottest years on record…

“UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said: “I can officially report that we have just endured a decade of deadly heat. The top 10 hottest years on record have happened in the last 10 years, including 2024.”

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/30/world-endures-decade-of-deadly-heat-as-2024-caps-hottest-years-on-record-un-antonio-guterres


“After a few days of La Niña induced relief, we’re back above pre-2023 daily record global Sea Surface Temperatures… [Leon Simons]

“NOTHING resembles any Nina at all. The difference compared to the past Nino is that it’s now [relatively] HOTTER all over [the rest of] the tropics, including eastern Pacific islands and Ecuador coast… Old definitions no longer work.” [Extreme Temps]

https://x.com/LeonSimons8/status/1873781509091676305


“Impressive anomalies in Canada and Siberia with temperatures locally above freezing in Russia as north as 70N latitude in the European side, and this is the 3rd time it happens this month in three separate Arctic warm spells.”

[Arctic sea ice is still at record lows for the date; graph courtesy of Prof Eliot Jacobson]

https://x.com/extremetemps/status/1873331568649126048


“The hottest year on record in Tromsø [Norway] – The worst imaginable is about to happen.

“The weather in 2024 supports the assumption that the northern regions are strongly affected by global warming. If the temperature increases at the same pace as in 2024, it will be added to the UN climate panel’s “worst imaginable scenario”. We had a hope inside us before, that this was not going to happen.”

https://www.itromso.no/nyheter/i/kwyk6j/tidenes-varmeste-aar-i-tromsoe-det-verst-tenkelige-er-paa-vei-til-aa-skje


“A rare severe flood warning of “danger to life” has been issued for part of northern Scotland on Hogmanay, as a heavy downpour of rain is expected to burst riverbanks.

“Aviemore and nearby areas in the Highlands are bracing for extensive river flooding on Tuesday morning after a night of continuous rain.”

https://www.aol.co.uk/entertainment/severe-flood-warnings-heavy-rain-193420559.html


“The carbon footprint of a long-delayed new “green” ferry will be far larger than the 31-year-old diesel ship that usually serves the route between the Scottish mainland and the island of Arran…

“The dual-fuel ferry has more car capacity but requires larger engines which also emit methane, a greenhouse gas with a far greater global warming effect than CO2.”

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy87e72yg3o


“Climate change will devastate value of homes, warns Bank of England.

“The critical factor that the Bank of England has analysed is the potential lack of flood insurance in areas prone to the disasters, which in turn undermines property values as buyers have to prepare to face potential costs of water damage themselves.”

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2024/12/30/climate-change-devastate-value-homes-warns-bank-of-england/


“How climate change is redrawing Europe’s wine map.

“The Cuvée Frank, €28 for a small glass, hails from Stokkebye domaine in southern Denmark… “Ten years ago, you would never see a Danish wine on the list,” Robineau says. “But, with the climate changing, Denmark is on its way to make great wines.””

https://www.ft.com/content/1c94c23a-90f1-465f-99c0-0c83f9b20b49


“Episode of warm and dry “borino” wind from the Julian Alps and new December record in the Italian city of Trieste with a provisional 18.7C [65.7F]. Humidity dropped to around 20%.

“Trieste is known to be the northernmost place with Mediterranean climate according to Köppen classification.”

https://x.com/extremetemps/status/1873035044723540245


“Police say that the Tel Aviv-Jerusalem Route 1 highway is partially closed near the Ben Gurion Airport off-ramp due to flooding caused by heavy rains.

“Police say two of the three eastbound lanes are closed and officers are at the scene directing traffic.”

https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/tel-aviv-jerusalem-highway-partially-closed-by-flooding-near-airport/


“Winter rains worsen horrors faced by displaced Palestinians in Gaza…

“Dozens of tents, many already tattered from months of use, have been blown away or flooded by the strong winds and rain, leaving families struggling to repair the damage, patching torn sheets of plastic and piling up sand to hold back the water.”

https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2024/12/30/winter-rains-worsen-horrors-faced-by-displaced-palestinians-in-gaza


“Third Valencia flood protest as over 100,000 urge Mazón resignation…

“Protesters continue to threaten that Mazón’s resignation commences immediately, feeling they, along with the rest of the citizens of Valencia, were notified of floods far too late. Protestors clashed with police, throwing chairs and other objects…”

https://euroweeklynews.com/2024/12/29/third-valencia-protest-as-over-100000-urge-mazon-resignation/


“A new DANA arrives in the Mediterranean: heavy rains in Murcia, the Valencian Community, Andalusia and the Balearic Islands.

“In Valencia , especially in Alfafar, the authorities have already taken preventive measures. With the activation of the AEMET warning, it is expected that in the next 12 hours up to 12 liters per square meter will accumulate. The risk of flooding is high…”

https://www.lasexta.com/programas/mas-vale-tarde/llega-nueva-dana-mediterraneo-lluvias-intensas-murcia-comunidad-valenciana-andalucia-baleares_202412306772e592af21750001041d5c.html


“AFRICA RECORD HEAT. Historic and endless record heat is sweeping all Central Africa.

“Last December records to fall: LIBERIA 35.0 [95F] Monrovia AP ties LIBERIAN HOTTEST DECEMBER DAY ON RECORD; GUINEA BISSAU 36.7 Bissau, 36.0 Bolama; IVORY COAST 37.4 Yamassoukro; NIGERIA 37.2 Port Harcourt; IVORY COAST 35.9; CAMEROON 36.0 Douala…”

https://x.com/extremetemps/status/1873387247904661687


“EXTRAORDINARY HEAT WAVE IN SOUTH AFRICA.

Hundreds of December records have fallen since the 1st to last day of this month. Today it was the record hottest night at Durban AP with Tmin 25.8C [78.4F] and 25.2 Sezela. Few days after the 25.9 Richards Bay and 25.3 Mt. Edgecombe in the same area.”

https://x.com/extremetemps/status/1873758757047714246


“KZN storms leave trail of destruction [South Africa]…

“…many homes were destroyed in eManzamnyama in Nkandla, saying the national department has stepped in to help affected residents. Meanwhile, KZN Cogta spokesperson Senzo Mzila, says other areas were also impacted. “The storms, which brought heavy rains, hail, and strong winds, partially destroyed over 180 houses.”

https://www.ecr.co.za/news/news/kzn-storms-leave-trail-destruction/


“Kenya’s celebrated coffee under threat as farmers hit by climate change…

“Coffee trees are extremely sensitive to small differences in temperature and weather conditions. They also need specific climatic conditions like humid temperatures and ample rainfall to grow. “Climate change is a major challenge for our coffee farmers,” says John Murigi…”

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp3zw27322zo


“Climate change increasing fire risks in Middle East, say experts…

“Combined with prolonged droughts and water shortages, these [temperature] trends are placing significant stress on firefighting operations and increasing the risk of wildfires, even in regions with limited vegetation.”

https://www.zawya.com/en/world/middle-east/climate-change-increasing-fire-risks-in-middle-east-say-experts-lpprxf5u


“Iran objects to Afghanistan’s construction of Pashdan Dam on Harirud…

“The spokesman of Iran’s water industry considered the unilateral exploitation of the Harirud river to be a violation of customary rights and said this unilateral action by the Afghan side will not only affect the supply of drinking water and health of several million people, but also lead to widespread damage to the downstream environment.”

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/508087/Iran-objects-to-Afghanistan-s-construction-of-Pashdan-Dam-on


“Will China’s Massive Dam Project Spark A Water War With India?

“China’s controversial plan to construct the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet is raising alarm bells in India, as tensions between the two nations escalate… experts are concerned that it could drastically disrupt the river’s water flow, sparking a potential water crisis for millions downstream.”

https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/will-chinas-massive-dam-project-spark-a-water-war-with-india-2657410-2024-12-30


“N. Koreans forced to fund housewarming gifts after paying for flood victims’ homes.

“North Korean state media praises Kim Jong Un’s “love for the people” as flood victims move into new homes, but locals reveal they were forced to pay for both construction and housewarming gifts, contradicting claims of state support.”

https://www.dailynk.com/english/north-koreans-forced-fund-housewarming-gifts-paying-flood-victims-homes/


“Japan’s average temperature in 2024 is likely to hit a record high for the second consecutive year, local media reported.

“…the average temperature through November was 1.64 degrees Celsius warmer than the annual average for the 30-year period until 2020, hitting the highest level since the country’s weather agency started releasing data in 1898.”

https://www.socialnews.xyz/2024/12/28/japans-average-temperature-in-2024-set-to-hit-record-high/


“Mount Fuji city lost one month of winter due to global warming: Report.

“The city of Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture added 35 winter days above 0 C annually on average between 2014 and 2023, the most among 901 northern hemisphere cities analysed, according to a December report by Climate Central.”

https://thesun.my/world-news/mt-fuji-city-lost-one-month-of-winter-due-to-global-warming-report-HA13468528


“The average annual temperature in Taiwan reached a record high of 24.97 C in 2024, making it the warmest year on record, the local meteorological department said Tuesday.

“This figure is 1.66 degrees above the century-long average. All months except December recorded above-normal temperatures…”

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202412/31/WS67739d75a310f1265a1d8528.html


“Heavy Rain Causes Flash Floods in Many Areas of Ipoh [Malaysia]…

“Heavy rain that has been falling in the district since last night has caused several areas to be flooded, along with incidents of fallen tree branches. The Ipoh Fire and Rescue Station was no exception, receiving numerous emergency calls regarding floods in several hotspots around Ipoh.”

https://www.ipohecho.com.my/2024/12/01/heavy-rain-causes-flash-floods-in-many-areas-of-ipoh/


“Flash floods could become more frequent, with Singapore hit by 3 episodes in 3 months.

“The rainy north-east monsoon season, in particular, made November Singapore’s wettest since rainfall data collection began in 1980. This wet phase of the monsoon is expected to persist until late January 2025.”

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/flash-floods-could-become-more-frequent-with-spore-hit-by-3-episodes-in-3-months


“ENDLESS RECORD HEAT IN INDONESIA.

“37.0 [98.6F] at Tanjung Selor (Borneo) is a new December record of highest temperature. Relentless record heat all over Oceania, not even dipping into “formal” Nina territory cools at all the Eastern Pacific…”

https://x.com/extremetemps/status/1873983419136565736


“‘Moving to the mountaintops’: rising seas displace tens of thousands in Papua New Guinea…

“Pariva beach is part of Kerema in Papua New Guinea’s Gulf province. In that area, rising sea levels and sand erosion have forced about 40,000 people to move inland over the past decade, a local councillor says, in what a leading climate change activist describes as a “humanitarian crisis”.”

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/31/moving-to-the-mountaintops-rising-seas-displace-tens-of-thousands-in-papua-new-guinea


“Several people had to be rescued from floodwaters overnight after record rain fell on parts of Queensland [Australia]…

“Parts of Hervey Bay saw 150 to 180 millimetres [7 inches] overnight… Anne Trost’s macadamia farm is on the banks of Beelbi Creek near where the campers were rescued. She said the storm was the worst she’d seen in 22 years of living there.”

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-31/queensland-record-rain-central-south-burnett-bom-flooding-floods/104773546


“Mushy ice and lost kit: The scientists studying Antarctica as it melts…

“With Antarctica’s climate warming at an unprecedented rate, scientists are battling with dangerously thin ice and equipment falling through into the sea beneath.”

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20241223-mushy-ice-and-lost-kit-the-scientists-studying-antarctica-as-it-melts


“Exceptional heat in the Pacific Ocean.

“Record heat has been going on for 2 years and it ‘s intensifying. MINIMUM 27.8C [82F] Saipan; NORTHERN MARIANAS December hottest night on record. January will start destroying hundreds of records all over the tropics.”

https://x.com/extremetemps/status/1873277778709364828


“Fiji Red Cross warns of disease risk after floods…

“Diseases such as leptospirosis, typhoid, dengue fever, and diarrhoea (LTDD), are known to spike during and after flooding events. In a statement, Fiji Red Cross Society director general Ragigia Dawai said after the flood, the risk of disease was high.”

https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/fiji-red-cross-warns-of-disease-risk-after-floods/


“Market Roof Collapses After Heavy Rain in Sao Paulo [Brazil], Leaving Two Injured in Chaos.

“A supermarket roof collapsed in Barueri, São Paulo, on December 30, 2024, following heavy rainfall. This unfortunate incident left at least two women injured.”

https://news.faharas.net/209336/teto-de-mercado-desaba-apos/


“Amazon wildfires and droughts are ‘ominous indicators’ of a long-feared tipping point.

“2024 was a brutal year for the Amazon rainforest, with rampant wildfires and extreme drought ravaging large parts of a biome that’s a critical counterweight to climate change.”

https://www.euronews.com/green/2024/12/30/amazon-wildfires-and-droughts-are-ominous-indicators-of-a-long-feared-tipping-point


“Hydropower Was Ecuador’s Answer to Climate Change Until the Drought Hit…

“The Rivers Run Dry and the Lights Go Out: A Warming Nation’s Doom Loop. An extraordinary drought has drained Ecuador’s rivers and reservoirs, leading to power outages of up to 14 hours. Some fear this is the beginning of a larger global crisis.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/30/world/americas/ecuador-hydropower-drought.html


“EXTRAORDINARY HEAT – HISTORIC – SUMMER ON DEC 30TH [USA].

“99F/37.2C Faith Ranch TEXAS; Tons of December records: 98 Alaminos, 95 Live Oak, 93 Kingsville, 91 San Antonio and Del Rio… Up to 60F at DAWN in Northern Vermont. A taste of MID SUMMER for many Americans.”

https://x.com/extremetemps/status/1873893903621120078


“At least four dead after dozens of tornadoes tear across US south…

“Multiple tornadoes that began spawning across several southern US states on Saturday afternoon have resulted in the deaths of at least four people. Officials spent Sunday assessing the devastation inflicted by the severe storm system…”

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/dec/30/tornadoes-four-dead


“With record December temperatures and no measurable rain in more than four months, 2024 will end as the warmest year on record in Phoenix, turning America’s hottest big city even hotter.

“The average temperature for 2024 was 78.6 degrees from Jan. 1 through Sunday…”

https://eu.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-weather/2024/12/30/phoenix-weather-2024-warmest-year/77206732007/


“It’s official: 2024 will be D.C.’s warmest year on record.

“With 2024 mostly in the rearview, another year enters the weather books — one that will be remembered for persistent and record-breaking warmth, recurrent drought and several significant weather events including a tornado outbreak on June 5 in Maryland.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2024/12/30/washington-dc-warmest-year-climate/


“‘Science and realism’: Governments plan for doomsday climate scenarios…

“Governments around the world are confronting and preparing for some dramatic disaster scenarios that could unfold in the next few decades as climate change continues. Here’s a few:”

https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/12/29/doomsday-scenarios-prompt-preparations-around-the-globe/77172097007/


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