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 donor, who wishes to remain anonymous but has asked me to post a link to this poem by their friend, Arthur L Wood. I’m no great shakes when it comes to literary criticism but I was moved by its tenderness and honesty, and heartily recommend giving it a listen.


“2025 Set to Become the Second Hottest Year Ever Recorded.

“While 2024 remains the warmest year ever measured, 2025 is showing nearly identical temperature levels to 2023—pushing the planet further into unprecedented territory.”

https://greekcitytimes.com/2025/12/09/2025-set-to-become-the-second-hottest-year-ever-recorded/


“Monday ice update – Arctic sea ice extent [and volume] is currently the lowest on record (JAXA data).”

• about 840,000 km² below the 2010s mean
• about 1,390,000 km² below the 2000s mean
• about 2,050,000 km² below the 1990s mean
• about 2,510,000 km² below the 1980s mean [Zack Labe]

https://bsky.app/profile/zacklabe.com/post/3m7i5y5jq722t


“Arctic in Disarray!!

“An Extremely Extreme pattern builds this weekend. Surface Temps as much as 60°F below normal in Canada (lows -60°F) and 70°F above normal (Highs 40°F in Arctic Circle) in Russia. This is orchestrated by a record breaking 500mb block, ~4 standard deviations from the mean.” [Jeff Berardelli]

https://x.com/WeatherProf/status/1998166699976061340


“While Lapland maintained its trademark cool this fall, the rest of Finland had what meteorologists classified as an unusually or exceptionally warm season.

““This was the second-warmest autumn on record at many of the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s observation stations,” the agency said in a statement.”

https://www.rcinet.ca/eye-on-the-arctic/2025/12/08/lapland-bucks-the-trend-as-rest-of-finland-logs-near-record-warm-autumn/


“Researchers solve a century-old North Atlantic cold spot mystery.

“A century-old North Atlantic cold patch is now linked to a long-term slowdown in the AMOC, the climate-regulating conveyor belt of ocean water…. This slowdown affects weather systems, jet streams, and marine life throughout the Northern Hemisphere. The discovery sharpens climate forecasts and highlights a major shift already underway.”

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251207031333.htm


“The whole Northern Hemisphere extratropics [sea surface temperature anomalies] are now above the tropical El Niño peak.”

[Leon Simons]

https://x.com/LeonSimons8/status/1997650987352293766


“UK weather: 90mph winds possible and travel disruption likely as Storm Bram hits.

“”Danger to life” weather warnings are in place as Storm Bram brings heavy rainfall and strong winds to parts of the UK. The Met Office has put out an alert for areas of Scotland, Wales, and southwest England, with treacherous conditions expected throughout today and into tomorrow morning.”

https://news.sky.com/story/uk-weather-90mph-winds-possible-and-travel-disruption-likely-as-storm-bram-hits-13481190


“A tornado swept through an East Sussex coastal town at the weekend, causing “substantial damage” to homes in the area, experts have confirmed.

“The severe weather event happened on Saturday in Seaford, with East Sussex Fire & Rescue called to Victor Close at about 06:30 GMT.”

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crmde2n3r3vo


“Record warmth on Sunday followed by spring-like weather Monday in the Netherlands.

“The Netherlands entered the new week with two highly unusual December weather events: a national warm-weather record on December 7 and temperatures rising again on Monday morning to levels more typical of spring than early winter.”

https://nltimes.nl/2025/12/08/record-warmth-sunday-followed-spring-like-weather-monday-netherlands


“Athens Enters Drought Emergency as Water Reserves Collapse…

“Sources familiar with NTUA’s assessment told To Vima that the report warns of a clear risk of water scarcity for the next two to five years — a reality that demands vigilance, accelerated action and system-wide reinforcement, though not panic.”

https://www.tovima.com/stories/athens-enters-drought-emergency-as-water-reserves-collapse/


“Never ending record heat in the Gulf of Guinea area. In GHANA Akatsi had its warmest December night on record with a Min of 26.0C [78.8F].

“Extremely warm night in BENIN capital Cotonou with a Minimum of 28.3C,few decimals from the December record of Northern Hemisphere hottest night.”

https://x.com/extremetemps/status/1998027210771566994


“Record again in Tanzania: 34.5C [94.1F] at Tabora 1200m asl on the highlands: hottest December day on record, after setting the hottest night and the heat will continue…

“Every single tropical country in every continent is smashing record after record, like never before.”

https://x.com/extremetemps/status/1997480038892240947


“HISTORIC HEAT IN MIDDLE EAST – record heat returned after sweeping every record on the first 2 days of December. Over 35C [95F] in SAUDI ARABIA.

“IRAN 31.0 Omidieh December record; In IRAQ December Records almost all over the country: Maxes 27-29C, Rutbah, Semawa, Diwaniya, Nkaib, Amarah, Baghdad.”

https://x.com/extremetemps/status/1997739791019094350


“The city of Yanbu [Saudi] was struck yesterday by a powerful tornado accompanied by severe thunderstorms and torrential rain, causing widespread damage in the area.

“Several buildings collapsed in various parts of the city, and many shops and cafes were damaged. Cafe facades were shattered, and trees fell.”

https://wakebeconomic.com/791790


“‘A year’s worth of rain in hours’: Eilat reopening after southern Israel lashed by rare desert storms [Israel].

“Torrential rains triggered widespread flooding across the Arava and Negev, filling long-dry reservoirs and blocking every road into Eilat for 9 hours; dozens rescued from flash floods as authorities warn of further storms and lingering travel disruptions.”

https://www.ynetnews.com/environment/article/ryznj6zmbx


“Turkiye withholds water despite new agreement with Iraq…

““Turkiye continues to withhold agreed water releases into the Tigris and Euphrates, leaving river levels unchanged since summer,” the Observatory stated, adding that southern marshes remain dry, and salinity in Basra’s waterways has not improved.”

https://www.shafaq.com/en/society/Turkiye-withholds-water-despite-new-agreement-with-Iraq


““Bread has become a farmer’s sorrow”: Drought, shrinking farmland, and abandoned harvests in Nineveh [Iraq].

“In Nimrud, a southern subdistrict of Nineveh where land once shimmered gold with wheat and green with barley, farmer Abed Ibrahim stands above cracked soil. He bends down, gathers a trace of dry soil between his fingers, as if pleading for the life that vanished with the rain.”

https://jummar.media/en/10681


“South Kazakhstan Braces for Irrigation Water Shortages in 2026…

“Agriculture in these arid regions depends heavily on water from the Syr Darya River, which originates in Kyrgyzstan… Farmers were urged to adopt water-saving technologies, limit the cultivation of water-intensive crops, diversify planting, and transition to drought-resistant varieties.”

https://timesca.com/south-kazakhstan-braces-for-irrigation-water-shortages-in-2026/


“Iran Channels Desalinated Seawater Into Its Parched Heartland.

“Iran has launched one of its most ambitious infrastructure projects to date — an 800-kilometre pipeline transporting desalinated seawater from the Gulf of Oman to the central plateau.”

https://kashmirobserver.net/2025/12/08/iran-channels-desalinated-seawater-into-its-parched-heartland/


“Pakistan faces water crisis as 80% lack safe drinking water.

“Pakistan is facing a severe water crisis, with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) warning over 80 percent of its population lacks clean drinking water. The 2025 Asian Water Development Outlook highlights rapidly depleting reserves and rising climate-linked vulnerabilities.”

https://dailytimes.com.pk/1414566/pakistan-faces-water-crisis-as-80-lack-safe-drinking-water/


“Kashmir valley faces water crisis as Jhelum and tributaries recede to record lows.

“The Jhelum river, the lifeline of the valley, has dropped below zero to record low levels at several key areas, deepening the water crisis. The water level is at -0.53 feet at the Sangam gauge station. At Ram Munshi Bagh…”

https://madhyamamonline.com/india/kashmir-valley-faces-water-crisis-as-jhelum-and-tributaries-recede-to-record-lows-1475203


“Raging Forest Fire Ignites Landmines Along Line of Control.

“A forest fire in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district caused at least six landmines to explode near the Line of Control. The blaze, which began in the Balakote forest, continues to spread with efforts underway to extinguish it. There have been no reports of damage from the detonations.”

https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/science-environment/3722463-raging-forest-fire-ignites-landmines-along-line-of-control


“Is New Delhi’s toxic smog making the city unliveable?

“The government has pledged to tackle the air pollution crisis, but the reality remains difficult. Amid fears that India’s capital is becoming unliveable, residents are now demanding real action after a decade of breathing the world’s dirtiest air.”

https://www.aljazeera.com/podcasts/2025/12/9/the-take-is-new-delhis-toxic-smog-making-the-city-unliveable


“…incredible mild night in MONGOLIA highlands: min -0.5 [32.9F] Ekhiingol warmest ever in winter.” [Extreme Temps]

“Today, two stations in NE China broke the record for the highest temperature in December, and 11 other stations broke the record for the warmest nighttime temperature in December.” [Jim Yang]

https://x.com/yangyubin1998/status/1997693527325827347


“60th record of December high Temperature so far this month in Japan:

“One of the coldest spots in Hokkaido, Shirataki had a minimum of just -0.3C yesterday, highest minimum ever recorded in winter (it means it has always frozen every day in winter history).”

https://x.com/extremetemps/status/1998010611918315984


“Forest fire at Mt. Myogi in Gunma spreads, prompts defense force deployment.

“A forest fire was reported Monday at Mt. Myogi, known as a scenic hiking spot in Gunma Prefecture northwest of Tokyo, with defense force assistance requested as the blaze continued.”

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20251209/p2g/00m/0na/010000c


“Climate change is battering Asia’s water and power systems and putting millions in harm’s way, forcing countries to pour billions into shoring up basic services, according to two recent reports.

“Water-related disasters are rising across the region even as spending to protect communities falls short.”

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/asia-bengaluru-india-vietnam-asian-b2879948.html


“Sri Lanka issues fresh landslide warnings as Cyclone Ditwah death toll crosses 600…

“The Sri Lankan Disaster Management Centre said ongoing monsoon rains were hitting areas already devastated by the cyclone, further destabilising hillsides in the central highlands and northwestern midlands.”

https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/south-asia/sri-lanka-floods-landslide-indonesia-thailand-b2879894.html


“Indonesia counts human cost as more climate change warnings sounded.

“Indonesia reports 1,000 dead and close to 1 million displaced from rains as a report points at the threat posed by climate change and ecosystem decline across Asia… Several other countries in Southeast Asia, including Sri Lanka and Thailand, have been hit hard by storms and floods in recent weeks.”

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/12/8/indonesia-counts-human-cost-as-more-climate-change-warnings-sounded


“Orangutans at risk as Indonesia floods devastate habitat…

“In total, around 119,000 orangutans live in Indonesia and Malaysia, according to World Wildlife Fund. “If there is no government help, the orangutans could go extinct here. Especially with this massive deforestation,” Siagian said.”

https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/3153059/orangutans-at-risk-as-indonesia-floods-devastate-habitat


“375 residents evacuated after floods hit Batu Niah longhouses [Kalimantan].

“Roads connecting several villages in the Sepupok, Semalau and Sebatuk areas were impassable due to overflowing water. He said the water level of the Niah river had risen significantly following continuous rainfall since Monday afternoon.”

https://www.theborneopost.com/2025/12/09/375-residents-evacuated-after-floods-hit-batu-niah-longhouses/


“‘It came from everywhere’: NSW town [Bulahdelah] counts the cost after bushfire hits…

“On Monday afternoon, the highway south of town was blanketed in thick, orange smoke. Water-bombing helicopters hovered overhead, assisting firefighters on the ground who were attempting to quash a blaze that had burnt 4,000 hectares since Friday.”

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/dec/08/it-came-from-everywhere-nsw-town-counts-the-cost-after-bushfire-hits


“Wellington North solar farm grass fire burns almost 100ha [NSW].

“The cause of a grass fire that started on one of Australia’s largest solar farms remains a mystery. The blaze broke out inside the Wellington North 425-megawatt solar farm in Central West NSW on Saturday afternoon, and burnt more than 92 hectares.”

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-09/wellington-solar-farm-fire/106113846


“Several communities in Tasmania’s north-east are being threatened by a bushfire, which started on Tuesday.

“The new threat comes as residents in another Tasmanian community are returning to find if their homes are still standing after a bushfire last week.”

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-09/bushfires-burning-in-tasmania-north-east/106120560


“Record warm spring across country part of climate’s ‘new normal’ [NZ]. A record-breaking November pushed New Zealand to its warmest spring on record.

“Data from Earth Sciences New Zealand (formerly NIWA) shows the average temperature across the country was 13.5°C, which was 1.3°C hotter than the long-term average and the warmest spring since records began in 1909.”

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/581317/record-warm-spring-across-country-part-of-climate-s-new-normal


“HISTORIC HEAT IN OCEANIA:

“All Oceania is being swept by record heat like never before. Today it’s a historic day for The Republic of Kiribati: 35.9C [96.6F] Kanton Island HOTTEST DAY IN KIRIBATI HISTORY (for any month).”

https://x.com/extremetemps/status/1997850516672692415


“Exceptional heat in PARAGUAY:

“Tonight the Minimum Temperature in the center of Asuncion (Centro Meteorologico Nacional) was a December record 30.7C [87.3F].” [Extreme Temps]

https://x.com/extremetemps/status/1997660413543014447


“EXCEPTIONAL HEAT IN THE CARIBBEAN. From Mexico to Colombia record heat everywhere: Never happened anything like this in December.

“MINIMUMS up to 27C [80.6F] in Colombia, Belize and Honduras. Mexico: 25.8 Ylang, 25.2 Tapachula. All December records and TYPICAL OF AUGUST.“

https://x.com/extremetemps/status/1998053406859284779


“Trump slaps Mexico with 5 percent tariff over violations of water treaty…

“The US president’s message set a demand and a deadline. He called on Mexico to release 200,000 acre-feet of water — equivalent to 246 million cubic metres — by December 31.”

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/12/9/trump-slaps-mexico-with-5-percent-tariff-over-violations-of-water-treaty


“Unbelievable rain totals for Florida dry season!

“Almost 3 Decembers worth of rain in 24 hours in spots. Normal Dec rain is 2.5”. Downtown Tampa had double that! Areas like Tarpon Springs, Palm Harbor, East Lake, Odessa, Trinity, Keystone, Lutz, Wesley Chapel etc.., had 5 to 7 inches. Major drought relief, but a little too much, too fast, caused some extensive flooding.” [Jeff Berardelli]

https://x.com/WeatherProf/status/1997845692081926591


“LA wildfire survivors rebuild holiday traditions after year of devastation…

“The Pacific Palisades fire was the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history, destroying 6,800 structures and killing 12 people. To the east, the Eaton fire devastated the neighborhood of Altadena, with 19 confirmed fatalities.”

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/07/la-wildfire-survivors-holidays-christmas


“Major ‘megafires’ are now primed to ignite across the US. All it needs is a spark.

“In the past two decades, the number of wildfires in the US has doubled compared to the late 20th century. In some regions, such as the Great Plains, the increase has been even more dramatic, with four times as many fires as before. The season itself has also stretched.”

https://www.sciencefocus.com/news/megafires-washington-california-wildfires


“A 7,000-mile atmospheric river is stretching from Philippines to the U.S…

“While atmospheric rivers commonly hit the Northwest during fall and winter, the length of this one is very unusual. Spanning the length of the Pacific, this river in the sky is about three times longer than average and among the longest typically observed on the planet.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2025/12/08/atmospheric-river-flood-pacific-northwest/


“While the US has near record early December snow cover, Eurasia and the Northern Hemisphere has record low snow cover.”

[Jeff Berardelli]

https://x.com/WeatherProf/status/1997736912694706583


“El Nino is set to become substantially stronger and more frequent, experts warn – triggering intense floods and storms…

“According to the researchers, this means much of the world will face back-to-back years of flooding and drought in an effect known as climate whiplash.”

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-15363873/El-Nino-substantially-STRONGER-climate.html


“At 1.5°C, the atmosphere can hold over 10% more water vapor than it could in the pre-industrial period 1850-1900.

“The additional precipitation leads to car soup, airport soup, road soup, city soup, farm soup, and a hearty portion of global industrial civilization soup.” [Prof Eliot Jacobson]

https://x.com/EliotJacobson/status/1998043348473692605


“Breaking News! Code Yikes!

“The CO2 data for November, 2025, was just released by NOAA, and the 3-year mean rate of atmospheric CO2 growth hit yet another new record high, at 7.93 ppm per 3 years.” [Prof Eliot Jacobson]

https://x.com/EliotJacobson/status/1997315464591258030


“The EPA website showing this insightful 800,000 year methane concentration graph has been taken offline…

“Reality doesn’t change by pretending it isn’t real.” [Leon Simons]

https://x.com/LeonSimons8/status/1997683420126962168


“Additionally, it appears that all of EPA’s previously extensive “indicators of climate change” pages have been scrubbed entirely.

“The pages no longer exist; there are numerous dead links on the current/live EPA site, and no indication they have been moved to a new URL.” [Daniel Swain]

https://bsky.app/profile/weatherwest.bsky.social/post/3m7ilrfdwhb2g


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