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.
“Global Temperature Set to Surpass 1.5C Threshold in Hottest Year on Record…
“The average global temperature reached 1.62C above pre-industrial levels in November, according to the EU-funded Copernicus Climate Change Service, surpassing the symbolic 1.5C level…”
“Climate scientists will spend years debating this enormous Absorbed Solar Radiation & Earth Energy Imbalance increase.
“Some will call it a strong aerosol forcing, some a climate feedback, some ‘the pattern effect’.
“The effect is the same = more heat accumulating faster, accelerating regional and global warming.”
https://x.com/LeonSimons8/status/1866135759914414138
“Drylands now make up 40% of land on Earth, excluding Antarctica, study says…
“An area of land nearly a third larger than India has turned from humid conditions to dryland – arid areas where agriculture is difficult – in the past three decades, research has found.”
“Poleward freshwater fish are outperforming their equatorial counterparts amid climate change, study finds.
“Freshwater fish populations that dwell nearer the poles are outperforming their equatorial counterparts, researchers have found. Large-bodied migratory species such as Atlantic salmon are thriving as warming temperatures open up new habitats at the poleward edge of their ranges.”
https://phys.org/news/2024-12-poleward-freshwater-fish-outperforming-equatorial.html
“How climate change is already affecting the Barents Sea…
“”Svalbard is melting as we watch,” says Eldevik. “This is because Svalbard is fixed geographically, while the climate zone is shifting northeastward toward the Arctic Ocean.””
“Tesla lobbied UK to strengthen rules on carbon emissions from cars and lorries…
“Tesla argued that “continued progress and further strengthening of the zero-emission vehicle mandate is needed” because quicker sales of new electric cars will mean the used electric car market will develop at a faster pace.”
“Storm Darragh leaves UK’s biggest solar farm in pieces.
“Hundreds of panels at the giant 190-acre Porth Wen solar farm in Anglesey, North Wales – only built two years ago – were blown off their mountings, some ripped to shreds.”
“[UK] mince pie prices jump 40 per cent after poor sultana harvest…
“It comes after two consecutive years of bad harvests in Turkey, the largest producer of sultanas, which is a key ingredient in a mince pie, along with other dried fruits and spices.”
“Climate change: How Alpine ski resorts are adapting to the end of the ‘white gold’ era.
“As a result of climate change, low- and medium altitude ski resorts are becoming less attractive in winter. With the help of ten pilot areas, BeyondSnow is preparing them for ‘after the snow’.”
“Glacier melt leads to redrawing of the Italian-Swiss border…
“The fear of losing snow highlights the underlying issue behind redrawing this border: mountain environments on both sides are becoming more hazardous due to climate change. In both Switzerland and Italy, melting permafrost is leading to rockslides that threaten communities and more frequent extreme floods.”
https://phys.org/news/2024-12-glacier-redrawing-italian-swiss-border.html
“South Africa’s climate battle: mining district exposes gaps in emissions control…
“One official said, “We just don’t have the resources to deal with these problems.” There was no specific mention in the available documents of a formal request to the National Treasury for funds specifically to implement a climate project.”
“Pretoria braces for another week of heatwave conditions…
“According to Vox Weather, the heatwave continues to grip parts of North West, Limpopo, the Free State, the Eastern Cape, and the Northern Cape this Monday and is expected to return to Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and the rest of Limpopo from Tuesday.”
“43.0 [109.4F] at Mababe BOTSWANA HOTTEST DECEMBER DAY IN HISTORY.
“Incredible Minimums 27/30C in the highlands at 1000m+ above sea level… Hundreds of records coming next 2 weeks in a dozen countries… Hottest day in history at Omaruru, NAMIBIA; 41.9C at an altitude of 1220m asl…”
https://x.com/extremetemps/status/1865428508304191820
“At least 15 people have died and 113 others are still missing after landslides buried homes in six villages in eastern Uganda, police said.
“The landslides happened after heavy rains on Wednesday night in the mountainous district of Bulambuli…”
“Kenya Growth Forecast Lowered Due to Floods, Protests.
“The East African nation’s 2024 economic growth outlook was trimmed to 4.7% from a 5% forecast back in June. Floods and anti-government protests are weighing on output, along with the government’s push for fiscal consolidation through tighter spending.”
“Climate-change-battered Seychelles takes part in Hague case.
“The Seychelles, a small island nation off the east coast of Africa, is among the countries participating in a climate change hearing taking place through December 13 at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands.”
https://www.voaafrica.com/a/climate-change-battered-seychelles-takes-part-in-hague-case/7892629.html
“Small island nations face climate-induced ‘catastrophe’, warn experts.
“The 65 million people living in the world’s small island nations face “catastrophe” from the health impacts of climate breakdown, say experts behind a Lancet Countdown report.”
“What Made Cyclone Fengal So Devastating [SE India and Sri Lanka] Despite Its Low Intensity?
“…The main reason for Fengal’s destructive impact was its movement. The cyclone moved at a slow pace, at times travelling at less than 6 km/h while still over the sea. After landfall, it remained stationary for nearly 12 hours, which is highly unusual for cyclones.”
“Urgent action required to tackle ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar after Typhoon Yagi.
“Myanmar is facing a deepening humanitarian crisis as it struggles to recover from the devastating impact of Typhoon Yagi in September, which caused severe flooding and landslides affecting over 1.1 million people across 70 townships.”
“Nepal is bearing brunt of climate change impacts in disproportionate manner: Foreign Minister Deuba…
““We are having to bear the brunt of the impacts of climate change in a disproportionate manner. In fact, we are paying for a bad ‘karma’ we did not create,” Deuba stressed.”
“Over 140 evacuated as forest fire rages in SW China’s Sichuan.
“More than 140 people were evacuated after a forest fire broke out Monday afternoon in a village in Yajiang county, Southwest China’s Sichuan province, local authorities said Tuesday. Over 300 rescue personnel are trying to put out the fire, according to local firefighters.”
https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202412/10/WS6757b287a310f1265a1d2159.html
“Study: Global warming fueled fatal downpour in Ishikawa [Noto, Japan].
“The amount of rain that fell on Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, over a 24-hour period on that day was 412 millimeters [16.2 inches], a record level that far exceeded the previous high… The team believes the rise in air and sea surface temperatures increased the amount of rain.”
https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15543671
“Up to 500mm [20 inches of] rain forecast to hit central Vietnam in coming days.
“Torrential rains with precipitation of up to 500mm are predicted to smash parts of central Vietnam for several days from Tuesday, while the northern region may see a cold spell…”
“Dangerous Sweatshops.
“An expansive study conducted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) examining garment manufacturing hubs in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Vietnam has raised significant concerns about the rising exposure of workers to extreme heat and wet-bulb conditions.”
https://www.nation.com.pk/10-Dec-2024/dangerous-sweatshops
“Climate change hits Jeju island’s mandarin oranges.
“The pillar mandarin orange sector on South Korea’s Jeju island is facing mounting challenges as climate change disrupts traditional cultivation practices, with prolonged tropical nights and rising temperatures delaying harvests and impacting fruit quality…”
https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202412/09/WS67565faaa310f1265a1d1e0e.html
“Wettest November on record: What’s behind the rainy weather in Singapore?
“With a total rainfall of 419mm, November surpassed the previous record of 390.1mm set in the same month in 1992, the agency said. This represents an increase of 47.4 per cent from the average November rainfall of 284.3mm in previous years.”
“On Dec. 7, 2024, temperatures peaked at 36.2°C [97.2F] in Paya Lebar, Singapore.
“This is Singapore’s highest daily maximum temperature ever recorded for December, The National Environment Agency (NEA) wrote in a Facebook post.”
https://mothership.sg/2024/12/paya-lebar-record-breaking-heat/
“Deadly landslides, flash floods hit Indonesia’s Java island…
“Torrential rains since last week caused rivers to burst their banks, tearing through more than 170 villages in the Sukabumi district of West Java province, as mud, rocks and trees tumbled down mountainside hamlets…”
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/10/deadly-landslides-flash-floods-hit-indonesias-java-island
“ENDLESS RECORD HEAT IN INDONESIA.
“Hottest night in history at Gorontalo (Borneo) with a min of 26.4C [79.5F]. Hottest December night at Tanjung Selor min. 25.6C. Double record at Singekp (Riau Islands) min. 26.8 max. 34.2: Both are records high for December.”
https://x.com/extremetemps/status/1866362208495755696
“HISTORIC DAY IN COCOS ISLANDS (Australian Territory in the Indian Ocean).
“33.2 [91.8F] HOTTEST DAY IN CLIMATIC HISTORY for any month. The following night Minimum 27.2C, hottest December night in history.”
https://x.com/extremetemps/status/1865629088737849632
“Brisbane’s warmest pair of December nights on record.
“With a Monday morning minimum of 25.3°C followed by 25.1°C this Tuesday, Brisbane just sweated through its warmest pair of December nights on record.”
https://www.weatherzone.com.au/news/brisbanes-warmest-pair-of-december-nights-on-record/1890190
“Up to three insect species become extinct in Australia every week, report says…
“More than 9,000 invertebrate species have disappeared since European colonisation, with another 39 to 148 species predicted to become extinct in 2024 despite the Australian government’s pledge to prevent all extinctions.”
“Heavy rains cause damage in 25 municipalities in Santa Catarina [Brazil].
“The heavy rains that hit Santa Catarina have caused flooding and flash floods in several regions of the state. The number of affected municipalities has risen to 25, with more than 1,300 people impacted by flooding and landslides.”
“Volcafe Slashes Brazil Arabica Coffee Outlook on Severe Drought…
“Brazil “had the potential of moving the global supply and demand equilibrium back into a much-needed surplus,” Volcafe said. “However, the results of our crop tour indicate significantly high levels of blossom failure.””
“EXCEPTIONAL HEAT IN MEXICO AND THE CARIBBEAN:
“Stifling hot nights with unprecedented record for December: Highest Tmins for 26.6 ST MAARTEN and 26.1 ANGUILLA. 33.4c CURACAO Hottest December day in history for the 3rd time this month… In Mexico summer in winter in the highlands with temperatures of 35C at 1000m asl…”
https://x.com/extremetemps/status/1866289427687047340
“It’s almost winter, but much of the U.S. is still unusually dry…
“Even after a polar plunge, a bomb cyclone and atmospheric river, and heavy lake-effect snow, over 71 percent of the United States was still facing abnormally dry conditions as of early December.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2024/12/08/us-drought-conditions-dry-winter-precipitation/
“Fall 2024 was nation’s warmest on record [US].
“Last month wrapped up a record-warm meteorological fall across the U.S. This year-to-date period is also running as the nation’s warmest on record, according to scientists from NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI).”
https://www.noaa.gov/news/fall-2024-was-nations-warmest-on-record
“A ‘doom loop’ of climate change and geopolitical instability is beginning…
“Climate change is making geopolitics less stable, which harms climate action. This will worsen climate change, meaning more geopolitical instability, and so on. The risk is that this “doom loop” runs faster and faster…”
“EU should ban space mirrors and other solar geoengineering, scientists say [I know readers will be divided on this one]…
“Monday’s report, authored by the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors to the European Commission, found the “deep uncertainties” of solar geoengineering were inconsistent with the EU’s precautionary principle and its responsibility to do no harm.”
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You can read the previous “Climate” thread here. I’ll be back tomorrow with an “Economic” thread.
Sometimes, you just have to read the words in the links to get the full absurdity.
From the anti-doom loop profs:
Instead, if communities and countries are better protected from climate impacts and can feel the benefits of climate action, then they might be more likely to support a fossil fuel phase out even when the going gets tough.
Escalating climate shocks mean we need to do much more to adapt to climate change and protect people and places. We also need to remember this adaptation enables us to better mitigate climate change itself. This will be essential to avoiding the doom loop of derailment.
Back to reality: a “fossil fuel phase out” is as likely and in the works as Bruce Springsteen’s “Tenth Avenue Freeze Out.”
Also, we are admonished by the profs to “better remember” something something hopium.
Still, eco-profs are now trying brand-marketing that co-opts and greenwashes doomer-adjacent concepts, as in the fake collapseology in the term “doom loop of derailment.” Adaptation, mitigation; mitigation, adaptation – it’s all the same not-happening bullshit.
From the age of the dinosaurs
Cars have run on gasoline
Where? Where have they gone?
Now it’s nothing but flowers
…There was a shopping mall
Now it’s all covered with flowers
You’ve got it, you’ve got
…I fell in love
With the beautiful highway
This used to be real estate
Now it’s only fields and trees
Where? Where is the town?
Now it’s nothing but flowers
…The highways and cars
Were sacrificed for agriculture
I thought that we’d start over
But I guess I was wrong
…Once there were parking lots
Now it’s a peaceful oasis
You’ve got it, you’ve got it
This was a Pizza Hut
Now it’s all covered with daisies
You’ve got it, you’ve got it
I miss the honky tonks
Dairy Queens, and 7-Elevens
You’ve got it, you’ve got it
And as things fell apart
Nobody paid much attention
You’ve got it, you’ve got it
….
We used to microwave
Now we just eat nuts and berries
You’ve got it, you’ve got it
This was a discount store
Now it’s turned into a cornfield
You’ve got it, you’ve got it
Don’t leave me stranded here
I can’t get used to this lifestyle
…On (Nothing But) Flowers, David Byrne wryly examines man’s unwillingness to compromise convenience and comfort for natural harmony,
Someone on YouTube took the trouble of piecing together video clips that are entertaining to the eye with this song …
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UO7-HfM71GQ&pp=ygUhdGFsa2luZyBoZWFkcyBwYXJraW5nIGxvdCBkYWlzaWVz
Somehow, I can relate to the lyrics…
Thanks again for the reports, Justin,….see Ted Kaczynski s name is being brought up in the news, wonder why?
You got it…You got it..
You are welcome, Vince. That is an interesting track; thematically it’s kind of an inversion of Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi”:
““(Nothing But) Flowers” is sung from the perspective of a man who misses the conveniences of modern “civilization,” after it is destroyed and reclaimed by nature and the shopping malls are “all covered in flowers”.”
https://www.science.smith.edu/climatelit/nothing-but-flowers-by-talking-heads/
Martin, unfortunately it is. I guess the article is half right in that the spirit of international co-operation required to address systemic threats is palpably waning… but, as you say, fossil fuel phase outs and the “rapid, positive change” mentioned in the article are pie in the sky.
That is a great Bruce Springsteen track, btw. I’ve been listening to this sombre number about the Youngstown steel mill closures of the 70’s recently:
“Taconite, coke and limestone
Fed my children and made my pay
Then smokestacks reachin’ like the arms of god
Into a beautiful sky of soot and clay”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajtqOCf_vCs
thanks for the track…. I made a series in the 80/90 in whole Europe at the end of the era of steel and coal
The convergence of climate and economy: hitting home.
So my husband and I are caught up in a climate-induced property insurance nightmare. Due to the ongoing drought, our county (and others) has been designated a wildfire risk. For property owners like us who live outside a municipality (in the country as we say) the insurance companies have modified their underwriting policies to include draconian “minimum” requirements. Such as a 5 foot dead zone around the perimeter of all structures, basically a rock, dirt or paved path encircling the house. And a 30 foot defendable area beyond that. Any wood structures, like fences or decks within the dead zone need to be removed or replaced with metal or wire. Firewood stored 30 feet away. Any tree limbs crossing the dead zone removed.
Just a partial list. We have four houses- ours and three others, two are Airbnb, one long term. The two will be without policies as of the 15th as no one will insure them without the new criteria met. One house has 200 year old Texas live oak trees in the zone.
These properties are the bulk of our investments, something we planned on supporting us during our last years as we have little faith in the US social security system. It’s depressing. And living in a red state makes it worse.
First world problems and all that…
Texas Guy, that is an absolute pisser, as we say on this side of the pond. First world problems, perhaps, but still the sort of stuff that keeps you up at night.
It sounds like you’ve got no choice but to implement those draconian requirements. Or can you get away with continuing to rent those properties out uninsured and just hope that no fires come your way? Neither sounds ideal. 😕
And the fun never ends. All houses are paid in full except one and the mortgage co requires fire ins. Our options are: sell, take a loan on our house (which is insured) or sell some retirement accounts to pay off loan. Paying off the loan is a real pisser as the rate is very good. Regardless, the houses will have no fire ins and we’ll continue to make changes to the landscape to reduce risk. We’ve already spent thousands of dollars, but as the saying goes it’s only money. Many more people will be facing all sorts of impacts as mother nature collects on the debt of extravagances of the human species as all your roundups detail.
I’m sure I can’t be alone in doomer circles in occasionally harbouring the foolish thought – “Well, at least when society collapses I won’t have to deal with bloody mortgages and insurance companies.”
Ack!!! I’m so sorry to hear this. I’m kind of dreading what my home insurance will be next renewsl since I was in the bull’s-eye of hurricane Helene. First world problems, yes, but still a huge stressor on you.
Hi Texas Guy
I was pretty mortified over insurance for buildings after disasters in USA after watching a PBS documentary.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZtXYXBEIn4
I would sell the houses under threat and buy some elsewhere – check out which appear the safest places (for the time being) across the states?
‘EU’s responsibility to do no harm …”
Talking of absurdity … France, which I believe is in the EU, is surpassed in arms manufacturing by only Russia and the US, (and perhaps the UK) so one wonders how exporting vast quantities of weapons of mass destruction fits in with that empty bromide.
Rob, apparently Italy and Spain also make the top ten. The French government owns Nexter and has stakes in Dassault, Safran, Thalès et al, so it is not just the free market doing its thing.
https://abc7.com/live-updates/malibu-fire-wildfire-los-angeles-area-pepperdine-university-spreads-amid-strong-santa-ana-winds-red-flag-warning/15634926/
In the meantime ivy leaque school Pepperdine university is being threatened by this fast moving fire.
Thank you, Heather. I was a bit distracted putting this thread together and was annoyed at myself afterwards for not including the Malibu fire, so I’m glad you’ve flagged it.
https://youtu.be/dZwfD6bm7Qk?si=CCOj0dWIeHJCYFZt
Energy and ai and data centers good luck with a drying up colorado river and declining groundwater reserves. I have a flying unicorn to sell you!
Musk is a horror story.
Space X
https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/spacex-musk-safety/
Cyber truck company in Texas
https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/21/23971138/tesla-gigafactory-austin-texas-injury-reports-robot-claw-explosion
It appears he hardly follows any health and safety laws or environmental laws – so I assume he will be saving the USA money by ripping them up for everyone?
Mad Hatter, just a heads up that comments with more than one link automatically get held in moderation by WordPress.
Today’s climate report is not nearly depressing enough. 😉
For all those that are having problems, things are only going to get worse.
But that’s alright, it’s what was chosen. Better enjoy the good times because the future will make today look like a picnic in the park.
For redundancy’s sake; It never had to be like this.
To paraphrase a question from reddit:
What song would you play upon your imminent demise?
Now I’ll spend all night looking for the right title.
Think! Think! Think!
Epiphany! Living with this egotistical, hypocritical, willfully ignorant species – “Bridge of Sighs” by Robin Trower. That gives me a sad.
The Dream’s in the Ditch.
https://youtu.be/MNnxdLY4Dss?si=DbVZEhN9_5Ai-57P
Philip, that is catchy as hell. Think it will have to go on my working out playlist.
TR, I had to Google Robin Trower but of course I have heard of his former band, Procul Harum. The song reminded me just a tiny bit of Gary Moore’s “Still Got the Blues” but with a rougher, more psychedelic edge.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dWDM0k3OE8
“Climate scientists will spend years debating this enormous Absorbed Solar Radiation & Earth Energy Imbalance increase.” – Now there’s an optimist for you!
You know you’re turning doomer when a co-author of “Global Warming in the Pipeline” starts sounding like a raving optimist. 😂