Thank you, all, for bearing with me in my absence, and huge thanks to August’s sponsor, who wishes to remain anonymous. At his request, I’m sharing a link to his brief but fascinating essay about Shakespeare’s The Tempest and the origins of Britain’s enslavement of Africans. He welcomes feedback in the comments section.
“Earth’s oceans just hit their hottest temperature ever—it’s only going to get worse…
“Average ocean temperatures hit a record 21.10 degrees Celsius (69.98 degrees Fahrenheit) on August 22, according to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service… The previous high, with a temperature of 21.09 degrees C (69.96 degrees F), occurred in March 2024.”
“Study suggests that climate change is intensifying El Ninos…
“El Ninos are more than 36% stronger than they were before the industrial age began in the mid 1800s, with a 16% jump in just the last 40 years showing that the increase is accelerating, according to a study in Thursday’s journal Science.”
“It’s an incredible 4.32°C degrees warmer than average in the Niño 1+2 region near Peru and Ecuador — closing in on the all-time record of 4.67°C set in 1983.
“In the central Pacific’s Niño 3.4 region, daily records have been set for 88 straight days. This El Niño means business.” [Ben Noll]
https://x.com/BenNollWeather/status/2092982971406197171
“The latest data for the global surface temperature has August 26th at 1.81°C above the 1850-1900 pre-industrial baseline.
“As a reminder, the rest of the year has to average 1.84°C or more above the baseline for 2026 to become the hottest year on record.” [Prof Elliot Jacobson]
https://x.com/EliotJacobson/status/2093305985121309177
“Permafrost in rapid decline across the globe.
“A new global study has revealed that permafrost is degrading across the globe at an unprecedented rate, with some mountain regions experiencing active layer thickening at more than 36cm per year… The active layer has increased significantly at 55% of Arctic sites and 38% of Antarctic sites between 2000 and 2024.”
https://environmentjournal.online/headlines/permafrost-in-rapid-decline-across-the-globe/
“Siberia’s methane emissions have surged, and wildfires are only half the story…
“Since 2010, methane out of the region has risen about 5% a year, a new analysis estimates. By 2020 the annual total was more than double what it had been in 2010. That is warming making its own methane, on top of what people emit.”
https://www.earth.com/climate/siberian-methane-emissions/
“The total area of forest fires in Russia has reached the size of a small European country..
“The area burned by fire since the beginning of this year has reached 5 million hectares, equaling the territory of Slovakia, the Republic of Dagestan, and the Smolensk region… the total area of 4,5 million hectares has already been exceeded by half a million hectares compared to the same period last year.”
https://nemoskva.net/en/2026/08/27/ploshhad-lesnyh-pozharov-v-rossii-dostigla-5-mln-gektarov/
“Netherlands records warmest summer on record…
“The average temperature over the past three months at the institute’s main station in De Bilt reached 19.3C (66.7F), according to Dutch public broadcaster NOS. The figure surpassed the previous record of 18.9C (66.02F), registered in 2018.”
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/netherlands-records-warmest-summer-on-record/4038764
“Strict rules on French cheesemaking relaxed as farmers battle record heat and drought.
“Depleted grasslands have forced farmers to temporarily supplement their cows’ diets with feed from elsewhere. Widespread drought and record-breaking heatwaves have forced France to relax some of its famously strict rules on cheese production…”
“”It was the apocalypse”: a violent hailstorm hits the town of Pouligney-Lusans in the Doubs [France]…
“In Pouligney-Lusans, a town located between Besançon and Baume-les-Dames, particularly intense hailstorms fell around 7 p.m. The damage is very significant according to the mayor of the commune Jonathan Mesnier and the firefighters, contacted by ICI Besançon.”
“Southern Germany lashed by strong winds and supercell storms on Friday.
“The German weather service (DWD) warned of heavy rain, gale force winds and hail with hailstones up to 6 centimetres in diameter. Photos from the region showed fallen trees on broken rooftops, over railway tracks and on roads.”
“86-year-old hiker receives lost backpack 63 years after he fell into Austrian glacier…
“His long-lost belongings were preserved in glacial ice, but its melting led to their discovery last month when a hiker stumbled upon a backpack, an ice axe, a camera, and a pipe dating from the 1950s or 1960s, Austrian authorities said.”
https://globalnews.ca/news/12039275/lost-backpack-returned-60-years-later-austria
“Violent hailstorm, grains like golf balls: cars massacred and tourists fleeing [italy].
“A very violent hailstorm hit yesterday, around 5.30 pm, in the territory of Abano, a town in the province of Padua. The sky suddenly black, a very strong storm, then the hailstones as big as golf balls.”
“Mussel die-off in Emilia-Romagna due to heat, farms issue SOS.
“Emilia-Romagna mussel farms are issuing an SOS due to a major die-off caused by high temperatures and the resulting critical conditions of marine habitats, which has already decimated the local clam industry.”
“Fifth heat wave, shocking temperatures: eight degrees above average [Sardinia; some record hot nights]…
“Lucifer’s grip is relentless, and yesterday it brought temperatures up to 46 [114.8F] degrees Celsius. The thermometer stopped at 45.8, recording the highest reading in Jerzu, in the heart of Ogliastra, while in Cagliari it reached 40.”
“MEDITERRANEAN HEAT WAVE:
“RECORDS TODAY – ITALY MONTHLY RECORDS – 45.8 Capo San Lorenzo, 45.6 Sigonella, 40.1 Viterbo, 38.1 Fiumicino AP… BOSNIA, 40.2 [104.4F] Jajce all time record.” [Extreme Temps]
https://x.com/extremetemps/status/2093406433077239982
“Photos show European fishers on the brink as summer drought parches rivers, lakes and farms.
“Persistent drought and scorching heat this summer have ravaged ecosystems and businesses across the region, from a lake in Slovenia and the side channel of the Danube in Serbia, to fish farms in Bosnia, the Czech Republic, Romania and Hungary.”
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/serbia-bosnia-czech-republic-romania-hungary-b3041386.html
“Sea off Málaga Cools from 28°C to 16°C in a Week — New Record Set…
“…the record-cold water appeared [due to sudden upwelling] off Málaga at precisely the moment the Mediterranean as a whole is experiencing record heat. As of Tuesday, August 25, the average sea surface temperature across the Mediterranean stood at 28.3°C — 1.8°C above normal.”
https://aroundprague.cz/en/news/sea-off-m-laga-cools-from-28-c-to-16-c-in-a-week-new-record-set
“Algeria continues to battle wildfires that have officially killed 12 people and injured 54 others across the provinces of Jijel, Bejaia, and Tizi Ouzou.
“However, social media reports say the toll is much higher… According to Algeria 360, citing the Civil Protection, authorities recorded 174 fires between Thursday and Friday morning, including fires affecting forests, agricultural land, palm groves, and haystacks.”
“EXTRAORDINARY 50 DEGREES [122F]. MOST EXTREME HEAT WAVE IN AFRICA HISTORY.
“All-time records: ALGERIA – 49.4 Tarf, 48.6 Annaba etc. TUNISIA – 49.2 Beja, 47.0 Siliana etc… 33.4 Bilma HOTTEST AUGUST NIGHT EVER RECORDED IN NIGER… 46.8C Faya HOTTEST AUGUST DAY IN CHAD HISTORY (after the 47C record in July)… 29.8 Dori HOTTEST AUGUST NIGHT EVER IN BURKINA FASO.” [Extreme Temps]
https://x.com/extremetemps/status/2092693225152680191
“EXTRAORDINARY 43 DEGREES IN WINTER – ONE OF THE MOST EXTREME EVENTS IN WORLD HISTORY:
“Mind blowing winter heat in NAMIBIA – 42.5 [108.5F] at Walvis Bay AP right on the ocean is HOTTEST WINTER DAY EVER RECORDED IN SOUTHERN AFRiCA.” [Extreme Temps]
https://x.com/extremetemps/status/2091901847271264745
“Dramatic weather hits Saudi Arabia as lightning illuminates Mecca, sandstorm engulfs Medina.
“Dramatic weather conditions swept across Saudi Arabia, with lightning illuminating the skies over Mecca during thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, while strong winds brought a dust and sandstorm to Medina.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKbE-3DcsC4
“Aerial footage of the floods that struck neighborhoods in Taif [Saudi Arabia]…
“Heavy rains are flooding the Al-Wesam neighborhood in Taif today, and flash floods are sweeping away several vehicles.”
[Arab Storms]
https://x.com/Arab_Storms/status/2092697636486979646
“India: Data centers boom as water supply runs low.
“More than half of India’s data centers are located in water-stressed regions, according to a recent report by World Resources Institute (WRI) India. The city of Ghaziabad is one of the regions where groundwater remains overexploited.”
https://www.dw.com/en/india-data-centers-boom-as-water-supply-runs-low/a-78335533
“A massive glacier collapse triggered the deadly Nepal Tibet disaster.
“Some background: The glaciers in this Langtang region have lost ~41% of their area since ~1815 – and the rate of loss has increased 4X since the 1970s – as these high elevations warm roughly twice as fast as the global average. ” [Jeff Berardelli]
https://x.com/WeatherProf/status/2093102202982215720
“Search-and-rescue operations halted as another dam collapses along Nepal-China border.
“A dam has collapsed for the second time in two days in the Himalayan region along the Nepal-China border… Nepali authorities suspended rescue operations and ordered on-site personnel and residents to evacuate immediately after the latest incident.”
“On the evening of August 27, Panyu District in Guangzhou [south China, nr Hong Kong] experienced 260mm [10.2 inches] of rainfall in 6 hours due to thunderstorms, causing flooding on some roads.”
[Jim Yang]
https://x.com/yangyubin1998/status/2093332761327317214
“The water level in Ningming, Guangxi [south China], rose to its highest point today, exceeding the warning level by 7.69 meters and surpassing the historical record by 1.07 meters!”
[Jim Yang]
https://x.com/yangyubin1998/status/2092254586480496855
“Repeated Typhoons Deepen Congestion at Shanghai and Ningbo Ports…
“The latest disruption comes from Typhoon Saudel, following earlier closures caused by Typhoons Bavi and Dolphin during July and August. With ports repeatedly suspending operations and vessels falling behind schedule, congestion has continued to build across two of the world’s most important container shipping hubs.”
https://www.beckchoice.co.uk/news/repeated-typhoons-deepen-congestion-at-shanghai-and-ningbo-ports
“How typhoons and extreme weather could undermine Taiwan Strait combat readiness.
“The record heat and extreme weather seen across East Asia this summer have prompted warnings that climate change will be an increasing challenge for military planners focused on potential flashpoints such as the Taiwan Strait.”
“Record rain floods 20 rivers in Japan’s Ishikawa, Toyama prefs, triggers landslides…
“According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, over the 12 hours through 9 a.m. on Aug. 27, rainfall reached 317.5 millimeters in Hakui, Ishikawa Prefecture, and 317 mm in Himi, Toyama Prefecture. Both figures were record highs, with rain equivalent to about 1.7 times the average August total in each location falling in a short period.”
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260828/p2a/00m/0na/025000c
“JAPAN RECORD HEAT. Record heat never ends in Japan:
“Hundreds of records have fallen non-stop since mid July. Terribly hot and humid nights and more – ALL TIME HIGH MINIMUMS RECORDS: 28.8 [83.8F] Arikawa, 28.7 Yamaguchi, 28.2 Kudamatsu, 27.6 Tomogashima Island. September will smash every record!” [Extreme Temps]
https://x.com/extremetemps/status/2093254740163346510
“Sea-ing red: Marine heat wave days nearly quadruple, 4.8 million fish dead [South Korea].
“The seas around Korea are running a fever. Marine heat waves have occurred 3.7 times as often over the past decade as the long-term average. The prolonged heat is already taking a mounting toll on fish farms and marine ecosystems.”
“HISTORIC HEAT IN THAILAND:
“MINIMUM 30.2C [86.4F] Tak is HOTTEST AUGUST NIGHT EVER RECORDED IN THAILAND. Broken a dozen times already this month (14 times that of August)… Since early 2023, Thailand has been breaking and rebreaking every record non-stop.” [Extreme Temps]
https://x.com/extremetemps/status/2092578894956106125
“Climate Change and Financial Losses Force Farmers to Cut Cassava Planting Up to 40% [Cambodia]…
“Rising temperatures and lowland flooding are harming cassava crops, with cultivation land declining by up to 40 percent, prompting farmers to scale back cultivation and shift to higher ground despite improving market prices.”
“EXTRAORDINARY HEAT WAVE IN SE ASIA:
“HOTTEST AUGUST NIGHT EVER IN INDONESIA – 25.6 [78.1F] Padang. AUGUST RECORDS: 38.0 Phattalung THAILAND… HIGHEST MINIMUMS MALAYSIA – 26.7 Kuching, 26.4 Kuala Trengganu, 26.3 Alor Setar.” [Extreme Temps]
https://x.com/extremetemps/status/2091503509086577018
“‘Everything is covered in ash’: Indonesia wildfires leave people in crisis.
“As wildfires burn across Indonesia, forcing schools to close and thousands to seek medical treatment for exposure to thick haze and ash, locals in West Kalimantan say the situation is more serious than it has been in years.”
“EXTRAORDINARY HEAT IN THE PHILIPPINES:
“Another MINIMUM of 29.0C [84.2F] at Infanta is HOTTEST AUGUST NIGHT EVER RECORDED IN THE PHILIPPINES. Record broken and tied already several times this month.” [Extreme Temps]
https://x.com/extremetemps/status/2092904840196170132
“LUBAO, Pampanga, Philippines — The provincial government of Pampanga ordered a mass evacuation of residents living in danger zones after heavy rain spawned by the southwest monsoon caused damage to the Sta. Rita Dam…
“Gov. Lilia Pineda issued the order after the dam failed to contain the water, triggering flooding in several areas.”
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2026/08/29/2552489/heavy-rains-damage-pampanga-dam
“Spring scorcher to follow record warm winter for Australia’s south-east capitals…
“For Sydney and Melbourne, winter has been the warmest on record, with a mean temperature above all previous years in the Bureau of Meteorology’s (BOM) meteorological history for both cities dating back to the 1850s. Canberra also saw its highest ever winter temperatures…”
“Tanker pays record $5.3m to transit Panama Canal amid El Niño drought.
“A tanker carrying liquefied petroleum gas paid a record $5.3 million (€4.5 million) for priority passage through the Panama Canal ahead of El Niño-related restrictions, the waterway’s deputy administrator told AFP on Thursday.”
“Record heat again in Lima, PERU:
“28.8C [83.8F] yesterday in La Molina Station, it’s a new metropolitan record of the August highest temperature in history. Previously this month, the maritime Callao Int. Airport also broke its August record with 25.7C.”
https://x.com/extremetemps/status/2092368453197803813
“Peru Is Losing a Battle Against Illegal Gold Mining in Its Rainforests.
“As wealthy people and governments seek refuge in gold from inflation, wars and geopolitical instability, the heyday of the precious metal has turned mining into such a magnet that, since last year, illegal miners have deforested an area equivalent to roughly 700 soccer fields within Tambopata…”
“Strong storm in Santa Fe: trucks overturned on the roads and the alert for storms with hail remains in place [Argentina]…
“The Zonda wind caused the overturning of approximately 10 trucks, to which they continue to evaluate the magnitude of the damage caused by the storm: “The trucks were left on the side of the road because the weather affected traffic; the most affected is the urban area”.”
“SOUTH AMERICA – 42 DEGREES [107.6F] IN WINTER… 42.0C at Villamontes, Bolivia yesterday.
“Today more heat and more winter records: 40.8C Nova Xavantina, Brasil, 40.0C again at Robore, Bolivia.”
[Extreme Temps]
https://x.com/extremetemps/status/2093498339073392668
“EXTRAORDINARY RECORD – 39.6C [103.2F] yesterday in the famous tourist town of Santa Marta COLOMBIA. It destroys in pieces its ALL TIME RECORD.
“Over 220 countries and territories (>95% of the total) are breaking heat records these weeks. There has never been anything like this.” [Extreme Temps]
https://x.com/extremetemps/status/2091070963383259359
“CARIBBEAN RECORD HEAT:
“Record heat keeps sweeping the Caribbean. No country or island has been sparred by heat records, except for Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao (but only for now). Tonight it was BARBADOS’ turn: the MIN. of 27.5C [81.5F] in The Int. AP was the highest ever recorded in August.” [Extreme Temps]
https://x.com/extremetemps/status/2092276435457130940
“Extreme Ocean Heatwave South Florida. Coral rescues are ongoing.
“NOAA: Highest Alert possible (Alert Level 2). Coral have now been under 17 weeks of heat stress, an event only 2nd to the unprecedented 2023 heatwave. If you are a diver/snorkeler like me you’ve seen first hand the damage to our ecosystem.” [Jeff Berardelli]
https://x.com/WeatherProf/status/2092971530493849847
“Ross Fire Burns 85,000 Acres: Flash Drought Whiplash Fuels North Texas Record.
“The Ross Fire, which ignited in Palo Pinto County on the afternoon of Monday, August 24, has burned 85,000 acres — approximately 133 square miles — across North Texas ranchland and was 26% contained as of Thursday evening, August 27, making it the second-largest wildfire in North Texas history.“
“I keep looking at these September forecasts [for the US] thinking: surely not again.
“July: hottest on record. August: certain to be hottest on record. September: now threatening the record. We may genuinely be staring at three consecutive record warm months across the CONUS. I can hardly believe what we’re watching unfold.” [The Global Warmer]
https://x.com/TheGlobalWarmer/status/2093422337399873653
“EXTRAORDINARY HOT NIGHTS – min 95F Phoenix and 92F Las Vegas tie their AUGUST HOTTEST NIGHTS IN HISTORY.
“Records in Mexico and Central America as well like the min 29.8C at Salina Cruz – hottest night ever.”
https://x.com/extremetemps/status/2093115719923707962
“Arizona heat shows no mercy to homeless families living in cars…
“When Valley temperatures hit a record high Wednesday, Candice Ortiz said despite working two jobs, her car was the best she could offer her family. She said they have been living this way for seven months. “There’s four of us. Sometimes, five,” Ortiz said.”
“Northern Nevada Public Health has declared a local public health emergency following the Hawk, Bug and Stallion fires.
“In a post on social media, they say the ash, debris and hazardous materials at properties destroyed or damaged by the fires can include chemicals, fuels, household products and other substances that may be toxic, cancer-causing, flammable, corrosive or reactive.”
“Nevada’s Colorado River Suit Previews Future Water-Scarcity Wars.
“A recent lawsuit challenging federally mandated cuts to Colorado River water use previews legal battles likely to intensify as river basins providing water for millions begin to dry up amid climate change and increasing water demand in the West.”
“Extreme weather has cost California farmers over $800 million this year.
“This year’s snow levels in the Northern Sierra and Cascade mountains fell to 0% of their typical June average. These snow packs are needed each year to melt slowly throughout the summer and fall providing crucial water supply to the state.”
“Incredibly impressive humidity at LAX today.
“Los Angeles reached a 73°F dew point, tying the highest hourly dew point ever observed there, with records extending back to 1931. Even more remarkably, 5 separate all-time hourly dew point records were set or tied today. Truly tropical air for coastal Southern California.” [Extreme Temps]
https://x.com/TheGlobalWarmer/status/2093146525928931713
“Fire crews battling the Cave Fire in Idaho encountered a massive fire whirl Wednesday near Kuna.
“Some call the phenomenon a “firenado.” Some crew members said it was the largest firenado they have ever seen.”
https://www.wrdw.com/2026/08/29/firenado-spotted-during-wildfire/
“Trump official faces inquiry over claims he diverted wildfire resources to his own property.
“Donald Trump’s administration is facing calls to launch an investigation into allegations that Michael Boren, a senior official who oversees the US Forest Service, pressed agency staff to deploy additional resources to fight a fire burning near his Idaho ranch.”
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/28/trump-official-inquiry-diverted-wildfire-resources
“Trump rollback of US forest protections could accelerate extinction of 400 endangered species…
“The Trump administration moved last week to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, citing “outdated restrictions [that] have kept tens of millions of forested acres off-limits to the very treatments that improve forest health and reduce wildfire risk to our communities”.”
“COP31 President ‘encouraged by growing momentum’ ahead of Antalya Summit.
“COP31 President-Designate Murat Kurum has acknowledged the world faces both “challenges” and “opportunities” as it works to tackle the escalating climate crisis… Kurum emphasized that …working together with shared responsibility can deliver inclusive, practical, and ambitious climate outcomes.”
“What ‘The Odyssey’ can teach us about climate chaos.
“”The Odyssey” — a post-Trojan War survival story — is set during the Bronze Age collapse of civilization. A new study links that collapse to a severe climate shift. And the authors warn of “implications for the future.””
https://amp.dw.com/en/what-the-odyssey-can-teach-us-about-climate-chaos/a-78545407
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You can read the previous “Climate” thread here. I’ll be back on Monday with an “Economic” thread.
Welcome back Pan! We all missed you!
Welcome back Pan!
“”The Odyssey” — a post-Trojan War survival story — is set during the Bronze Age collapse of civilization. A new study links that collapse to a severe climate shift. And the authors warn of “implications for the future.””
Here’s the thing though, the Iliad and the Odyssey are not Bronze Age poems. Homer was writing during the Archaic period hundreds of years later. And the criticism some have somewhat justifiedly hurled at Nolan – that his interpretation is anachronistic – applies to Homer himself.
Homer describes the dead being burned, which is what the Greeks of his time did, but the Bronze Age Greeks buried them. He gives his heroes circular shields, which they wouldn’t have worn, and has them fight in phalanxes, which they wouldn’t have formed. Even the titles are wrong! Odysseus and Menelaus are described as ‘basileis’, which in Homer’s age meant ‘kings’, but in the Bronze Age a ‘basileus’ was a very minor official, like a village headman or the representative of a trade/craft guild. This is what happens when a society collapses and local authority is the only authority left. The next society that rises up from the ruins elevates its petty hidebound localism high up into the godlike serenity of the global. Except our own society will do no such thing. There will not be a Supreme Mayor of the Galactic Empire because we have used up all of our resurrection slots.
Anyway, the Odyssey is also anachronistic in the opposite direction. It’s source material is actually older than the Trojan War itself – an orally transmitted story from the Pontic-Caspian Steppe around 6000 BCE, about a man on an epic yet dangerous journey with a hot-as-balls damsel-in-distress on the other end of it. It has been told and re-told thousands of times for thousands of years with variations to match the place and time – the Mahabharata and Ramayana, the Homeric epics and now Christopher ‘the Acceptable Face of Conservatism in the Age of Drumpf’ Nolan. Nevertheless the conclusion is always the same – it wasn’t worth it, just like BAU.
jupiviv, you’ve been doing your homework! Funny, I’m sure I once saw myself in a story as a man on an epic (sort of) yet dangerous (maybe a little) journey with a hot-as-balls (she was) damsel-in-distress (I swear!) on the other end of it. Strangely, I remember it as worth it. Time cures a lot — while inevitably bringing new ills.
Very thankful for your return and hope your holiday was rejuvenating!
Thank you all for the warm welcome back. The trip was just the tonic, thanks.
London was, unsurprisingly, looking more desiccated than I’ve ever seen it. I took a long stroll around Hyde Park – the grass is tan in its dormancy; some of the trees are dying and they’re all shedding leaves like it’s autumn. Very sad.
It felt subtropical down there, like it’s no longer a temperate climate. My father grows oranges and lemons on his terrace. The neighbours have a banana tree in their garden, although it hasn’t fruited. And of course there are parakeets everywhere.
Jupiviv, that is fascinating re The Odyssey. I didn’t know that it was a derivative work. I wanted to see the movie in London but the timings didn’t work, so I found myself watching Spider-Man: Brand New Day instead. 🕷️ It was pretty good, actually. Tom Holland is charming in the lead role.
Thanks for the briefing, Pan. It’s great to have you back.
💚
PAN,
I’m disappointed, is this all the bad news you could find? 😉
Looks like the leopard of anthropogenic global warming is eating the faces of the ignorant apes.