“Record low Antarctic sea ice extent could signal shift… Earth’s frozen continent may be less impervious to climate change than thought…
“Antarctica encountered its first recorded heatwave in 2020, with an unprecedented 9.2C above the mean maximum, and in March a research center in eastern Antarctica saw temperatures soar 30 degrees above normal.”
“Massive wildfires raging in Russia are ‘already double last year’.
“Wildfires are raging in Russia, marking an early start to fire season across the vast expanses of Siberia. Video, published by The Siberian Times, showed a huge blaze in the Tyumen region of Western Siberia.”
“When it doesn’t rain in a rainforest: Climate scientists study Southeast Alaska drought…
“The region has recorded droughts in the past, but not as intense as this one…. There were significant impacts… Thoman says that pests and insects thrived, like the hemlock sawfly, which caused extensive damage. There were reports of water in streams being too warm for salmon to swim up and spawn.”
“Cherry farmers worried by unseasonably cold temperatures in British Columbia…
“Some cherry farmers in British Columbia are using helicopters to push warm air over their trees as unseasonably cool temperatures threaten this year’s cherry crop even before the fruit has formed.”
“Wildfire smoke in Pacific north-west erasing reductions in emissions.
“The billowing black smoke that has cloaked the US Pacific north-west during wildfire disasters in past years has caused atmospheric carbon monoxide levels to spike, with the contaminants offsetting recent reductions in emissions.”
“Ranchers Now Faced With Difficult Decisions As Drought and Wildfires Wage War on the Plains.
“High winds and eerily dry conditions across Kansas and the Southern Plains have created what’s been a battleground for continuous wildfires this year. The drought-plagued area was already showing severe signs of what little to no rain-fed water will do, but fires are also robbing ranchers of vital grass.”
“Aerial imagery reveals the grim reality of ongoing drought in Utah.
“With summer approaching and the passage of multiple bills focused on water conservation efforts, the minds of Utahns are turning to the ongoing drought and possible water restrictions. Images provided by Nearmap, an aerial imagery company, show before and after photos…”
“Why this windy and dry April is setting records in Southern Colorado…
“April has just hit a new record in Colorado Springs as of Tuesday, as it officially the driest April we have seen so far. We could exceed this record with more dry and windy days ahead for the rest of the week…”
“Colorado River named most endangered river in the U.S…
“The Upper Colorado Basin includes Wyoming, Colorado, and partially Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, while the Lower Colorado Basin includes other parts of Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, plus Nevada and California.”
“A towering ‘wall of fire’ whipped by high winds is forcing thousands to evacuate an Arizona tourist town, as Red Flag warnings for high-risk weather conditions cover much of the Southwest.
“The Tunnel Fire has grown to 6,000 acres since it began… The blaze remained at zero containment as of Tuesday evening.”
“If Canada is freezing, Mexico is boilingwith temperatures above 45C [113F] in the central plains, above 40C at 1000m and 35C near 2000m. The coast is not spared.
“The city port of Tapachula in Chiapas reached 40.6C [105.1F], its second hottest day ever; the record was set last year!“
“Animals battle heatwave with ice treats at Mexican zoo…
“Jaguars enjoyed popsicles made from rabbit meat or chicken and frozen blood with water. The treats hung from a tree so the animals could also play with them, encouraging physical activity. Yucatan black howler monkeys and spider monkeys received popsicles made from fruits and juice.”
“Glacier retreat in the Andes is bankrupting a billion-dollar corporation…
“Alto Maipo, a Chilean subsidiary of the American Fortune 500 Company AES Corporation, filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy [claiming] that decreasing electricity prices in Chile and the effects of climate change on its water supply make its current financial structure unsustainable.”
“Fires then floods: Argentina province under water months after blazes.
“Argentina’s northeastern province of Corrientes has been hit by widespread floods, leaving cattle fields under water and inundating roadways, just months after widespread wildfires ripped through the region and burned important wetlands.”
“World’s biggest carbon removal machine ‘freezes over’ in Iceland…
“As a result of the malfunctions in recent weeks, the Orca machine outside Reykjavik is running behind schedule and is still yet to hit its target of removing 4,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the air each year.”
“…climate change is pushing vineyards further north and south towards the poles. The trends are absolutely clear, according to Dr Greg Jones, a climatologist who specialises in grape production and wines and is himself the owner of a winery, Abacela, in Oregon in the US.”
“Eight workers missing after flooding at Trevali’s Perkoa mine [Burkina Faso]…
“Trevali Mining has halted operations at its Perkoa mine in Burkina Faso after the mine was flooded in some areas due to heavy rainfall. The mine, 90%-owned by Trevali, has been evacuated, with both mining and milling operations stopped currently.”
“South Africa declares national emergency as flood toll crosses 440.
“Flooding and landslides following record-breaking rainfall caused hundreds of deaths and displaced 40,000 people in KwaZulu-Natal province… In the coming days, 10,0000 military troops will join search and rescue operations and provide aid to the thousands of people impacted by the tragedy.”
“Wildfire grips forests in southern Turkey’s Hatay…
“Local forestry services and firefighters from Hatay municipality rushed to the scene. Their extinguishing efforts were hampered by strong winds. Winds also blocked efforts to use airplanes or helicopters to put out the wildfire.”
“Iraq ‘green belt’ neglected in faltering climate fight.Envisioned as a lush fortress against worsening desertification and sand storms, the “green belt” of Iraq’s Karbala stands as a wilted failure…
“Iraq’s host of environmental problems, including drought and desertification, threaten access to water and livelihoods across the country.”
“Drought continues to plague Iraq as the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture recently cut agricultural cropping in irrigated areas of the country to 50% less than the previous year due to shortages in surface water, according to a Global Agricultural Information Network report…”
“Iran short of rain by 29%… Since the beginning of the current crop year (September 23, 2021), precipitation has dropped by 29 percent…
“During the current [Iranian calendar] month (started March 21), rainfall decreased by 88 percent compared to last year… According to the World Meteorological Organization’s multiannual forecast, in the next five years, Iran’s average rainfall will decline by 75 percent.”
“The month of March this year was the hottest in 122 years since the India Meteorological Department (Met Department or IMD) started maintaining records… March heralded the early onset of summer, a trend that is becoming the norm.”
“India Risks Power Outages as High Temperatures Boost Coal Demand.
“India risks a repeat of last summer’s power outages as soaring temperatures boost demand for coal that’s used to generate about 70% of the country’s electricity… “This could become another stagflationary shock,” Nomura economists Sonal Varma and Aurodeep Nandi wrote…”
“A quick-thinking boy survived a killer landslide in the Philippines by jumping inside a fridge. Remarkable footage shows CJ Jasme, 11, being pulled to safety…
“Known locally as ‘Boy in the Ref’, CJ was at home with his family when a mudslide, triggered by tropical storm Megi, hit their village in Baybay City on Friday.”
“Plan to carve up Indonesian Papua rings alarm over fate of people and forests…
“The Indonesian government’s plan to administratively split the country’s easternmost region of Papua into five provinces, from the current two, has raised concerns that its forests and natural resources will be at higher risk of being plundered.”
“Dead rivers, polluted oceans: Industry adds to world’s mounting water crisis, report warns.
“The report… paints a picture of a planet with deep problems, ranging from dwindling supplies of groundwater to oceans overloaded with microplastics, lakes choked with algae and waterways contaminated by mineral mining booms.”
You can read the previous ‘Climate’ thread here. I’ll be back tomorrow with an ‘Economic’ thread.
If you found value in this content, please help me continue this work by becoming a patron of my work via Patreon. And if you are already a subscriber or have donated – thank you! It is a huge help, especially as the cost of living crisis is biting here in the UK.
Just a quick climate thread, as the flow of news has slowed noticeably for the Easter break, and I must run amok hiding small, chocolate eggs… Back Tuesday at the latest.
“Hotter and hotter in Middle East/Central Asia: After its earliest 45C [113F], United Arab Emirates had the earliest 46C [114.8F] ever in the Arabian Peninsula with 46.3C [115.3F] on 14th April at Owtaid.
“Terrible nightime temperatures up to 38C in Fujairah area. Almost 45C in Oman, over 38C in Turkmenistan.”
“Iraq’s ancient buildings are being destroyed by climate change.
“Some of the world’s most ancient buildings are being destroyed by climate change, as rising concentrations of salt in Iraq eat away at mud brick and more frequent sandstorms erode ancient wonders.”
“Like India, Pakistan and Central Asia are reeling from unprecedented heatwaves.
“For days at a time in early April, people and animals across large swathes of India and Pakistan lay gasping in whatever shade they could find as the temperature exceeded 43C [109.4F] and a dry wind from the desert seared the plains of Indus and Ganga river basins.”
“A cyclonic storm accompanied by hailstorms ravaged most parts of Meghalaya [NE India] on Thursday leaving a trail of destruction in its path and claiming one life in North Garo Hills.
“As many as 2,000 houses spreading across more than villages in East Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi, South Garo Hills and North Garo Hills districts.”
“Raising cash for water: why Somalis are bypassing aid agencies in drought crisis…
“Humanitarian aid organisations have spent billions over the years in this east African nation yet few Somalis have felt any real impact. “They spend all their money on overhead and salaries and we are left with pennies,” said Hodan Ali, director of the durable solutions unit for the Benadir regional authority…”
“More rain expected across South Africa’s east coast as flooding death toll rises to 395.
“More rain and damaging winds are expected across South Africa’s east coast, following days of severe storms and flooding in which nearly 400 people have died, the KwaZulu-Natal regional government warned on Friday.”
“Strange, Colourful Creatures Wash Up On Australian Shores Following Record Rainfall.
“Experts have been left baffled by dozens of odd and colourful sea creatures left washed up on multiple Australian beaches. The stranded seadragons have been found at various beaches in New South Wales, in Cronulla, Malabar and the Central Coast.”
“B.C. communities [Canada] struck by wildfires and floods brace for spring thaw.
“Major wildfires, droughts and mudslides last year dramatically altered the landscape, raising questions about the [Nicola] river’s ability to handle the spring thaw, or freshet.”
“The 2022 Winter in Northern California was the Driest on Record…
“From January to March, California saw an average of 1.75 inches of precipitation, a shocking number when looking at the annual precipitation averages. Not only was it the driest January to March stretch in the state’s history, it was nearly half of the second driest period in history.”
“As drought hammers Mono Lake, thirsty Los Angeles must look elsewhere for water.
“With a third year of drought shrinking the creeks that cascade down the eastern Sierra Nevada, the level of Mono Lake has fallen so low it has triggered a 72% reduction in the amount of water Los Angeles can divert from area streams this year.”
“New Mexico village seeks prayers as deadly wildfire rages…
“More than 200 homes already have burned, and an elderly couple was found dead this week outside their charred residence… Authorities reiterated that it was still too early to start letting people in to see the damage.”
“Montana and North Dakota are set to be hit with even more snow on Easter Weekend after ‘one-in-a-century blizzard’ that dumped 47 inches…
“Historic storms have pummeled Central and Southern U.S. with blizzards, record-breaking hail and tornadoes, causing widespread damage – and some states are set to face even more snowfall.”
“The impossible battle to flood-proof New York City…
“…finding the space to add green infrastructure is an enduring challenge — and not just for New York. Climate change promises to bring more frequent and intense rain events across the globe, as well as higher storm surges as sea levels creep ever upward.”
“Nuclear power stations UK: the new and existing sites at threat of flooding from 2030 amid rising sea levels.
“All of the current and proposed locations of nuclear power stations in the UK will be at “significant risk” of being flooded from 2030 due to extreme weather events becoming more frequent, a Greenpeace chief scientist told NationalWorld.”
“[River] Po drought [Italy] continues as rains fail to fall.
“The Po is still suffering from a severe drought as keenly sought-for rains fail to materialize, the observatory on water crises in the PO district said in a report Thursday. There has been a “92% deficit” in rainfall in the river area this last month, it said.”
“How Mountain Guides Offer Us a Stark Warning on Climate Change.
“Droughts in the Andes, significant rainfall in Nepal and swarms of mosquitoes in the Alpine routes of Washington, all of which have long been notoriously snowy regions, are beginning to show strange and unpredictable weather patterns, and there’s only one plausible culprit: climate change.”
“Climate toll on Arctic bases: Sunken runways, damaged roads.
“U.S. military bases in the Arctic and sub-Arctic are failing to prepare their installations for long-term climate change as required, even though soaring temperatures and melting ice already are cracking base runways and roads and worsening flood risks up north, the Pentagon’s watchdog office said Friday.”
“Powerful ‘rivers in the sky’ could cause Antarctic Peninsula’s biggest ice shelf to collapse.
“A new study published Thursday shows that these “rivers in the sky” — which dump rain and snow when they make landfall — are also causing extreme temperatures, surface melt, sea-ice disintegration and large ocean swells which are destabilizing ice shelves on the Antarctic Peninsula…”
You can read the previous ‘Climate’ thread here. I’ll be back on Tuesday with (probably) an ‘Economic’ thread.
If you found value in this content, please help me continue this work by becoming a patron of my work via Patreon. And if you are already a subscriber or have donated – thank you! It is a huge help, especially as the cost of living crisis is biting here in the UK.
“South Africa floods: deadliest storm on record kills over 300 people…
““Some parts of KZN have received more than 450mm (18in) in the last 48 hours,” said Dipuo Tawana, a forecaster at the national weather service – nearly half of Durban’s annual rainfall of 1,009mm.”
“Eight weather stations in KwaZulu-Natal set new record highs for 24 hours’ rainfall on Tuesday, preliminary data from the South Africa’s Weather Service shows…
“At Margate on the South Coast, 311mm [12.2 inches] of rain was recorded – more than doubling a record set 25 years ago.”
“Turkey’s forest losses spike in 2021, a year of country’s worst fires.
“Forest fires, exacerbated by the fallout from climate change, threaten Turkey’s evergreen land. The country saw 226,845 hectares of forests damaged or completely burned between 2012 and 2021, with more than 61% of this loss taking place in 2021 alone.”
“Dust storm covers Iraq for second time in a week…
“While sand and dust storms are not uncommon during the Iraqi spring, they are expected to become even more frequent “due to drought, desertification and declining rainfall”, said the director of Iraq’s meteorological office, Amer al-Jabri.”
“From headwaters to deltas, Central Asia’s rivers are running dry.
“Two new papers by Chinese scientists, looking at opposite ends of the region’s two major river basins, confirm that climate change is leaving a mark on Central Asia with profound economic consequences.”
“Exceptional heat in the Arabian Peninsula with a scorching 45.7°C [114.3F] recorded in Owtaid in the United Arab Emirates, 0.1°C below the national April record, but we are early in the month! Also 43.9°C in Joba in Oman 🇴🇲 yesterday, at record level for mid-April!”
“Heatwave to hit Ahmedabad [Gujarat, India] from Friday…
“Amdavadis, get ready to brave the next heatwave. According to the India Meteorological Department, the city will experience a heatwave from Friday… The city’s maximum temperature was recorded at 41.5°C [106.7F]…”
“‘We have no money’: Mumbai’s fisherwomen say the heatwave is hurting their livelihood.
“As a few customers eyed the fish on display like exhibits in a museum, Patil blamed a sudden spike in Mumbai temperatures for a drop in fish-catch volumes, arguing she should be compensated for her falling income due to the erratic weather.”
“Erratic flash floods in Haors [Bangladesh] alarming…
“… we’re increasingly witnessing a change with such floods coming early and damaging semi-ripe crops before harvest, causing farmers financial losses in huge amounts. We are now seeing flash floods in late March and early April…”
“Tropical storm Megi: Philippines death toll rises to 123 as landslides bury villages.
“The death toll from landslides and floods in the Philippines rose to 123 on Wednesday with scores missing and feared dead, officials said, as rescuers dug up more bodies with bare hands and backhoes in crushed villages.”
“Back-to-back northern NSW floods [Australia] take toll on mental health of SES volunteers.
“There are fears for the mental health of frontline volunteers who helped northern New South Wales through back-to-back floods, with the stress and burden of the deadly events taking a toll.”
“As Australia’s climate changes, a tropical disease advances…
“Japanese encephalitis is rare and mostly asymptomatic. In 99 percent of cases it passes through the body without causing symptoms. But of the unlucky 1 percent, nearly a third die, and about half the survivors are left with permanent problems.”
“Record levels of pollen are leaving millions of Australian struggling with asthma and hay fever like never before.
“Professor Janet Davies of Queensland University of Technology’s School of Health told Today on Thursday people are at a higher risk of suffering extreme asthma symptoms while pollen levels through the roof across Australia.”
“Honduran officials alarmed over water shortage in capital…
““The situation in Tegucigalpa is a true humanitarian crisis, because without potable water there is no life,” Sanaa director Leonel Gomez said. Amid drought, he blamed the shortage on the failure of “previous bad administrations” to develop a plan for managing the resource.”
“The Guatemalan entity warned about the impact that high temperatures could have on people transiting through the desert area. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Minex) warned about the risks to the life and health of migrants in irregular transit in the face of the heat wave…”
“Hawaiʻi County Declared Disaster Area Due To Drought…
“Officials say the deadline to apply for the emergency drought loans is December 8, 2022… “Farmers may contact their local Farm Service Agency office for additional information on assistance that may be available to eligible applicants,” HI-EMA said.”
“It’s the third time this month that Kahului has either tied or broken a heat record. Temperatures also hit 88 degrees on Sunday, breaking the old record of 87 set on the same day in 2017, and 87 degrees on April 5, tying the record set on the same day in 2019…”
“In Drought-stricken West [US], Officials Weigh Emergency Actions.
“Federal officials say it may be necessary to reduce water deliveries to users on the Colorado River to prevent the shutdown of a huge dam that supplies hydropower to some 5 million customers across the U.S. West.”
“Destructive wildfires rage in New Mexico, Colorado.
“Firefighters scouted the drought-stricken mountainsides around a New Mexico village as they looked for opportunities to slow a wind-driven wildfire that a day earlier had burned at least 150 homes and other structures while displacing thousands of residents…”
“Lightning-sparked forest fires set to increase in North America.
“Ninety per cent of forest fires in the boreal forests of northern Canada and Alaska are triggered by lightning with research showing weather conditions play a huge role in determining which strikes are fire-starters. As the climate warms, these weather conditions are expected to become more prevalent…”
“Tornado that injured 23 in Texas was an EF-3 with 165 mph winds, National Weather Service says.
“The EF-3 was one of two tornadoes that struck the county in central Texas Tuesday… In total, 61 homes and two churches were damaged in the tornado’s path, Blackburn said during a Wednesday evening news conference.”
“Climate change helped fuel stronger, wetter storms during an unusually active Atlantic hurricane season in 2020, a new study finds. The cyclones produced significantly more rainfall than they would have in a world without global warming.”
“US indigenous communities to receive $46m to address global heating.
“The funds are part of a historic five-year investment plan under Joe Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure law, intended to improve climate resilience and adaptation in tribal territories. Some communities will have to relocate because of rising sea levels and storm surges.”
“Driven by climate change, thawing permafrost is radically changing the Arctic landscape…
“Massive lakes, several square miles in size, have disappeared in the span of a few days. Hillsides slump. Ice-rich ground collapses, leaving the landscape wavy where it once was flat, and in some locations creating vast fields of large, sunken polygons.”
“Our food system isn’t ready for the climate crisis…
“All our food systems – agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture – are buckling under the stress of rising temperatures, wildfires, droughts, and floods. Even in the best-case scenario, global heating is expected to make the earth less suitable for the crops that provide most of our calories.”
You can read the previous ‘Climate’ thread here. I’ll be back tomorrow with an ‘Economic’ thread if there’s enough going on to justify one. I may go quiet and spend some quality time with the kids over the Easter weekend, in which case I’ll be back on Tuesday. However if seismic events are occurring I will report them.
If you found value in this content, please help me continue this work by becoming a patron of my work via Patreon. And if you are already a subscriber or have donated – thank you! It is a huge help, especially as the cost of living crisis is biting here in the UK.
“India’s Northwest Reels Under Unusual Early Heat Wave.
“An unusually early heat wave brought more extreme temperatures Monday to a large swath of India’s northwest, raising concerns that such weather conditions could become typical.”
“Delhi Heatwave Beats 72-Year Record As Temperatures Soar In Early April.
“Bearing the brunt of a stifling heatwave, Delhi on Monday recorded a maximum temperature of 42.6 degrees Celsius [108.7F]… it’s the first time… that Delhi has recorded such a high temperature in the first half of April, the weather department said.”
“At 19.8°C, cold desert Keylong records its hottest [April day on record] – 19.8C / 67.6F.
“The previous highest temperature in cold desert Keylong was recorded at 19.6°C on April 20, 2012… the comparatively colder regions like Lahaul – Spiti are also bearing the brunt of what is said to be the impact of global warming.”
“As mercury soars in Rajasthan, people reel under acute water crisis in Jaipur.
“Scorching heat in this blistering summer has made the lives of several people a living hell in the desert state, Rajasthan. Compounding the worries of the common man is the acute water shortage which has afflicted various parts of Rajasthan including state capital of Jaipur.”
“Early summer, heat wave hit wheat production: Farmers.
“Nagpur: Early onset of summer and heat wave, which are being attributed to climate change, have taken a toll on wheat output this year apart from leaving its effect on a number of other crops, said farmers…”
“Kashmir – Unusual dry Spring triggering forest fires.
“The ‘unusual’ dry weather in March and April this year and comparatively less snow is being termed as a likely cause for increasing forest fires in north Kashmir… the two forest ranges of Bandipora… have reported at least six fire incidents in March alone.”
“North Korea says forest fire broke out in Mount Kumgang area over weekend.
“North Korea said Tuesday a forest fire broke out on Mount Kumgang in the eastern Kangwon Province over the weekend, damaging hundreds of hectares of forests and facilities. The fire started at about 3:20 p.m. Saturday on a hill near Kuryong Pool…”
“In Miyako city, the high rose to 31.0℃ (88F) Monday. That’s 16℃ (31F) hotter than normal, and the earliest thirty degree mark on record for the Tohoku region.”
“Dozens killed in Philippines landslides and floods as tropical storm Megi hits.
“At least 24 people have been killed in landslides and flooding across central and southern Philippines, authorities said Monday, after tropical storm Megi dumped heavy rain and disrupted travel ahead of the Easter holidays.”
“Cyclone Fili: Daunting storm likely to hit vulnerable East Cape [New Zealand].
“As the Fijian cyclone Fili draws closer to New Zealand, the flood-stricken region of Tairāwhiti is again the target of heavy rains, strong winds and rough seas. Some 300mm [11.8 inches] of rain is expected to fall over the next 24 hours – three times the normal rainfall for the month of April.”
“Chile announces unprecedented plan to ration water as drought enters 13th year…
““A city can’t live without water,” Claudio Orrego, the governor of the Santiago metropolitan region, said in a press conference. “And we’re in an unprecedented situation in Santiago’s 491-year history where we have to prepare for there to not be enough water for everyone who lives here.””
“Storm leaves heavy damage in Posadas, Argentina [and Asuncion, Paraguay flooded out again]…
“Plenty of water in a short time. The highest rainfall record was in Posadas, where between Sunday and Monday almost 172 millimeters [6.8 inches] fell. This instability and intensity of the rains affected more than 10 neighborhoods of the missionary capital.”
“Extreme Fire Risks Rise Across Texas Tuesday From Massive Storm.
“Key shale-oil fields, slaughterhouses and cattle ranches are facing an extreme wildfire threat from a historic spring storm set to lash Texas with bone-dry gusts and the northern Great Plains with heavy snow.”
“Area near Little Rock, Arkansas, hit by ‘large, extremely dangerous’ tornado.
“A storm system lashing states from Oklahoma into the Midwest brought tornadoes and hail to Arkansas Monday… several tornado warnings were issued and the weather service’s Storm Prediction Center said there were five tornado reports in Arkansas.”
“Rare, record-breaking April snow blankets Portland area.
“Most of the Portland metro region awoke Monday to a blanket of more than an inch of snow… It’s the first measurable snow in April recorded at the Portland International Airport since records began being kept there in 1940.”
“Oats Hit Record High With Canadian Prairies Staying Dry.
“Breakfast is getting more expensive with prices for the staple grain oats jumping to an all-time high on Monday amid persistent dry weather in the Canadian Prairies. Oat futures in Chicago jumped 1.6% to a record $8.075 a bushel.”
“Wildfire in Greece burns vast swathes of forest land…
“A team of 150 fire fighters and 45 fire engines are trying to put out the blaze along with volunteers from local municipalities. However, strong winds are hampering the mission.”
“A heavy rainstorm over the weekend has caused severe flooding in the Kurdish city of Kars in northeast Turkey, with widespread damage being incurred to locals and their properties. Bese Budak, a woman from the city, is one of many whose house has been severely damaged by the flooding in the neglected neighborhood.”
“Morocco’s Wheat Production To Hit Record Low In 2022.
“Morocco’s wheat and barley yields are to witness a sharp fall in the 2022-2023 agriculture season, with production going down by more than 70% from last year… Extreme drought continues to weigh down on the country’s natural resources…”
“South Africa: Torrential Rain Causes Flash Floods and Landslides in KwaZulu-Natal Province.
“The record-breaking rainfall [update: at least 20 killed; major highways closed; huge rainfall totals] was caused by severe weather that struck the country after several months of relative calm. A number of residents took to social media to depict the horrific impact of the weather event…”
“Climate change drove extreme rain in southeast Africa storms: study.
“A string of deadly storms pummelled Madagascar, Malawi and Mozambique with more intense rainfall because of climate change, new research found Monday. Three tropical cyclones and two tropical storms hit Southeast Africa in just six weeks in the first months of this year…”
“Kenya: Govt Paints Grim Picture Over Worsening Drought Situation in Turkana.
“Drought conditions being experienced in Turkana county will continue, with vegetation and livestock conditions deteriorating. The county is at an alarm stage with the pastoral areas being classified as being at an emergency stage with worsening trends.”
“More than a million cattle have died due to the ongoing severe drought in Ethiopia’s Somali region.
“The drought, which is said to be the worst …in 40 years, has severely affected the region’s pastoral farming community, state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate (FBC) quoted Somali region president Mustafa Muhammed as saying.”
“Iraq’s farmers pushed off land as drought and heat cripple crops.
“Until a few years ago, farming in southern Iraq was “as lucrative as oil”, Qasim Abdul Wahad remembers, and his one-hectare farm plot in the Governorate of Basra produced enough to feed his family of eight. Now dust kicks up under his feet as he walks through his land…”
“‘Black carbon’ threat to Arctic as sea routes open up with global heating.
“Arctic shipping is not only made possible by the climate crisis, it is adding to it too. More ships mean a rise in exhaust fumes, which is accelerating ice melt in this sensitive region due to a complex phenomenon involving “black carbon”…”
You can read the previous ‘Climate’ thread here. I’ll be back tomorrow with an ‘Economic’ thread.
If you found value in this content, please help me continue this work by becoming a patron of my work via Patreon. And if you are already a subscriber or have donated – thank you! It is a huge help, especially as the cost of living crisis is biting here in the UK.
“Atmospheric levels of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, increased by a record amount for the second year in a row in 2021, according to US government data.
“The concentration of methane in the Earth’s atmosphere jumped by 17 parts per billion (ppb) in 2021, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administation (Noaa) monitoring found, the largest annual increase recorded since modern measurements began in 1983.”
“Machynlleth farmer says tornado lifted lambs into the air [Wales].
“A business owner claims a “tornado” caused thousand of pounds worth of damage to her farmhouse. Deilwen Breese from Pennal, near Machnynlleth, said the powerful winds lifted her lambs in the air and pulled up trees near her property.”
“Meningitis killed Greenland shark found off coast of Cornwall, postmortem shows.
“Meningitis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection. The same Pasteurella bacteria has been found to cause meningitis in humans but it is extremely rare… Its gastrointestinal tract will reveal if there are microplastics present…”
“Dogs poisoned by hashish washed up on Marbella beaches by the storm [southern Spain, worst in 40 years].
“The drug has a strong smell which attracts them but if they eat it they can suffer very serious symptoms which can even lead to death… Drug traffickers heading to the shore in boats had previously thrown the packages into the water because they had been spotted by the police.”
“Rains Drive Biggest South African Locust Infestation in Decades; Parts of country had heaviest rain on record in December…
“The infestation, which started in September, has spread to three provinces – the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and Western Cape – and 80 million rand ($5.4 million) has already been spent combating it.”
“As rains in South Sudan start again, communities face more flooding amid a growing hunger crisis…
“This is the latest in an unprecedented cycle of climate disasters, as cycles of extreme drought followed by heavy rainfall have caused devastating floods for the fifth consecutive year in South Sudan.
“Four people have been killed due to a heavy sandstorm in Iraq, according to hospital records.
“Tuz Khurmatu Hospital said in a statement on Friday that it had received dozens of cases complaining of respiratory problems due to the sandstorm, confirming the death toll… The hospital said it is possible to receive more cases.”
“Extreme heat wave in India and Pakistan with unprecedented temperatures that early in April.
“Another 46.5C [115.7F] in Pakistan. In India 45.8C [114.4F] at Akola; incredible 45.3C at Ganganagar; 44.4C at Jaisalmer; 43.0C at Varanasi; 42.0C at Delhi AP; 43.4C also in the United Arab Emirates.”
“10-fold rise in intense forest fires in India from 2000 to 2019, study points to climate change…
“India ranked seventh among countries most impacted by climate change in 2019, according to the Global Climate Risk Index, and now a study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water has found that India’s forests are a major casualty.”
“According to scientists, retreating glaciers and seismic movement resulted in the 2021 glacial disaster in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli.
“A portion of the Nanda Devi glacier had broken off, triggering an avalanche and a deluge claiming the lives of hundreds and damaging hydroelectricity project sites.”
“Exceptional heat wave in Central Asia with record heat for this time of the year:
“On 7th April Mongolia rose to 26.2C [79.1F] at Orkhontuul; the capital Ulan Bataar (1729m) to 21.0C [70F]; In Tajikistan 35.7C [96.3F] at Ganjina in Tajik (563m); in China 35.0C in Turpan; in Kazakhstan 30.5C at Almaty (847m).”
““What seems to be happening in Taiwan is the severity of drought is increasing,”said Nneka Chike-obi, a director of sustainable finance at Fitch Ratings. “It’s not just that they are getting less rain, it’s that they are incredibly dry for longer periods of time…”
“Sydney has received an unprecedented amount of rain so far this year… The state has been hit by repeated flooding in recent months, with the northern rivers area devastated by two deluges within weeks and Sydney drenched in its wettest March on record.”
“‘This is an emergency’: Australia’s extreme weather crises spark anger at climate inaction.
“Unprecedented rainfall and record heat have marked a concerning start to 2022, with mounting calls for leaders to tackle the climate crisis… Meanwhile… corals on the Great Barrier Reef bleached en masse for the sixth time – and the first instance the event has occurred in a La Niña year.”
“This summer’s heat wave in La Plata, Argentina confirmed as the hottest in a hundred years of record-keeping…
“The Faculty of Astronomical and Geophysical Sciences of the UNLP carried out an intensive study… As they explained, there were two intense heat waves: the first between January 9 and 11, and the second between January 13 and 16, when the temperature exceeded 41 degrees [106F].”
“Brazil has set a new grim record for Amazon deforestation during the first three months of 2022 compared with a year earlier [up 64%], government data shows…
“Al Jazeera’s Monica Yanakiew… said the new data was especially worrying because Brazil is in the midst of its rainy season… “So there should be less activity, there should be less deforestation,” said Yanakiew.”
“The number of miners killed by a flash flood in northwest Colombia earlier this week has risen to 13, local officials have said. Heavy rains caused a river to overflow Wednesday, swiftly inundating a mining camp in a rural part of Abriaqui, a town in the Colombian department of Antioquia…”
“Chile sues BHP, Albemarle, Antofagasta over water use.
“The Chilean government of ecologist and feminist President Gabriel Boric is suing mines operated by giants BHP (ASX: BHP), Albemarle (NYSE: ALB) and Antofagasta (LON: ANTO) over alleged environmental damage caused in the northern Salar de Atacama salt flats, the world’s driest place on earth.”
“Companies are draining Mexico’s water supply amid drought: Activists.
“Mexico is currently undergoing massive droughts throughout most of its territory, with some pointing out the role large companies are playing in the recent water shortage crisis… activists have called for the authorities’ intervention in what they call a systemic plundering of the natural resource.”
“California’s recent heat wave shattered high-temp records across the state.
“The heat wave that billowed across the Bay Area this week broke records in multiple locations across the region, according to the National Weather Service… High-temperature records were also broken in Southern California.”
“A warm, dry March worsened record drought conditions in the West [States].
“March 2022 marked the third month in a row where precipitation was below average across the contiguous U.S., which led to an expanding drought and areas of record dryness throughout the West. March also brought several rounds of severe weather that pounded parts of the nation.”
“Drought and high winds have sparked wildfires in a pair of Western Corn Belt states.
“Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue tells Brownfield a large fire started Thursday morning in South Central Furnas County. “We’ve had ranchers texting me this morning that they’ve been trying to get their cattle out of the way to make sure they’re out of the path of the fire.””
“Minnesota’s winter winds set records; Gusty days in Duluth have doubled in recent years.
“It’s not just a Duluth phenomenon. In the Twin Cities, winds gusted to 30 mph or higher on 46 days this winter, blowing away the previous record of 32 gusty days… Something has happened since 2011, the beginning of much gustier times in Minnesota…”
“After rounds of tornadoes across the South, storm system threatens North Carolina, Virginia and Florida next.
“After dozens of tornadoes rolled through the South, another storm system is threatening to deliver powerful winds and possibly more tornadoes Thursday to the coasts of North Carolina and Virginia along with parts of Florida.”
You can read the previous ‘Climate’ thread here. I’ll be back on Monday with an ‘Economic’ thread.
If you found value in this content, please help me continue this work by becoming a patron of my work via Patreon. And if you are already a subscriber or have donated – thank you! It is a huge help, especially as the cost of living crisis is biting here in the UK.
“Extraordinary heat wave in Northern Africa/Middle East:
“Chad: 45.8C [114.4F]; Senegal and Niger: 45.5C; Libya: 44.8C; (unprecedented for this time of the year); Algeria: 43.5C (record heat for this time of the year); Israel and Jordan: 42.0C (also record heat for this time of the year).”
“Tap dreams: rural arid Africa sits on water it cannot reach…
“Hydrogeologists trained at locating groundwater are in short supply, experts say. If water is found, some of the most reliable aquifers can be 400 metres down, ten times the depth of the Tata Bathily wells. Drilling a hole that deep costs about $20,000.”
“The perilous road to recovery in Madagascar’s cyclone-hit east.
“Al Jazeera travelled along Madagascar’s ravaged coast, where residents feel left behind weeks after the deadly storms… at least 46,000 residences have been destroyed or damaged across the island during this cyclone season.”
“Climate Change Is Making Afghanistan’s Hunger Crisis Worse…
“The fallout from the Taliban’s takeover, coupled with the drought and soaring wheat prices thanks to Russia’s war with Ukraine, means that some 10 million people — more than a quarter of Afghanistan’s population — are near famine.”
“Global warming behind India’s hottest March on record, Minister informs Lok Sabha…
“At an average 33.1 degrees, the median maximum temperature of March was at an all-time high of about 1.8 degrees above normal when compared to the reference period of 1981-2010.”
“Indonesia’s Riau province declares state of emergency ahead of fire season…
“Even before the onset of the dry season — since the beginning of the year, in fact — fire hotspots and incidents have spread in the province, according to the provincial office of Indonesia’s weather and climatology agency, the BMKG.”
“How Orangutans Changed Their Behavior After Devastating Fires…
“A recent paper in the International Journal of Primatology documents these behavioral changes and shows, says study author and University of Zurich primatologist Maria van Noordwijk, “These fires really have a long-term effect.””
“Little more than three months into 2022, Sydney has already weathered its annual rainfall.
“This current deluge has added to a growing pool of evidence gathered by scientists showing that weather patterns are shifting as the climate warms, leaving Australia’s east coast generally hotter and dryer, at least until the rain sets in.”
“Sydney flooding: Evacuations as Australian city receives a month’s rain in one night.
“Residents in parts of Sydney in Australia were ordered to evacuate to safety on Thursday after torrential rains lashed the east coast. Sydney received nearly a month’s rain in just one night.”
“Heat wave in Mexico 2022: These 14 states will have temperatures of up to 45 degrees [113F] this April 7.
“A very hot environment is expected …in the north and center of Campeche, north and northwest of Guerrero, the south of Jalisco, the west and south of Michoacán, south and southeast of Nayarit, north of Sinaloa, south of Sonora and the center and west of Yucatan.”
“Extreme heat wave in Mexico and Southern Texas. On 6th April 110F/43.3C was reached at Rio Grande and Falcon Lake in Texas.
“This should tie the earliest 110F ever recorded in the USA (=6 April 1989 at Mecca and Ontario AP, CA). Mc Allen with 108F broke its April heat record.”
“The Texas drought is the worst in years. Are we on the brink of widespread disaster?
“Texas is in the worst drought conditions since 2011, when 95% of the state was in drought. Eleven years ago, parched conditions caused over $7 billion in crop and livestock losses, sparked wildfires, pushed power grids to the limits… As of March 29, 88% of Texas was in drought conditions.”
“Developers are flooding Arizona with homes even as historic Western drought intensifies.
“California just experienced its driest January and February ever, and the snowpack is dangerously low. As the West enters its third year of drought, water sources are drying up, and restrictions on the Colorado River are now hitting all sectors of the Western economy, including homebuilding.”
“Colorado’s top wind gusts were over 100 mph. How long will the wind stick around?
“The National Weather Service reported two gusts topping 100 mph Tuesday. A reporting station 8 miles south-southeast of Fraser recorded a gust of 116 mph, and one 7 miles southwest of Frisco reported 103 mph.”
“Two people killed as violent storms rip across Georgia and Texas.
“Violent storms killed at least two people, one in Georgia and another in Texas, on Tuesday as hail, strong winds and tornadoes tore across the south, where authorities warned a second day of dangerous weather of violent weather could follow.”
“Hail the size of golf balls shatter car windows in Florida.
“Central Florida may be getting ready for some storms, but people in Sebring are already cleaning up. Hail the size of golf balls hit the area on Monday. Photos show the damage the hail caused, including smashing out the back window of cars!”
“West London river ‘dries up’ completely in spring heatwave as wildlife struggles to survive.
“A river in West London has dried up completely and the wildlife has been left in danger due to the unprecedented amount of sunshine London has had at the start of spring. Environmental teams have battled hard over the last few days to refill the waterway…”
“Springtime brings the so-called ‘Caldaia di Maggio’ to Barolo, a noise similar to a kettle simmering that is caused by evaporating water in the soils. This year, however, it’s unlikely that this phenomenon will occur. Drought is affecting the entire north of Italy…”
“A whopping [approx eight inches] of rain fell in the region [of Murcia, southern Spain] last month, the highest since records began in 1962, leading to landslides and widespread havoc.”
“Axarquia beaches destroyed during worst storm in 40 years on the Costa del Sol [Spain]…
“The waves have reached the promenades of Torrox, Algarrobo, Vélez-Málaga and Rincón de la Victoria, hitting numerous beach bars and washing away installations including showers, litter bins, parasols, sun loungers and children’s playgrounds.”
“Climate-warming microbes thrive in drying peatlands…
“During the study, a large amount of nitrifiers were found in both dry and wet peatlands. This is a sure sign of climate change that has temporarily drawn down the water table and introduced oxygen in wet peatlands.”
“The world’s ‘plastic flood’ has reached the Arctic.
““All spheres” of the Arctic, from seafloors to rivers to remote areas of ice and snow, are now littered with “high concentrations” of waste plastics, scientists have said – and the situation is worsening.”
“Disappearing Arctic Sea Ice Might Spell Doom for Plankton…
“Previous hypotheses stated that as the seas warmed, these organisms, which are dependent on the sun to survive, would become more numerous. However, a new study published in Nature Geoscience presents evidence that contradicts that widely held belief, making it clear there are other factors that will affect the plankton population…”
“New link between greenhouse gasses and sea level rise.
“A new study provides the first evidence that rising greenhouse gases have a long-term warming effect on the Amundsen Sea in West Antarctica. Scientists from British Antarctic Survey (BAS) say that while others have proposed this link, no one has been able to demonstrate it.”
You can read the previous ‘Climate’ thread here. I’ll be back tomorrow with an ‘Economic’ thread…
And btw, a quick note on yesterday’s: some feedback re my lead story about the potentially disastrous, global effects of Western sanctions on Russia and China made me want to reaffirm that I post a patchwork quilt of articles in order to shed light on the totality of our situation; I am in no way endorsing the perspectives of individual journalists and articles.
If you found value in this content, please help me continue this work by becoming a patron of my work via Patreon. And if you are already a subscriber or have donated – thank you! It is a huge help, especially as the cost of living crisis is biting here in the UK.
“As far as I know, your work is unique in pulling together stories from all over the world. Very sobering but a better and more complete view. Terrific and necessary work. Thank you!” – Simon
“With the inundation of so much depressing news, Justin Panopticon presents it in a succinct format that one can quickly go thru and see the big picture of climate and economics/politics to stay current and if a particle topic is of interest one can delve into the details… I try never to miss any of his posts…I am a Patreon of his work.”
– Karina S.
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About This Site
Weekday updates on both climate change and the global economy. Stay current with what’s happening around the world with a quick scan of top news.
“Record low Antarctic sea ice extent could signal shift… Earth’s frozen continent may be less impervious to climate change than thought…
“Massive wildfires raging in Russia are ‘already double last year’.
“When it doesn’t rain in a rainforest: Climate scientists study Southeast Alaska drought…
“Cherry farmers worried by unseasonably cold temperatures in British Columbia…
“Wildfire smoke in Pacific north-west erasing reductions in emissions.
“Ranchers Now Faced With Difficult Decisions As Drought and Wildfires Wage War on the Plains.
“Aerial imagery reveals the grim reality of ongoing drought in Utah.
“Why this windy and dry April is setting records in Southern Colorado…
“Colorado River named most endangered river in the U.S…
“A towering ‘wall of fire’ whipped by high winds is forcing thousands to evacuate an Arizona tourist town, as Red Flag warnings for high-risk weather conditions cover much of the Southwest.
“If Canada is freezing, Mexico is boiling with temperatures above 45C [113F] in the central plains, above 40C at 1000m and 35C near 2000m. The coast is not spared.
“Animals battle heatwave with ice treats at Mexican zoo…
“Glacier retreat in the Andes is bankrupting a billion-dollar corporation…
“Fires then floods: Argentina province under water months after blazes.
“World’s biggest carbon removal machine ‘freezes over’ in Iceland…
“Climate change: ‘We’re making wine in Norway’.
“Eight workers missing after flooding at Trevali’s Perkoa mine [Burkina Faso]…
“South Africa declares national emergency as flood toll crosses 440.
“Wildfire grips forests in southern Turkey’s Hatay…
“Iraq ‘green belt’ neglected in faltering climate fight. Envisioned as a lush fortress against worsening desertification and sand storms, the “green belt” of Iraq’s Karbala stands as a wilted failure…
“Drought forcing Iraq to increase wheat imports.
“Iran short of rain by 29%… Since the beginning of the current crop year (September 23, 2021), precipitation has dropped by 29 percent…
“Heatwaves in India warn of climate threats.
“India Risks Power Outages as High Temperatures Boost Coal Demand.
“A quick-thinking boy survived a killer landslide in the Philippines by jumping inside a fridge. Remarkable footage shows CJ Jasme, 11, being pulled to safety…
“Plan to carve up Indonesian Papua rings alarm over fate of people and forests…
“Dead rivers, polluted oceans: Industry adds to world’s mounting water crisis, report warns.
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