“An El Nino forecast pointing to the strongest event in decades is raising concerns about global crop production as farmers also face supply disruptions linked to the Iran war.
“Weather agencies in Japan, China and India have warned that El Nino could bring hotter and drier conditions across Asia in the second half of 2026. [India, Indonesia and most of the Caribbean predicted to have >40% less precipitation!! – Leon Simons]
“Extreme heat is harming food systems in unexpected ways…
“High temperatures have produced crop-devouring locust swarms in Kyrgyzstan and toxic algal blooms in Chilean salmon farms, as well as reducing the milk production of dairy cows in Brazil.”
“Global hunger hits most severe level in years as aid funding collapses, UN warns.
““Severe hunger has doubled, and famine has been declared in two places. The same countries are caught in a devastating cycle of hunger — fueled by conflict and compounded by inadequate funding,” says food aid chief Cindy McCain.”
“This year’s El Niño event is comparable to the 1997 Super El Niño so far.
“Despite how strong the lead Kelvin Wave is in the East-Central Pac (+6C anomalies!), a *much* bigger Kelvin Wave triggered by [cyclones] Sinlaku & Maila is right behind it in the West Pacific. Very very massive yikes.” [Eric Webb]
“Friday ice update – Arctic sea ice extent is currently the 2nd lowest on record (JAXA data)…” [Zack Labe]
• about 510,000 km² below the 2010s mean • about 820,000 km² below the 2000s mean • about 1,220,000 km² below the 1990s mean • about 1,790,000 km² below the 1980s mean
“Building a massive dam between Alaska and Russia could prevent AMOC collapse, scientists say.
“Building a dam in the Bering Strait might preserve the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, but experts warn it could also threaten wildlife, Indigenous people and shipping — and could actually speed up its demise.”
“Could warming seas bring great white sharks back to the North Sea? A 5‑million‑year‑old shark tooth may provide clues…
“In the North Sea, scientists have already observed short-term changes in the distribution of porpoises and seals. New seal colonies have established along the coast of the southern North Sea and there have been abrupt fluctuations in the number of porpoises stranded yearly on Belgian beaches.”
“The UK Government has admitted it underestimated AI’s carbon emissions by as much as 136,000pc.
“AI computing is now expected to generate between 34 and 123 megatonnes of carbon dioxide by 2035, according to new figures published by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).”
“Ongoing drought raises concerns over water shortages, wildfires [Netherlands].
“Vitens is finding it progressively harder to meet demand for drinking water. Even though the average water consumption in the Netherlands dipped slightly over the past year, the country’s largest water supplier is warning of expected shortages in the coming period.”
“Largest-ever ban on toxic chemicals in EU hit by ‘extremely frustrating’ delays.
“Harmful compounds in children’s nappies and toxic “forever chemicals” in everyday products are among 14 hazardous substance groups hit by lengthy delays to EU pollution controls, according to report findings described by scientists as “extremely frustrating”.”
“The Next ‘Forever Chemical’ May Already Be in the Air. Scientists Still Don’t Understand What It Could Do…
“…one of the most concerning is a type of toxin known as medium-chain chlorinated paraffins, or MCCPs. Like PFAS, these chemicals take a longtime to break down, and have been shown to be the driver behind health issues like liver and kidney toxicity, thyroid malfunction, and certain neurological issues.”
“Records have been smashed all over West Africa and Central-Western Mediterranean, except for Italy. Crazy hot night again with MINIMUMS up to 33.5C [92.3F] at Nara, MALI. Records again in ALGERIA with Mins to to 28C in the North. Heat will expand East.” [Extreme Temps]
“Dozens of records smashed in over a dozen countries – 45.3 [113.5F] NIGER, 45.2 BURKINA FALSO, 44.5C Fada N’gourma ALL TIME RECORD, 42.5c Tamale GHANA MONTHLY RECORD, MIN 32.0C Dosso, NIGER Hottest April night in history. 43.6C BENIN, 43.2C TOGO etc.” [Extreme Temps]
“Farmers face rising poverty and insecurity in northern Ghana due to climate pressures.
“Flooding along the White Volta River, worsened by erratic rainfall and recurring spillage from the Bagre Dam, is destroying farms and deepening poverty in parts of Ghana’s North East Region.”
“Anti-poaching director killed by black rhino while protecting wildlife in Eastern Cape…
“The Samara statement says Van Jaarsveld and his team have been responsible for invaluable work in protecting wildlife, especially rhinos in the region. “He will be sadly missed and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and team.””
“US millionaire big-game hunter dies after being crushed by elephants [this one seems less unjust]…
“Originally from Lodi, California, Dosio had built an extensive collection of hunting trophies over the years, including animals such as elephants and lions. He was reportedly a familiar name within the Sacramento Safari Club.”
“Floods cause damage in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu.
“Heavy rains flooded parts of Somalia’s capital Mogadishu on Thursday (April 23), submerging major roads and disrupting transport in the city. The latest bout of downpours has exposed chronic drainage problems ahead of the main rainy season.”
“Drought Displaces Nearly 62,000 in Somalia as Climate Shocks Intensify.
“Nearly 62,000 people have been displaced by drought across five districts in Somalia since the beginning of the year… Even if the Gu rainy season (April–June) brings normal to above-normal rainfall, nearly 125,000 more people are projected to be displaced by drought in the second quarter of 2026…”
“Egypt seeks to isolate Ethiopia with diplomacy blitz in Africa as nations quarrel over water.
“Egypt has begun a diplomatic drive to rally support from other African nations in its water dispute with Ethiopia, and to counter growing Israeli influence in the continent, analysts and sources say. Egypt’s initiatives in the strategically vital Horn of Africa have put mounting pressure on Ethiopia…”
“A major sandstorm in Egypt appeared to swallow the capital city of Cairo as traffic came to a standstill with visibility severely plummeting. Officials have warned citizens not to leave their homes as dire weather conditions are set to continue.”
“Hajj: Extreme heat above 40 degrees Celsius to test pilgrims in Arafah [Saudi]…
“The 2024 hajj season recorded among the highest temperatures in history, reaching 51.2 degrees Celsius, highlighting the extreme heat conditions faced by pilgrims… Malaysia’s Consul General in Jeddah Tengku Mohd Dzaraif Raja Abdul Kadir said the extreme heat could increase health risks such as dehydration and heatstroke.”
“Silent casualty of Iran War: Oil spills set to trigger historic environmental collapse in the Persian Gulf.
“The Iran War could turn into a major catastrophe for marine life in the Persian Gulf. Attacks on oil facilities and tankers have led to oil spills, which can be seen spreading for several kilometres from space. Environmental experts fear clean-up efforts might not start soon.”
“Black Rain, Toxic Air and Bird Deaths: Russian Black Sea Town Reels From Refinery Strike.
“The scene in Tuapse, an industrial port town of about 60,000 people on Russia’s Black Sea coast, has turned apocalyptic in recent days after Ukrainian strikes on a local oil refinery sparked major fires and spilled oil into the surrounding environment.”
“Central Asian leaders have warned that worsening water shortages now pose a direct threat to regional stability, urging coordinated action and stronger international engagement.
“Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev warned that water scarcity poses a direct threat to the region’s future, declaring that “No water in the region means no states in Central Asia.””
“In photos: North India braces for heatwaves as temperatures cross 40C [104F]…
“A 2024 report by the medical journal Lancet found that almost one-third of the heatwave days India experienced that year were driven by climate change. It also estimated that heat exposure in 2024 resulted in the loss of 247 billion potential labour hours, mostly in the agriculture and construction sectors. amounting to an economic loss of about $194bn (£151bn).”
“Snakes and summers: Heatwave turns deadly in Kerala…
“On Thursday, 37-year-old Sanal Kumar from Chakkarakkal in Kannur district died due to suspected heat stroke after he collapsed while engaged in digging an open well… Kerala also saw back-to-back cases of snakebite this week, highlighting another danger during the sweltering summer when venomous snakes often move closer to human settlements.”
“Heavy rain, upstream water damage crops in six districts [Bangladesh].
“Abdur Rahman, an elderly farmer from Bhukshimail union in Kulaura upazila of Moulvibazar, took loans to cultivate Boro paddy this season, hoping for a good harvest and some financial relief. But back-to-back storms, heavy rain, and water flowing from upstream areas have destroyed that hope.”
“Northeast China’s permafrost rapidly reshaping the landscape: study…
“More than two-thirds of the permafrost in northeast China has changed stability over the past two decades, driving a fundamental shift in the region’s vegetation… The finding offers a critical new lens for understanding how frozen ground responds to climate change, serving as a reminder for policymakers to fully consider this linkage…”
“Kim Jong Un’s favored crops under threat as drought warnings flood state media.
“North Korea has issued widespread drought alerts across multiple provinces as of late April 2026, warning that a prolonged dry spell is threatening key spring crops… The current drought specifically endangers wheat and barley crops, which are critical for bridging the “lean season” (May to August) before the main autumn harvest…”
“Firefighters in Japan struggle to contain Iwate blazes with over 3,000 evacuated.
“Two forest fires in northern Japan’s Iwate Prefecture burned into a fourth day on Saturday as ground and aerial firefighting efforts expanded to more than 1,000 personnel. The blazes are pushing closer to the residential areas of the town of Otsuchi…”
“Records have been falling all over a millions km2 area for months. HISTORIC HEAT IN MYANMAR – min 29.5C [85.1F] at Monywa HOTTEST NIGHT IN HISTORY; Records never ends also in INDONESIA – min 26.1C Kupang Hottest April night in history.”
“Floods and record rainfall transforms Australian outback into green haven…
“Welcome to the Outback, 2026 style. The combination of floods pouring in from Queensland and record local rains has left the usually parched far north of South Australia in a condition rarely seen before.”
“New research reveals that almost two-thirds of a million seabirds were killed by a marine heatwave off the coast of Australia in 2023 and 2024, putting their populations under unprecedented pressure…
“Thousands of shearwaters were washing up across the country’s east coast, stretching thousands of kilometres from Queensland down to Tasmania.”
“World Penguin Day 2026 warns of extinction threat from warming seas…
“Penguins are facing one of the gravest extinction threats among the world’s birds, as climate change, pollution and overfishing put pressure on several species and their habitats. World Penguin Day, marked every year on April 25, highlights the beauty and vulnerability of penguins, while drawing attention to the threats facing their survival.”
“How Antarctica warmed by 28°C in the depths of winter – and what it signals for the decades ahead…
“In a recent study, colleagues and I show the Antarctica heatwave was not simply unusual weather. It was a rare atmospheric disturbance, amplified by human-caused climate change, offering a glimpse of what could become more common in the decades ahead. This was not an isolated event. It followed a heatwave in March 2022…”
“Three disasters in three years: Brazil’s deadly floods show women are ‘the first to die’ when extreme weather hits…
“The water mark on Naira Santa Rita’s wall told the story before she could find the words for it. High and brown, like a scar, it was the line left by the floodwater on 15 February 2022 – the night Petrópolis drowned.”
“Amazon recovery masks diversity loss as fires, droughts and windstorms reshape forest edges.
“…the study highlights that the recovered areas are vulnerable to increasingly frequent extreme events in the biome, as well as to the impacts of deforestation and climate change. In addition to intensifying droughts and fires, global warming impairs ecosystem services such as water regulation and carbon sequestration.”
“Indigenous Herders and Peru’s Melting Glaciers: A Conversation with Anthropologist Allison Caine…
“A young girl leaps over a river in the Peruvian Highlands. As the climate warms and glaciers melt, rainwater and rivers become unpredictable water sources in Chillca. Courtesy of Allison Caine.”
“Historic Georgia wildfires continue to burn largely uncontained with no end in sight.
“A pair of wildfires in south Georgia are the two largest blazes currently being fought in the nation, and one of them is now the most destructive wildfire in Georgia history in terms of buildings lost, Gov. Brian Kemp said Friday.”
“State warns of ‘uncharted territory’ as Utah water officials brace for driest summer on record…
“Utah’s record-low snowpack has already peaked and melted out early… Clayton said about 95% of the water used in Utah comes from snowpack, making both the amount stored in the snow and the share that reaches streams, reservoirs, and water systems critical heading into summer.”
“The ramifications of record-shattering heat on the West’s ecosystems.
“In March, a month traditionally known for heavy mountain snows and dreary lower-elevation weather, a heat wave settled across the West, shattering temperature records from Tucson, Arizona, to Casper, Wyoming. The heat wave’s intensity and early arrival shocked many climate scientists.”
“Dramatic Temperature plunge in The Central States from – historic record heat to back to late winter.
“On Wednesday 97F at Onida, Academy and Wood in SOUTH DAKOTA. Some April records broken and tied including 97F Wood and 95F Chamberlain. And many barely missed.”
“Milwaukee’s intense rain leads to 2.7 billion gallons of sewage released.
“Last week’s torrents of rain pushed Milwaukee into its rainiest April on record. Upwards of 6.69 inches of rain fell in the Milwaukee area from April 12 to 16, according to the sewerage district’s rain gauges. Flood warnings remain more than a week later in a dozen counties.”
“‘Pictures don’t do it justice’ – Giant ice chunks ram into Michigan homes.
“Large chunks of ice have rammed into homes along the northwestern lower peninsula of Michigan’s Black Lake, as constant spring rainfall and melting ice floods homes and threatens to overflow stressed dam systems.”
“Western North Carolina is deep in drought, and the clock is ticking.
“…the entire western region has reached extreme drought, the second-most severe category, with nearly all of the rest of the state in either severe or extreme drought. State climatologists say the region should not expect a quick fix.”
“New York City is at major risk of flooding that could leave 4.4 million people exposed to extreme damage, study finds…
“The results showed that New York City and New Orleans share the “grim reality” of being “major flood-risk cities,” the authors wrote in the study. Almost 4.4 million people in New York City and over 215,000 buildings could face extreme flood damage.”
“Rising ocean heat is weakening the coastal winds that cool cities like New York, Miami, London, and Shanghai.
“A new analysis has revealed that rising ocean heat has reduced cooling sea-breeze days by up to 45% across major coastal cities worldwide. This decline is stripping away a natural system that once kept urban shorelines cooler, cleaner, and more livable during the hottest parts of the year.”
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“World food systems ‘pushed to the brink’ by extreme heat, UN warns…
“Modern industrialised food systems rely on a narrow range of staple crops, and highly specialised systems that are dependent on inputs such as fertiliser. That makes them highly vulnerable and less able to cope with shocks, such as extreme heat, according to Molly Anderson, professor of food studies at Middlebury College in Vermont…”
“Extreme weather a growing threat to democray, report says.
“Extreme climate events are increasingly threatening democracy, with at least 94 elections and referendums in 52 countries disrupted by natural hazards over the past two decades, a report published Wednesday said.”
“A catastrophic climate event is upon us. Here is why you’ve heard so little about it…
“Amoc’s shutdown is likely also to cause an acceleration of sea level rise on the east coast of the US, threatening cities. It could also raise Antarctic temperatures by roughly 6C (10.8F) and release a vast pulse of carbon currently stored in the Southern Ocean, accelerating climate catastrophe.”
“Northern Yukon island shows how thawing permafrost is transforming the Arctic…
“In early August 2023, long-time park ranger and Inuvialuit elder, Richard Gordon, heard a loud rumble during one of his visits to the island. It was the sound of hundreds of landslides that ripped tundra apart and sent it crumbling into nearby valleys and into the ocean.”
“Permafrost thaw threatens Svalbard’s cultural heritage and modern buildings…
“Svalbard’s landscape is underlain by permafrost—ground that remains frozen year-round. The overlying active layer thaws each summer, which can cause the surface to sink as ground ice melts. As the Arctic warms, permafrost degradation and active layer thickening intensify ground movement and related hazards, both on slopes and in flat terrain.”
“Pollen season in UK and mainland Europe extended by climate breakdown.
““It’s one of those everyday indicators that show something is getting a little worse for a lot of people,” said Joacim Rocklöv, an environmental epidemiologist at the University of Heidelberg and co-director of the report. “The suffering of people from these changes can be very large.””
“EU drought fuels decade-long trend, raising alarms over worsening land vitality.
“Drought affected 156,703 square kilometres of EU land in 2024. The measure tracks areas where soils have too little moisture during the growing season, which can reduce how well vegetation grows, Eurostat said in a release on Wednesday.”
“Central Europe demands methane regulation pause, citing gas supply fears.
“A coalition of five Central European countries—Bulgaria, Czechia, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia—has formally requested a two-year “stop-the-clock” pause on the implementation of the EU Methane Regulation (EUMR).”
“G7 omits climate change from Paris talks to avoid US clash, France says.
“A meeting of the G7 nations on the environment begins in Paris on Thursday, but climate change has been left off the agenda to avoid a dispute with the United States, France’s ecology minister Monique Barbut said, citing efforts to preserve unity and focus on less contentious issues during the two-day talks.”
“The strong hailstorm that affected the Osona region on Monday afternoon was exceptional, becoming the earliest hailstorm with the largest amount of large stones – exceeding 2 centimeters – since records began in Catalonia.”
“Fierce heat in ALGERIA with over 40C and Minimums up to 30C / 86F. In SPAIN up to 32.6C in the Valencian community with the summerlike heat expected to continue next few days… Casablanca Morocco, minimum tonight was 21.4C, th highest min. ever recorded in April. [Extreme Temps]
“Record heat are falling all over the world like never before and The Gulf of Guinea is not the exception. Extraordinary hot night at Natitingou, BENIN highlands with a Minimum of 28.6C [83.5F], by far the highest ever recorded in April.”
“Environmental dimensions of conflict in the Lake Chad region…
“The Sahel is one of the regions on the planet most vulnerable to climate change, facing increased unpredictability and bigger extremes of high and low rainfall. Extended droughts in the late 20th century reduced water flows into Lake Chad so severely that its surface area shrank by more than 90%…”
“Ethiopia, Egypt, and the Nile: Why International Water Law Is Failing the GERD Dispute…
“Despite widespread recognition of foundational norms—such as equitable and reasonable utilization, the obligation not to cause significant harm, and duties of prior notification and consultation—these principles remain difficult to translate into binding operational rules in the Eastern Nile Basin.”
“Kenya’s drought-stricken elephants are desperate for help.
“Prolonged drought cycles, rising temperatures and intensifying weather patterns have left vast stretches of Tsavo West dry and overgrazed. Even after light, scattered showers, the land has struggled to regenerate. The result? Desperate animals getting weaker, hungrier and skinnier every day.”
“Massive Heatwave Grips Odisha [India]: Life Disrupted As Temperatures Skyrocket To New Highs!
“…The intense heatwave has paralyzed normal life across the state, leaving streets deserted and people struggling to cope. As the mercury continues to soar, health experts and the government have issued an emergency guide to surviving this blistering heat.”
“Why is Assam flooding while the rest of India bakes?
“This extreme weather shift, ranging from blazing heat in one part and sudden floods in another, underlines yet again the worsening consequences of a warming planet… Guwahati received a shocking 117.4 mm of rain in just 24 hours on April 20, the highest single-day April total in 75 years, beating the old record from 2004.”
“Heatwave, high humidity worsen people’s sufferings. [Bangladesh]
“Despite temperatures remaining within what is officially considered a ‘mild to moderate’ heatwave range, high humidity levels, ranging between 60 and 100 per cent, have significantly increased the ‘feels like’ temperature, intensifying public discomfort.”
“Relentless heatwave scorches Tarai, brings life to a near standstill [Nepal].
“People are struggling to cope as temperatures climb close to or above 40 degrees Celsius [104F] in several places. In Rupandehi, the mercury has been rising steadily over the past few days. Homes, roads and everyday objects have heated up under the relentless sun, making it difficult for people to step outside.”
“…These fires not only devastate ecosystems but also pose substantial risks to human life and infrastructure. The escalating severity of wildfires is driven by a combination of factors, including climate change, land-use changes, and human activities.”
“Over 1,000 people urged to evacuate as wildfires rage in northeastern Japan.
“The first fire broke out in the Kozuchi district of Otsuchi at around 1:50 p.m., spreading to multiple buildings and nearby woodland. About 10 kilometers away, another fire ignited in the afternoon in a mountainous area of the Kirikiri district, according to police and other sources.”
“Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi [Thailand] has temporarily closed all tourism activities and overnight stays after worsening forest fires and hazardous PM2.5 pollution levels exceeded safety standards, officials said on 21 April 2026.
“Park chief Phiphat Chimpli said the closure follows ongoing forest fire and haze conditions in the area…”
“Underground pollution is threatening the Philippines’ corals…
“In many coastal areas of the Philippines, harmful algal blooms – commonly known as “red tides” – have become increasingly frequent, with over 44 distinct coastal locations across the archipelago experiencing outbreaks since the first major bloom was recorded in 1983.”
“Indonesia orangutan forest cleared for ‘carbon-neutral’ packaging firm…
“Experts and locals blame the plantations that supplied Asia Symbol for destroying their livelihoods and causing flooding, wildlife loss and land disputes. “My eyes well up remembering how it was,” local village leader Agau told AFP, describing the devastation in Central Kalimantan.”
“Body of New Zealand man swept away by floods found, as Wellington recovers after widespread damage…
“Wellington was placed under a rare state of emergency on Monday after the city experienced rainfall totals that nearly tripled monthly averages. More than 70mm of rain fell in one hour in parts of southern Wellington – the highest on record for the city, Metservice said.”
“The development of El Niño has progressed rapidly.
“Waters in the subsurface Pacific Ocean have now reached a gaudy 6˚C (11˚F) above average. This warmth is rising toward the ocean’s surface and aligns with projections of a super El Niño later this year.”
“Geoengineering could protect Amazon rainforest from climate change…
“Co-author Professor Peter Cox, Director of Exeter’s Global Systems Institute, said, “Surprisingly, in these three scenarios, we find that the Amazon rainforest is most productive in the scenario with Stratospheric aerosol injection geoengineering.”
“Lethem, near the Brazilian border, had minimum temperatures up to 25.8C [78.4F] these days, the record April hottest night. Lethem has broken records each month of 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026.”
“Wildfires burning across Georgia and Florida destroy homes and force evacuations.
“The Georgia forestry commission issued its first mandatory burn ban in the state’s history, effective across 91 counties in the lower half of the state, due to worsening drought conditions and rising wildfire activity.”
“Northeast flower and fruit farmers grapple with whiplash weather.
“An abrupt swing from hot weather to cold across the Northeast is frustrating some flower and fruit farmers who have had to either harvest blooms extra early or fear they could lose some crops altogether.”
“Tariffs, war, and now a historic drought have converged into a ‘perfect storm’ for U.S. farmers and food prices.
“American farmers entered the spring planting season knowing fertilizer would be more expensive, fuel would be costly, and labor would be short. With the growing season now in full swing, they can add a record-setting drought and scarce water supplies to that list of headaches.”
“Utah, other states rush to approve plan to send Flaming Gorge water to Lake Powell as crisis looms.
“Utah and other Upper Basin states gave their reluctant support for the federal government to release an unprecedented amount of water from Flaming Gorge to bolster Lake Powell, which could fall below hydropower-generating levels as soon as August, forecasts show.”
“Hottest March on record brings on “fast and short” California cherry season…
“The source of concern is California’s increasingly volatile weather. According to the U.S. National Weather Service, March 2026 was the hottest on record across the San Joaquin Valley, where the majority of the state’s cherries are grown.”
“An intense marine heat wave has California in its crosshairs, with impacts set for land and sea.
“Something unusual and with far-reaching consequences is lurking in the sea off the California coast, stretching all the way down the Baja Peninsula and more than 500 miles to the southwest.”
“Oregon gray whale strandings raise alarm of die-off.
“Many of the whales appeared upon necropsy to be emaciated, meaning they did not get enough food during last summer’s feeding session, Michael Milstein, a spokesperson with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, told OPB.”
“New Record: Wettest April on Record Says National Weather Service Boise, Idaho.
“Following a mild and warm winter across most of Idaho, April has brought a significant amount of moisture. Monthly rainfall totals 3.83 inches of rain so far, according to NWS Boise. The previous record was set in 1912.”
“Scientists forecast wildfire risk for species survival under climate change…
“Regions such as South America and Oceania are expected to face especially elevated risks of burning, Yang said. Fires in high-latitude areas of the Northern Hemisphere are also projected to increase rapidly in the future, although they’ve historically been rare in these regions…”
“Sustainable Wood Schemes Failing to Slow Deforestation.
“Between 2013 and 2023, the world lost at least 50 million acres of forest each year, an area roughly the size of Nebraska… Some forests were lost to fire, others deliberately cleared by loggers, farmers, or developers. What is striking, the study showed, is that countries with more certified acres saw no less clearing of forest overall.”
“98 per cent of meat and dairy sustainability pledges are greenwashing.
“The food industry has made big promises to reduce emissions and become more sustainable, but a review concludes that many of the pledges are not backed up by evidence… “The authors convincingly illustrate how many of the industry’s claims amount to not much more than window dressing,” says Marco Springmann at the University of Oxford.”
“Why nature risk for companies is far bigger than deforestation.
“Although often overlooked, grasslands, savannas and wetlands are also being cleared at an alarming rate, according to new research. These ecosystems are just as essential as forests to businesses’ supply chains.”
I rely on donations and tips from my readers to keep the site running. Every little bit helps. Can you chip in even a dollar? Buy me a coffee or become a Patreon supporter. A huge thank you to those who do subscribe or donate.
You can read the previous “Climate” thread here. I’ll be back tomorrow with an “Economic” thread.
“The US Defense Department Is Still Preparing for Climate Change… The military might not be talking about climate anymore, but it’s still working to be ready for it.
“Work that was previously described as confronting the climate threat is now touted for ensuring “resilience” and “readiness.” The semantics are a nod to necessity: At stake are hundreds of billions of dollars of assets and the ability to launch missions quickly and smoothly.”
“Suspect Accused of Hacking Climate Activists Appears in Court
“A private investigator accused of running a global hacking-for-hire operation that targeted environmental activists on Friday made his first appearance before the federal judge who would oversee his eventual trial in Manhattan… Mr. Forlit’s lawyers in Britain identified the lobbying firm as D.C.I. Group and the corporation as Exxon Mobil.”
“Friday ice update – Arctic sea ice extent is currently the 2nd lowest on record (JAXA data)…” [Zack Labe]
• about 480,000 km² below the 2010s mean • about 760,000 km² below the 2000s mean • about 1,220,000 km² below the 1990s mean • about 1,810,000 km² below the 1980s mean
“Rivers are driving a hidden permafrost meltdown, with thaw progressing 15% faster than expected…
“If cold region climates become warmer and wetter in the future, their model suggests enhanced permafrost thaw will increase risks to riverside infrastructure, the researchers concluded.”
“The Barents Sea is receiving more and more warm water, and scientists believe they have finally found the reason that had eluded them for 40 years.
“Warm, salty water from the Atlantic has been pushing farther into the Arctic through the Barents Sea for decades, a process scientists call atlantification. A new study argues the missing clue is not simply stronger winds, but a change in the pace of the atmosphere itself.”
“Another appetizer of Summer is coming in Morocco, Canary Islands, Spain, Portugal and parts of France. Temperatures can touch 40C [104F] in Morocco, 35C in Iberian Peninsula and Canary Islands in the next few days.”
“US tech firms successfully lobbied EU to keep datacentre emissions secret…
“The secrecy provision, which the European Commission added to its proposal almost verbatim after industry lobbying in 2024, hinders scrutiny of the pollution that individual datacentres emit. It leaves researchers with just national-level summaries of their energy footprints.”
“Mass poisoning of wolves in Italian national park.
“Ten wolves have been found poisoned to death in the space of a few days in the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise… “There will be wide ranging consequences for the ecosystem. Poisoning is a horrendous way of killing because it is so indiscriminate. It can kill wolves but also foxes, other wild animals, and domestic dogs.””
“‘We can’t wait’: Venice already seeking floods plan B five years after barriers’ launch…
“… despite the Mose having been in operation for only five years, city authorities are already looking for a plan B. Rising sea levels due to the climate crisis mean engineers are forced to raise the flood barriers more frequently, which damages the lagoon’s ecosystem.”
“Living under threat of landslides: The Italian villages at risk of disappearing…
“The situation is causing concern for the country’s local authorities. Over 500,000 buildings are situated in areas exposed to landslides, and nearly 38,000 churches, monuments, historic and cultural heritage sites are at risk.”
“Climate change threatens 2,500 years of wrecks off Gibraltar.
“Climate change is worsening the damage. Rising sea levels are shifting the sediment that once covered many of the wrecks, so structures that were once buried are now exposed to currents and decay. Warmer water has also helped invasive algae spread…”
“Weather tracker: hail covers parts of Tunisia and Algeria like snow.
“Severe thunderstorms have affected the Mediterranean this week. On Monday, a surface low-pressure system in the Mediterranean in conjunction with an upper air cut-off low, led to thunderstorms over north Africa. Their intensity was aided by the hot precursor conditions.”
“In Liberia, concerns are growing over gold mining pollution.
“In Liberia, communities are raising alarm over rising water and soil pollution linked to gold mining activities. In the village of Jikandor, north of the capital, residents accuse the Bea Mountain Mining Corporation of violating environmental standards and contaminating rivers through undisclosed spills.”
“Summer never ends in SOUTH AFRICA in this incredible April.
“Tonight Durban had an exceptional hot night with a Minimum of 24.4C [75.9F],the highest ever recorded in April few days after a record hot day. More summer weather next 2 days.”
“Chemedi, a remote settlement in Upper Nile State, is home to about 58,000 people, most of them Sudanese refugees and returnees. A worsening water crisis is ravaging daily life and straining already fragile basic services.”
“Hailstorms of devastating sizes cause extensive damage in Daraa province, southern Syria.
“…images and footage have emerged showing large and destructive hailstones falling in Daraa Governorate, southern Syria… The weather conditions were accompanied by locally heavy rainfall and heavy hail during a short period of time, which caused serious damage in a number of areas.”
“Record heat continues with MINIMUMS locally >30C [86F] in SAUDI ARABIA. Hot like never before even in the Northern Highlands: min 24.8C at Tabuk was the April Highest Minimum ever. Next days the heat will move East to IRAN with up to 40C/43C.”
“Iraq’s Tigris crisis: Toxic flood wipes out thousands of fish…
“Earlier this month, after yet another very dry season, a brief spate of rain led authorities to open the gates of the Hamrin Dam, sending water into the Diyala, a tributary that is choked with untreated sewage. The flood then swept the contaminated water into the larger Tigris, and the pollution was so severe that it was visible in satellite images.”
“Mass Seal Die-Off Alarms Kazakhstan’s Part of Caspian Sea.
“A total of 97 dead seals were discovered in the Tupkaragan district of the Mangistau region. Strong western winds carried the bodies to the shoreline, The Caspian Post reports… The incident adds to growing environmental concerns in the region. In 2025 alone, more than 400 dead seals were found along Kazakhstan’s Caspian coastline…”
“At the heart of Pakistan’s biodiversity crisis lies an over-reliance on chemical pesticides that has reached ecologically destabilising levels. Pesticide consumption in Pakistan has increased by a staggering 1,169 percent over the past two decades — far exceeding the global average.”
“Punjab is called the food basket of Pakistan. Major crops such as wheat, rice, sugarcane, maize, and cotton are grown here. However, over the past 15 to 20 years, Punjab’s climate has changed rapidly. Rainfall patterns have become irregular, heat has intensified, and winters are becoming shorter and less cold…”
“In Assam, about 20,000 acres of crops have been lost to floods and hailstorms over the past year which the regional government has linked to hydrometeorological disasters. And this month, unseasonal rain and hailstorms have damaged wheat crops across more than 135,000 acres in seven districts of Punjab.”
“Delhi Heatwave Takes Toll on Pregnant Women in Slums, Raising Health Risks.
“Pregnant women in Delhi’s slums report insomnia, breathlessness and anxiety as extreme heat worsens living conditions in cramped homes… Environmentalists caution women are disproportionately affected by climate events…”
“Japan reveals new name for 40C-and-hotter days [104F+] after blistering summer.
“The term – kokushobi – has been translated as “cruelly hot”, “brutally hot” or “severely hot” day by Japanese and international media. The name emerged as the most popular in a national online survey, with “super extremely hot day” in second place.”
“Seoul breaks mid-April heat record at 29.4C [84.9F].
“An unseasonal heat wave swept across South Korea with daytime temperatures reaching summer-like levels and rewriting hottest mid-April records in some parts of the country on Sunday.”
https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10720512
“THAILAND is living an extraordinary heat wave with deadly heat 24/7 for weeks:
“Maxes up to 44C, mins up to 30C and extreme humidity with THI’s locally >50C [122F]. Records fall every single day. 41.1C [106F] Chachoengsao last one. The bad news this will just get worse going into May.”
“Chiang Mai haze crisis deepens as forest fires drive hazardous pollution…
“Northern Thailand’s air pollution crisis has intensified as ongoing illegal forest fires continue to push PM2.5 levels into hazardous territory, prompting provincial authorities to impose a full forest closure and tighten enforcement measures across the region.”
“Indonesia’s fire crisis comes into focus as high-resolution satellite maps expose 5.62 million hectares affected.
“Indonesia experiences massive forest fires as the dry season approaches. They are a major environmental challenge because they damage forests and other land, endanger lives, and disrupt local economies.”
“The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) Prioritizes Weather Modification to Tackle Bandung Floods [Java]…
“As extreme weather continues to threaten West Java, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency has shifted its strategy toward atmospheric intervention to safeguard the Greater Bandung area. The Agency confirmed on Friday, April 17, 2026, that weather modification has become the primary operational priority…”
“New Zealand’s capital begins clean-up of ‘hardest hit areas’ after flash floods triggered by heavy rain…
“”Severe weather has caused flood damage across the city,” said Hutt City Council, a government authority within the Wellington region, which has a population of 520,971. “We know many people across Lower Hutt are dealing with flooding impacts and debris,” the council said…”
“US Coast Guard spots overturned vessel near Saipan during search for missing ship with 6 on board…
“The Mariana suffered engine failure Wednesday as a massive typhoon bore down on Saipan and nearby islands with fierce winds and relentless rain… contact was lost Thursday. A HC-130 plane launched that morning to conduct a search, but it returned to Guam due to heavy winds.”
“34.4c [93.9F] at Chuuk – hottest April day in history tied just 1 day after the record in Pohnpei. Record heat in Micronesia has been going on for years no-stop.”
“Monster subsurface heat bubble and associated “downwelling Kelvin wave” is traversing the deep Pacific, transporting anomalously warm water from the West Pacific Warm Pool towards the East Equatorial Pacific, and emerging toward to surface.
“All signs are pointing to a top tier El Niño episode this summer/ fall/ winter – emitting pent up ocean heat – throwing Worldwide weather patterns into overdrive!” [Jeff Berardelli]
“With the latest set of El Niño forecasts, NOAA’s CFSv2 model needs to get a larger y-axis scale.” [Zeke Hausfather]
“The values of Sea Surface Temperatures will raise even more in the next few days, more records will come:
Copernicus Marine Service by Mercator Ocean provides SST forecast that set SST anomalies well above +5 along the coasts of Mexico, where max could reach +6°C.” [SatWorld]
“A strong storm caused serious flooding in Santa Rosa, La Pampa [Argentina], where in a few hours about 90 millimeters of rain fell, exceeding the capacity of the drainage system…
“According to official sources, the lagoon and several canals are overflowing, which aggravates the situation in a city affected by the volume of accumulated water.”
“Indigenous leaders, traditional communities and researchers are resisting development in the Amazon rainforest that could push its ecosystems past irreversible tipping points… From beef to biofuels to carbon credits, oil blocks and mega-dams, this special edition traces how familiar extractive practices are being reframed in the language of green growth.”
“Record US drought sparks worries about fires, water supply and food prices.
“Drought in the contiguous United States has reached record levels for this time of year, weather data shows. Meteorologists said it’s a bad sign for the upcoming wildfire season, food prices and western water issues.”
“Emergency water release ordered as Colorado River crisis reaches a breaking point…
“The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced it will release up to one million acre-feet of water from Flaming Gorge Reservoir in Utah and Wyoming to stabilize Lake Powell, which is at risk of dropping too low to reliably deliver water and generate hydropower.”
“US midwestern states at risk of severe thunderstorms, weather agency warns…
“The storm system is capable of producing large hail, roughly the size of a baseball. A hailstone can reach speeds of up to 107mph (about 172km/h) as it falls to the ground, according to the NWS.”
“Train derails in Janesville flooding after record rainfall [Wisconsin]…
“The severe weather brought 3.62 inches of rain to Janesville in a single night, exceeding the city’s average monthly rainfall of 3.41 inches… the rainfall pushed the month-to-date total to 10.10 inches. Residents described unprecedented flooding conditions throughout the area…”
“Some states will go from record heat to a freeze — thanks to Alaska…
“Alaska is one of the few places where it has been unusually cold lately. The contiguous U.S. will soon feel that chill… Very few low-temperature records are forecast to be broken — and data shows that the recent exceptional warmth in the contiguous United States has not been balanced by unusual cold farther north.”
“Pests, insects, and bugs are back earlier than usual, experts say…
“With a mild start to the winter and a drier spring, it is jump-starting pest season, with termites, stink bugs, and Asian lady beetles popping up earlier in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions. Meanwhile, as temperatures rise, we can expect more ticks and stinging insects.”
“Warming temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns may exacerbate pest damage in North American forests…
“Our findings provide empirical support for expectations of climate-induced stress to host trees and temperature-boosted pest performance, leading to increased pest damage in future forests.”
“Wildfires used to ‘go to sleep’ at night. Climate change has them burning overtime.
“Burning time for North American wildfires is going into overtime. Flames are lasting later into the night and starting earlier in the morning because human-caused climate change is extending the hotter and drier conditions that feed fires, a new study found.”
“Too hot for solar and too much wind for turbines: Can renewables withstand our worsening climate?
“…Balogun argues that as weather patterns grow more volatile – as heat-trapping gases continue to drive up temperatures – the reliability, efficiency and resilience of our green energy transition are being pushed to breaking point.”
“Solution-delusions. How omnicidal climate-change responses are the enemy we should be fighting…
“The UN, most governments and the green sector still insist the, ‘transition to renewable energy’ is the big answer. They ignore the fact this has had no meaningful impact to-date on either emissions or accelerating temperatures…”
“‘World waiting for us’: Türkiye urges faster clean energy transition ahead of COP31…
“Turkish Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum said Saturday that the global transition to clean energy must accelerate through concrete action, warning against reliance on fossil fuels and stressing the need for inclusive climate policies.”
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You can read the previous “Climate” thread here. I’ll be back tomorrow with an “Economic” thread.
“Global sea surface temperatures just hit a new all-time high for April 14.
“A ~5,000-mile marine heatwave now stretches from Micronesia to California, highlighting the sheer scale of record-warm water across the Pacific. Earth’s oceans are exceptionally warm right now.”
“Yes, we have an El Nino – probably Super-Duper – see the better diagnostic (Fig. 2) – comparison to ordinary and Super El Ninos…
“The heat content of the upper 300 m of the equatorial Pacific (Fig. 1) is a better measure of El Nino strength; for example, it correctly has the 1997-98 El Nino as the strongest El Nino in the past 50 years, while the Nino3.4 index has the 2015-16 El Nino as stronger.” [Prof Jim Hansen]
“Atlantic Ocean current collapse now ‘almost inevitable’.
“A collapse would trigger catastrophic consequences for Europe, including extreme cold winters and summer droughts, and disrupt tropical rainfall patterns globally… even a weakened Amoc is expected to cause severe economic and environmental impacts.”
“Most endangered marine mammals face highest plastic risk.
“Estimates put the amount of plastic entering our ocean at 11million metric tons per year. This is the environmental equivalent of dumping a full garbage truck into the ocean every single minute.”
““We demonstrate that sperm whale codas not only resemble human vowels acoustically but also pattern like them,” the study said. ““Sperm whale coda vocalisations are thus highly complex and represent one of the closest parallels to human phonology of any analysed animal communication system.””
“The ocean’s most iconic predators maintain warmer body temperatures than the surrounding seawater and are paying an increasingly steep price for it. As the oceans warm due to climate change, they now face the risk of potentially fatal overheating…”
“Climate change poses growing threat to aquaculture in Norway.
“A new report warns how rising sea temperatures and changing ocean conditions are increasingly affecting fish farming operations, highlighting the urgent need for adaptation in Norway’s aquaculture sector.”
“More than half of Britain’s butterfly species in decline, monitoring scheme shows.
“…a number of rarer, “habitat specialist” butterflies – which rely on specific plants or habitats such as wetlands, woodlands or flower-rich grasslands – have sustained serious declines, including the high brown fritillary (down 66%), pearl-bordered fritillary (down 70%) and white-letter hairstreak (down 80%).”
“…weight loss is merely a precursor to a far more serious problem: the near-total failure of the next generation… The researchers identified the lack of pollen as the decisive bottleneck.” [German study from Uni of Würzburg]
“Heat wave forces Kano residents to sleep outdoors [Nigeria].
“Many residents of Kano are sweltering under extreme heat as the temperature climbs above 40°C [104F] during the day. The heat wave has left residents gasping for relief in recent days, with the city’s erratic power supply compounding the situation.”
“Flood Alert 2026: Nigeria warns of widespread flooding, flags risks in 33 states…
“After witnessing the destructive catastrophic floods last year in countries like Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Pakistan, followed by India, Nepal, South Korea, China, United States, and Europe, now West Africa is also at risk for flash flooding in 2026.”
“The torrential rains that fell throughout the province of Tshopo on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., caused flooding with losses of basic necessities.
“The floods have worsened following the overflows of the Congo River and some of its tributaries, namely: the Lindi and Tshopo rivers which flow into the Congo River at Kisangani.”
“The myrrh tree that’s key to luxury perfumes and African incomes is threatened by drought.
“The critical note in some of the world’s most well-known perfumes is myrrh, a tree resin from the Horn of Africa that is under pressure from what experts call a historic drought. Threatened by the lack of water and nibbled by starving livestock, the trees that once formed a dense forest in the Somali region of Ethiopia are in danger, locals say.”
“Residents in Israel have been documenting thousands of bees swarming the southern city of Netivot, prompting authorities to urge people to stay indoors. Bee experts say the phenomenon offers insights into swarming patterns, environmental stress, and how bees adapt to urban areas.”
“Heat wave in the Middle East with Minimums up to 30C [86F] on the Red Sea. 45C in INDIA, 44 Pakistan and Myanmar, 43 in Thailand. 10 days >40C in CHINA. Summerlike warmth in Koreas and Japan.” [Extreme Temps]
“178 people were evacuated due to landslides in a mountainous region of Dagestan…
“”Roads of national importance were seriously damaged, and Transport links with many settlements are disrupted. Bridges are destroyed, and village roads are washed out. In the village of Urkarakh, the main water pipeline is damaged, threatening the water supply.””
“Kyrgyzstan’s water shortage limits fruit and vegetable production…
“Climate change and glacier melt in the Tien Shan are reducing water availability. At the same time, infrastructure inefficiencies increase pressure on the sector. Water losses during transportation in the region reach up to 40%, while irrigation systems continue to degrade.”
“Uzbekistan Wants Nuclear Energy, But Can It Afford the Water Cost?
“Uzbekistan is moving forward with its first nuclear power plant (NPP), but the project faces a critical “water cost” due to the country’s severe and worsening water scarcity.”
“Dust storm on its way to Kazakhstan from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
“Residents of the Khorazm and Bukhara regions have shared videos of a powerful dust storm. The footage shows strong winds lifting dust into a fog-like layer along the ground. The sky is completely obscured and visibility is severely reduced.”
“Kabul faces deepening water crisis as supplies dwindle and demand surges…
“Kabul, situated in the Hindu Kush, depends heavily on groundwater extracted from wells. But years of overuse have caused water levels to drop sharply, with some wells now drilled as deep as 150 metres.”
“Vegetation in six Himalayan regions shifted upwards due to warming, reduced snow depth…
““This study is the first to demonstrate vegetation line shifting patterns across the Himalayas at a 30 m spatial resolution, providing robust evidence of upward vegetation line movement under climate change and exploring underlying climatic trends,” according to the study.”
“India braces for 45°C heatwave in 2 days: What extreme heat does to your health…
“As temperatures rise, the human body comes under stress. Research from the University of Roehampton shows that once temperatures cross 35 degrees Celsius [95F], breathing becomes faster and heart rate increases.”
“Extreme heat is pushing rice past its breaking point.
“…rice rarely thrives when the mean annual temperature rises above about 28°C (82°F). During the growing season, problems begin when temperatures exceed 33°C (91°F). Beyond this, yields drop as pollen viability declines. At extreme heat near 40°C (104°F), the plant struggles to survive at all.”
“China warns of food security risks as Iran war threatens global supplies…
“China’s food supply could be vulnerable to global price spikes triggered by extreme weather or global conflict, as international bodies warn the US-Israel war on Iran is worsening food insecurity worldwide.”
“In the early hours of April 16, 2026, an unusual and intense hailstorm struck in Lao Cai province, northern Vietnam, leaving behind significant damage and concern among local residents. According to initial reports, the storm began suddenly before dawn…”
“Weeks of deadly heat with 42/43C and Mins 29/30C [86F]. Records broken every single day… Today Minimum 28.7C at Phuket Airport – Hottest April night in history.”
“Scorching heat sparks wave of forest and house fires [Thailand].
“As extremely hot daytime weather exceeding 40°C has been rising steadily for several consecutive days, Nakhon Ratchasima has been met with multiple incidents of forest fires and residential fires across various areas.”
“Terrible heat worsens with up to 43C in SE Asia. RECORDS today: 41.4C [106.5F] Pakse LAOS all time record; 35.2C Tanjungpandan INDONESIA April record.”
“Southeast Asia braces for scorching heat, water crisis as “Godzilla” El Niño looms…
“For Southeast Asia, El Niño is not a distant climate curiosity—it is a direct threat to food security, water supply, and public health. The region is already experiencing above-normal temperatures between March and May 2026…”
“Alpine ash forests occur on high country slopes in the states of Victoria and New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, at elevations of 900-1,500 meters (about 3,000-5,000 feet). These culturally significant forests sit within the traditional lands of many First Nations peoples.”
“Antarctica’s vanishing sea ice transforms marine life.
“The results, published in Inter-Research Marine Ecology Progress Series, were unexpected. Large and remote regions of the Southern Ocean shifted from extremely low phytoplankton levels to more moderate productivity. On average, nearly 70% of the region now supports higher summer phytoplankton concentrations than before the sea-ice decline began…”
“Ocean warming drives acceleration of glacier flow in Antarctica: study…
“”That year [2018] may serve as a critical turning point,” said Kang Yulong, the first author of the research article. The widespread and sustained acceleration of glacier flow velocities was likely a signal of a critical regime shift in the climate system.”
“Sinlaku rips through Northern Mariana Islands as strongest tropical cyclone this year…
“Super Typhoon Sinlaku hammered the Northern Mariana Islands, flipping over cars, toppling utility poles and ripping away tin roofs. The typhoon – the strongest tropical cyclone on Earth this year – was packing sustained winds of up to 150mph (240km/h) when it made landfall on the islands, the National Weather Service said.”
“More record heat in Oceania, it never misses a day! 34.5C [94.1F] yesterday at Pohnpei, capital of MICRONESIA hottest April day in history. Imagine [how it will be] in a year with a strong Nino.” [Extreme Temps]
“The Kayapó Indigenous Territory has emerged as a major hotspot for illegal gold mining in the Brazilian Amazon’s Xingu River Basin, a major Amazon tributary. That’s according to a new report from the watchdog Monitoring of the Andes Amazon Program (MAAP).”
“Heavy rains and flooding in the Dominican Republic and Haiti have killed at least 19 people and displaced thousands more, according to the latest toll by officials and the Red Cross.
“Powerful storms that began April 7 have continued dumping rain on the neigboring Caribbean nations…”
“Pemex Undersea Pipeline Found to Cause Gulf Oil Spill.
“A government investigation determined that an undersea pipeline near the Abkatun offshore platform was the cause of the leak, Pemex Chief Executive Officer Victor Rodriguez said at a press briefing on Thursday evening… The amount of crude that spilled into the Gulf is still being determined…”
“Upside down day… New York, Philly and DC were all hotter than Florida today!!
“The Big NE cities were in the low 90s, while most of Florida was chilling in the 80s. There were dozens of daily high temp records set today in the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast and New England.”
“Weak Snowpack Signals Tight Water Supplies for Western Agriculture.
“Western agriculture plays an outsized role in the production of fruits, vegetables and tree nuts while maintaining a substantial share of dairy, cattle and wheat output. Farmers and ranchers face difficult decisions this year amid ongoing uncertainty around water availability across the West.”
“Dust storms have overtaken Coachella. Researchers say it’s a sign of what’s to come…
“Scientists say global warming is causing warmer temperatures and more intense droughts, paving the way for more dust emissions. Feng said that could require more innovative solution, more action and more money.”
“Stench and toxins from polluted California river linked to health issues for thousands.
“The pervasive stench of rotten eggs has become an unwelcome constant in Steve Egger’s Southern California home, particularly at night, as the nearbyTijuana River churns with raw sewage from Mexico before emptying into the Pacific Ocean.”
“California’s coastal waters are the warmest ever recorded for April.
“A severe to extreme marine heatwave is underway off the coasts of California and Baja California, locally reaching Category 5 intensity… Expect a very humid summer in Southern California, along with major impacts on marine ecosystems.” [Colin McCarthy]
“Severe storms continue to produce heavy rain, lightning and tornadoes across parts of US.
“Storms barreling across the heart of the United States continued to pose tornado risks Thursday after causing at least one death when a man apparently was struck by lightning in Wisconsin.”
“Hundreds of vehicles at local dealerships damaged by hailstorm.
“BEDFORD, Ohio (WJW) – The most costly damage from the powerful storm that swept across the region on Wednesday, will likely be at car dealerships across Northeast Ohio that were pounded by the unforgiving hail.”
“The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office begged drivers to stay off the streets in southeast Wisconsin Wednesday night. Dozens of drivers had to be rescued after their cars, trucks and minivans got stuck in rising floodwaters. Even a tow truck driver said it was “really bad.””
“Residents living in the area below a Michigan dam have been urged to “evacuate now!” as water levels are rapidly rising.
“Newaygo County Emergency Services warned residents living in the Muskegon River floodplain below Croton Dam on Thursday morning to quickly evacuate as water levels continue to rise.”
“Rusting Rivers: Alarm Grows Over Uptick in Acidic Arctic Waters.
“Climate change has thawed permafrost and increased rainfall in the Far North, producing sulfuric acid that is turning rivers and lakes yellow or rusty orange. Scientists are scrambling to parse the impacts on wildlife, fish, and the drinking water of Indigenous communities.”
“These hidden microbial worlds are the building blocks of nature. They keep our farmland healthy, fuel our food systems, help hold climate-altering carbon and make life as we know it possible. Now, scientists warn, that world is in danger of collapsing before we even fully understand it.”
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“It’s almost like the planet is regurgitating the anthropogenic (human) input of the past couple hundred years within two years, the biggest planetary vomit of all time.”
“Consumers in the U.K. are being warned to “completely avoid” all home-caught cod by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS). The nation’s cod stocks have declined over the last decade, driven by overfishing and sea temperature changes, warns the environmental charity.”
“Floods in Angola wash away railways, hindering critical mineral exports from the Lobito Corridor.
“…this corridor connects the mining areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo with the Atlantic port of Lobito, mainly transporting copper, cobalt, and auxiliary materials needed for mining, making it a key supply chain for the global metals market.”
“Severe Floods in Yemen Cause Heavy Losses, Prompt Emergency Response.
“…the floods inflicted heavy damage on electricity networks, water supply systems, communications, and transport, while destroying thousands of homes and temporary shelters for displaced families.”
“India is likely to witness a below-average monsoon this year, adding pressure on farmers who are already facing higher input costs following the Middle East conflict.”
“The Indo-Gangetic Plain’s heat crisis is a governance failure, not just a climate one.
“As the northern plains bake under record-breaking heat, the real emergency is not the temperature on the thermometer — it is the institutional vacuum beneath it.”
“Bangkok authorities have issued a warning that the heat index has reached a “dangerous” level.
“The warning is specifically directed at large crowds participating in outdoor Songkran festival celebrations. The extreme heat poses significant health risks, including dizziness, fatigue, and heatstroke.”
“Severe Storms Batter Eastern China; Hail And Floods Hit Jiangxi, Fujian.
“A powerful storm system has unleashed chaos across Chongqing and Hunan in China, bringing level 13 wind gusts, massive hailstones, and extreme flooding. Trucks were blown away, monorail trains were flooded, and entire streets turned into rivers within minutes.”
“Waist-deep floodwaters force hundreds to evacuate Java, Indonesia.
“Hundreds of houses were affected in Indonesia’s West Java due to flooding from heavy rainfall. Key transportation routes were cut off after the Citarum River overflowed from the floods.”
“Hurricanes are slowing down – and dumping far more rain than before.
“A new study suggests that rapid ocean warming isn’t just making tropical cyclones dump more rain. It may also be slowing some of them down while they’re still in their tropical phase, which is basically the worst combo if you’re on the coast or anywhere downstream.”
“Cat 5 Super Typhoon Sinlaku the 2nd-strongest typhoon so early in the year…
“Tropical Cyclone Sinlaku put on a spectacular display of rapid intensification over the warm Pacific waters southeast of Guam… Update: JTWC has upgraded the winds that occurred at Sinlaku’s peak intensity to 185 mph (300 km/hr).”
“A glacier disappeared in Colombia: a critical sign of climate change advancing in mountain ecosystems.
“The disappearance of the glacier in the Cerros de la Plaza marks an environmental milestone in Colombia. In March 2026, satellite measurements confirmed that its surface area was reduced to 0 km².”
“Earth’s glaciers are on the verge of COLLAPSING: Ominous study reveals masses are shrinking at ‘alarming rates’ – with 408 gigatonnes of ice lost in 2025 alone…
“Last year was the fourth year in a row that all 19 major glacier regions across the globe experienced ice loss, it reveals.”
“Crazy MINIMUM 29.8C at Puntarenas HOTTEST NIGHT IN COSTA RICAN HISTORY. Records of High Minimums also broken in Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Chile. And we have no Nino – imagine what will 2027 be like.”
“Florida wildfires shattering records amid long drought…
“Local fire officials and Florida’s Forest Service, which responds to fires statewide, say more than three times the fires have ignited this year versus the same period last year. And the blazes have been more severe and burned longer…”
“EXTRAORDINARY SUMMER NIGHT: “HISTORIC MINIMUMS 70s in nearly 2 dozens States
HUNDREDS of stations had their April Highest Minimums in history and Many more will fall next 6 days. It’s one of the most record breaking events in history.”
“Wyoming – ‘It’s incredibly bad’: No end in sight to Colorado River water crisis.
“Emergency drawdown of Flaming Gorge is imminent, officials say. The water situation is crashing so rapidly that authorities can’t confidently track the extent of it.”
“With dismal snowpack accumulations at mid- and low- elevations, the summertime outlook is bleak for Montana rivers and streams. That’s according to the April Water Supply Outlook the Natural Resources Conservation Service released on Tuesday.”
“No snow, no water: East Idaho’s warmest winter ever signals a desperate summer ahead.
“The numbers don’t lie — and right now they’re terrifying.
East Idaho just endured the warmest winter and early spring on record. Not one of the warmest. The warmest. Ever. Since record-keeping began in 1895. And the consequences are coming.”
“Global warming is changing the hatching of bees and wasps.
“A large-scale experiment shows that warmth brings bees and wasps out of hibernation earlier—leaving some of them with poorer starting conditions. This is particularly true for species in cooler regions that emerge during spring.”
“Collapse of key ocean current may release billions of tonnes of carbon.
“If the AMOC collapsed entirely, it could release massive amounts of carbon from the deep Southern Ocean into the atmosphere, a feedback that would warm the Earth even more.”
I rely on donations and tips from my readers to keep the site running. Every little bit helps. Can you chip in even a dollar? Buy me a coffee or become a Patreon supporter. A huge thank you to those who do subscribe or donate.
You can read the previous “Climate” thread here. I’ll be back tomorrow with an “Economic” thread.
“Elizabeth Kolbert, journalist: ‘It’s possible AI will allow us to communicate with whales, and the first thing I would like to say is that I’m sorry’…
“I think the news is unfortunately that the sixth extinction proceeds apace, that it’s very much unfolding as you would expect when you continue to keep up so much pressure on so many different fronts on the natural world.”
“Here’s how the wildlife trade is fueling disease outbreaks across the globe…
“The global wildlife trade — a massive industry encompassing exotic pets, trophy hunting, materials used in fashion and more — is amplifying the transmission of pathogens between animals and humans, according to findings published Thursday.”
“Red List alarm: Emperor penguins, Antarctic fur seals ‘Endangered’.
“The emperor penguin and Antarctic fur seal have both been uplisted to Endangered on the IUCN Red List, as climate change, shrinking sea-ice and food scarcity drive rapid population collapse across Antarctica.”
“High levels of forever chemicals in Svalbard reindeer.
“PFAS levels had spiked so precipitously that “I thought they must be wrong,” Stavridis said. “To see that the concentrations are so high, maybe even the highest measured in reindeer, that was a not an ah-ha moment, but more like ‘what the heck?’” she said.”
“Musician performs inside melting glacier to highlight climate crisis.
“Swiss musician To Athena has performed inside a cave in a melting glacier to highlight accelerating ice loss in the Alps. Scientists say the Morteratsch glacier is shrinking by around 50 metres a year, with the cave itself unlikely to survive another summer as temperatures rise.”
“The Fabra Observatory [Barcelona] records the warmest April night in its history.
“This spring heatwave has few precedents, especially because we have had high temperatures for quite a few consecutive days. In fact, in the country’s longest data series, that of the Fabra Observatory in Barcelona, there is no precedent for a higher minimum in April than that of Friday the 10th.”
“Saudi Arabia suspends in-person classes after torrential rains, floods hit Riyadh.
“Saudi Arabia suspended in-person classes at several schools and universities Sunday after torrential rains and flooding swept through Riyadh and other parts of the kingdom.”
“New Crisis in the Making as Central Asia Lacks Enough Water for Spring Planting.
“Central Asian countries lack sufficient water for spring planting of food crops this year, setting the stage for population flight and even military conflict among themselves and with their neighbors, whose causes and consequences lie far beyond the region.”
“India’s Worrying Plans for Dams on Transboundary Rivers Shared with Bangladesh…
“A cascade of RoR projects can increase the region’s disaster vulnerability potential from erosion, landslide, earthquake and flash floods, said Himanshu Thakkar, coordinator of South Asia Network of Dams, Rivers and People.”
“Iran war lands ‘triple blow’ to flood-ravaged Sri Lankans…
“The floods are reported to have caused more destruction in Sri Lanka than the 2004 tsunami, one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history.”
“Hong Kong set for week-long heatwave after record-breaking temperatures in March.
“Hong Kong has seen record-breaking heat in March and during winter. “Planet Earth is being pushed beyond its limits. Every key climate indicator is flashing red,” UN Secretary General António Guterres said last month.”
“Prolonged extreme heat in Vietnam, with temperatures in some localities nearing 42 degrees Celsius in recent days, is increasing stroke risk, while a growing number of young patients is being reported, doctors said.”
“Extreme Heat Takes Toll on Street Vendors [Cambodia]…
““The weather is very hot, but I have to endure it because I need to support my children who live in Kandal province,” she said. “Previously, my husband helped me sell, but now he stays in the province to take care of our young child.””
“Tropics take the brunt as hotter oceans drive large-scale humid heat waves…
“A recent study found a strong causal link between hotter coastal ocean temperatures and large-scale humid heat waves. Rising sea surface temperatures are driving 50-64% of the increase in large-scale humid heat waves…”
“Floods, power outages and hundreds evacuated as Cyclone Vaianu lashes New Zealand’s North Island…
“Authorities have placed several regions under emergency declarations and issued “red” level wind warnings, which are reserved for only the most extreme weather events.”
“NWS says Sinlaku could become super typhoon as it nears Marianas.
“”Sinlaku could reach super typhoon status (150 mph, high Cat 4) as it nears the region. The expansive wind field will bring increasingly strong gusty winds, heavy to torrential rain, and significantly increasing seas by Monday night,” NWS said Sunday afternoon.”
“Near-Record Sea Temperatures in March Pave Wave for Return of El Niño and Abnormally Hot Year…
“The average sea surface temperature last month was 20.97C, the second-highest value on record for the month, according to the European Union Copernicus Climate Change Service’s (C3S) monthly bulletin published Friday.”
“Hidden ocean feedback loop could accelerate climate change…
“The findings reframe how scientists understand methane production in the ocean. Rather than being a rare or unusual process, methane production in oxygen-rich environments may be widespread in regions where phosphate is limited.”
“State declares drought emergency over low snowpack.
“The Washington Department of Ecology issued a statewide emergency drought declaration Wednesday due to low snowpack levels potentially threatening the summer water supply.”
“Spring runoff is having an epic fail in southwest Utah, as severe drought returns…
“Everywhere they look in the drought-prone region, water managers and weather forecasters say the amount of water trickling down out of the mountains above St. George and Cedar City has been an epic fail.”
“The U.S. Drought Monitor’s newly updated map shows that the entire state is in drought and that conditions have become severe in most of the state and extreme in some pockets.”
“New York, Washington Set to Swelter Under Record Heat Next Week…
“The looming warmth in the eastern US comes just weeks after an unusual heat wave set records across California and the Southwest, melting the region’s much-needed snow pack and raising the specter of drought and wildfires later this year.”
“New study finds “canary in the coal mine” for the AMOC: a consistent decline of the western overturning circulation, down from 20 to 15 Sv during 2004-2023 at 26° N.
“AMOC “could be at or near a critical tipping point, potentially leading to its collapse”.” [Prof Stefan Rahmstorf]
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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.