“The world is on course to record its warmest winter ever, unsettling global crop production and raising the risk of food inflation.
“Thailand has been hit with its worst drought in 40 years, Europe witnessed its hottest winter ever, Australia and New Zealand are reeling with poor rainfall and in some parts of the U.S., warmer temperatures have contributed to wetter weather.
“For markets, extreme weather conditions, coupled with the spread of the coronavirus across the world, have led to volatile prices. The United Nations Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in global prices of commonly-traded food commodities, jumped to the highest in five years in January, before slipping in February as the virus hurt demand for products like edible oils and meat.”
“Uganda on Monday issued a disaster alert warning that the country will face floods, landslides, strong winds and lightning as the first rain season starts.
“Martin Owor, commissioner in charge of disaster management, said in a statement that several sub-regions in the country will be confronted with heavy rains above the normal level.”
“It’s deja vu for Morocco’s grain farmers, who are bracing for another dismal harvest as one of the worst droughts in decades withers crops.
““Morocco is Thirsty,” the daily L’Economiste said on its front page last week after several months of dryness and heat hurt wheat and barley plants.””
“Over 298,000 people have been affected by severe drought conditions across Sri Lanka while the dry weather is expected to further worsen in the coming weeks, the Disaster Management Center said in a statement here Tuesday.
“The Meteorology Department said temperatures were expected to hit 41 degrees centigrade in the coming days.”
“Indian Ocean surface temperatures that helped drive hot and dry conditions in eastern Australia last year were more clearly influenced by climate change than previously thought and are likely to worsen in future, researchers have found…
“Australia could experience future conditions even more extreme than those that elevated the bushfire risk during the 2019-20 fire season.”
“You weren’t wrong, it WAS a wet winter. At least if you were in north or central Alabama.
“And NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information has made it official, declaring that the state of Alabama as a whole had its wettest winter on record.”
“A surge in activity on farms [in Ireland] across the country has been brought to a halt again by the heavy rains of the last few days…
“…fertiliser spreading is well back on normal years as a result of the heavy rainfall levels of recent months… grassland management was also proving extremely difficult for farmers as they have been unable to get cows out on paddocks for extended periods.”
“Two people have been rescued from cars as heavy rain brings flooding to parts of Wales…
“Heavy rain overnight had been expected to cause “fast-flowing rivers and deep flood water, causing danger to life”, the Met Office had warned.”
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-51807510
“The spread of coronavirus across the world is disrupting climate and biodiversity meetings ahead of two critical UN summits seeking to limit warming and to halt extinctions of plants and wildlife.
“Measures to contain the spread of coronavirus, also known as Covid19, are ramping up globally, with tougher travel restrictions forcing meetings to be postponed later into the year and squeezing timetables for decisions.”
Weirdly, and perhaps mercifully, this is the quietest day for climate-related news that I can recall.
“The drought in eastern Australia was a significant driver of this season’s unprecedented bushfires. But it also caused another, less well known environmental calamity this summer: entire hillsides of trees turned from green to brown.
“We’ve observed extensive canopy dieback from southeast Queensland down to Canberra. Reports of more dead and dying trees from other regions across Australia are flowing in…”
“Food and other essential supplies have been trucked, ferried and flown in to people stranded by floodwaters in outback south west Queensland…
“Supplies are being flown in by helicopter to remote properties It followed a 21-year rainfall record broken last week for Thargomindah’s wettest day…”
“The Ruahine Range [Northland, NZ], usually considered to be a greener location, saw its driest four-month period in 50 years from November through February, and less than half the average rainfall in the past 12 months.
“Recent rainfall has had little or no impact on the most affected areas.”
“Vietnam’s “rice bowl”, the Mekong Delta, could be empty…
“water shortages have negatively affected some 33,000 hectares of rice fields and almost 70,000 households, Vietnam’s national television reported on Friday, citing the latest data from the country’s department of water resources.”
“Dana Putnam drilled into a maple tree, added a plastic tube and waited for the sap to flow. Nothing happened.
“It’s the end of winter — prime tree-tapping time for New York maple farmers. But for Putnam, a fourth-generation maple farmer, last week was too hot for the trees to properly freeze, thaw and produce sap.”
“Record winter warmth around the globe has raised pressure on weather forecasters from utilities and financial markets that depend on models to work out the economic impact of climate change.
“Abnormally high temperatures led to billions of dollars of lost revenue for energy producers…”
“This winter has been by far the hottest recorded in Europe, scientists have announced, with the climate crisis likely to have supercharged the heat.
“The EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) data dates back to 1855. It said the average temperature for December, January and February was 1.4C above the previous winter record, which was set in 2015-16. New regional climate records are usually passed by only a fraction of a degree.
“Europe’s winter was 3.4C hotter than the average from 1981-2010.”
“In May 2014 a massive cyclone touched down in the Balkans. What was unusual was that it remained stationary.
“It sat over the region for too long, bringing relentless, heavy rainfall; in some areas, it rained for 21 consecutive days. The soil was completely saturated. This caused flash floods, erosion and landslides, which destroyed properties and livelihoods along small watercourses.”
“At least seven persons including children and women were killed in roof collapse and electrocution incidents during rainfall in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa [Pakistan]…
“It is to be mentioned here that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and other parts of the country have received widespread rainfall…”
“RK Janamani, a senior scientist at the Indian Meteorological Department’s National Weather Forecasting Centre said,
“A strong polar vortex supported by other global factors has caused at least 20 Western Disturbances in North India since January this year. And this number is a sort of record.”
“Raft people in this central province [of Thailand] have been living high and dry for about five months now – an indication of the severity of the drought that has spread to more than two dozen provinces…
“The river does not have enough water to feed its tributaries.”
“The chance of a devastating category four cyclone hitting Brisbane, the Gold Coast and northern NSW, causing tens of billions of dollars in damage, is higher than ever, according to Australia’s largest general insurer… Australia is experiencing a 10 per cent increase in the number of the most intense tropical cyclones off the nation’s coastline during the decade between 2015-25.
“Alarmingly, that is the same level of increase there had been from the 1960s to 2015.”
“When Mt Caria’s glacier [New Zealand] was chosen to be part of the survey in 1977, there was plenty of it to study. Now, says Lorrey, it’s “shot”, or as another scientist on board describes it, “cooked”.
“All that remains is a small clump of ice and snow clinging precariously to the side of a mountain.”
“A brush fire that grew to 175 acres in Norco, California, on Tuesday was perhaps a preview of what could be an early and dangerous wildfire season in a state that just had its driest February on record.
“It was the eighth fire incident in 2020, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.”
“It’s still officially winter, but spring has already arrived in large parts of the southern US earlier than any point in the official record…
“The Extended Spring Indices have been used as an indicator of climate change by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the National Climate Assessment.”
“Thwaites Glacier is one of Antarctica’s largest contributors to sea level rise from Antarctica. Its rate of loss has doubled in the past three decades, earning it the moniker “doomsday glacier.”
“Understanding why it’s retreating so quickly has been a challenge, but glaciologists have recently discovered that the glacier is now generating its own seismic activity when it calves…”
The Daily Mail has cottoned on to global dimming. The end must definitely be nigh, lol.
“Dramatic cuts to air pollution in Europe and Asia could make climate change worse in the short term, but ‘doing nothing would be worse’ say scientists.
“Experts from the University of Reading found that cutting pollution in areas with heavy industry would lead to short term temperature spikes and heavier rainfall. This is down to polluting particles currently reflecting a certain amount of sunlight and stopping it from reaching the ground, according to Professor Richard Allan.”
“Concerns have been raised about the impact of climate change after West Yorkshire was hit by a staggeringly high level of rainfall in February.
“Last month was the wettest February on record in the UK since records began in 1862 and West Yorkshire received 235.8mm of rain. That is 359 per cent above the average for the month, recorded between 1981 and 2010.”
“This winter in Central Russia was the hottest ever in the 140-year history of observations, with Moscow reporting a staggering 7.5 degrees Celsius (13.5 Fahrenheit) above average and setting 11 all-time daily temperature records along the way.
“”These are whopping numbers,” Elena Volosyuk, a meteorologist with the Fobos government-licensed weather center told CNN.”
“This winter was the warmest on record for South Korea.
“According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on Wednesday, the average temperature from December to February was 3.1 degrees Celsius, 2.5 degrees higher than normal and the warmest since records began…”
“Fish are believed to have fallen from the sky in an outback town following a tropical cyclone.
“Drought-stricken farmers in the rural town of Yowah, 950km west of Brisbane in Queensland, found fish flapping around in puddles after Tropical Cyclone Esther hit the area on February 24.”
“The outback town of Thargomindah has broken its 21-year-old record for its wettest day as torrential rain sweeps across drought-declared western Queensland…
“”So far in March, Thargomindah airport has seen 201 millimetres. This is also making it the wettest month on record at this station,” he said.”
“Extreme heatwave temperatures over summer have led to a mass bird kill at Gluepot Reserve in South Australia’s Riverland.
“Ian Falkenberg from the reserve’s management committee said more than 100 birds died in late December heat, and it was likely to have happened in other places across the state.”
“Record sea-surface temperatures in much of the Great Barrier Reef region have intensified the risks that coral bleaching already underway could develop into another mass bleaching event.
“The Bureau of Meteorology briefed the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and reef scientists on Thursday of the record February heat and the likelihood that the well-above average sea temperatures will linger well into March.”
“In Barreira [Brazil], Paloma Ribeiro drifted in limbo struggling to keep up morale for her missing father.
““We know that there’s still hope in the first 48 hours after the landslide happened,” the student said, flanked by two friends while sitting on a beach chair. “But the more time passes, the more upset I feel. I fear for the worst, but I just can’t say it now.””
““Towards the end of the Caribbean dry season, a likely reduction in water availability is due to evolving (or possible) long term drought in all countries and territories except French Guiana and Guadeloupe.
“In addition, frequent dry spells and short-term drought in a majority of places may pose water stress to sensitive rainfed crops.”
“Across four counties in Tennessee, residents and officials are grasping with the devastation left by a powerful and fast-moving storm that cut across Middle Tennessee in the early hours of Tuesday morning, dropping at least one tornado that roared up to 175 mph.
“Weather forecasters still working to survey damaged areas…”
“Extending a trend from last year and the start of 2020, the Great Lakes remained at or above record levels in February, officials reported this week.
“The latest U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Detroit District monthly report showed Lakes Superior as well as Michigan and Huron, which are counted as one body of water, surpassed their February record-high mean levels previously set in 1986.”
“Tropical forests are taking up less carbon dioxide from the air, reducing their ability to act as “carbon sinks” and bringing closer the prospect of accelerating climate breakdown.
“The Amazon could turn into a source of carbon in the atmosphere…”
No Winter for Scandinavia: “…In Sweden’s capital Stockholm, cherry trees bloomed in January… Across the border in Finland, more than half of the country recorded the mildest January ever. Temperatures were seven to eight degrees higher than average, the country’s meteorological institute said.
“Norway experienced its mildest winter since record keeping began in 1900. Temperatures exceeded the seasonal norm by 4.5 degrees.
“The same goes for Denmark, the southernmost country in the region. Winter, which officially ended on the last day of February, saw temperatures that were five degrees above normal.”
“Tennessee is under a state of emergency after the deadliest tornado day in seven years…
“Before dawn on Tuesday, 24 people were killed and hundreds of buildings were destroyed in the Tennessee storms. Officials in Putnam County, which suffered 18 storm-related deaths, have said they are working to locate 38 people who are unaccounted for.”
“On Friday, a small brushfire burned vigorously south of San Francisco. The record dry month, combined with this week’s record high temperatures, has sent vegetation moisture plummeting.
“In the Bay Area and the Sacramento Valley, vegetation moisture levels are at a record low for this time of year, and comparable to dryness that would typically be seen in June or July.”
“At least 21 people have been killed in torrential rain that hit the Brazilian states of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, triggering flash floods and destroying homes, authorities said on Tuesday…
“Another 32 people are missing… Violent storms in recent days have dumped a month’s worth of rain on some areas in a matter of hours…”
“Australia had its hottest day on record on December 18, with a nationwide average temperature of 41.88℃. This was far above the previous record of 40.32℃ set on January 7, 2013.
“Six other days in December 2019 also exceeded this previous record. To put this in context, the Australia-wide average maximum temperature has exceeded 40℃ for more days in the past two summers than in the preceding 110 years combined.”
“Parts of the central Queensland coast have been drenched, while remnants of ex-tropical cyclone Esther bring heavy rain and storms to the state’s west on its way to NSW.
“The western Queensland town of Birdsville recorded 112 millimetres in the 48 hours to 3pm on Wednesday, which was more rain than the town has seen in the past 20 months combined, according to Weatherzone.”
“A recent study by researchers at the Institute of Marine Research (IMR) in Norway has found that declines in winter sea ice cover in the Barents Sea region of the Arctic, plus warmer sea temperatures, are causing declines in polar cod reproduction rates.
“As countries accustomed to cold, snowy winters reported record-breaking warm weather this season, meteorological experts on Monday predicted that temperatures over the next several months will also be warmer than usual—even without the effects of El Niño.
“”Even ENSO neutral months are warmer than in the past, as air and sea surface temperatures and ocean heat have increased due to climate change,” said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas in a statement. “The signal from human-induced climate change is now as powerful as that from a major natural force of nature.””
“This winter has been abnormally warm in Belarus. According to the National Center for Hydrometeorology, Radioactive Contamination Control, and Environmental Monitoring (Belhydromet), the average air temperature was 5.5 degrees above the norm.
“This February was very warm and rainy across the country [Estonia].
“Abnormally high air temperatures set new coastal heat records for some coastal stations and rainfall more than twice the normal monthly rate at most monitoring stations.”
“This was the seventh consecutive winter in which temperatures in the Netherlands did not drop to -10 degrees Celsius or lower at the weather station in De Bilt, according to Weeronline.
“This winter was also the second warmest winter since temperature measurements started in 1901, and included the wettest February on record.”
“The situation in flooded areas of east Yorkshire [UK] continues to be chaotic, with residents in the town of Snaith being offered temporary accommodation as far as 46 miles away.”
“It was the wettest February since records began in many parts of the country [Ireland], with some places experiencing once-in-100-years levels of rainfall.
“Two of the oldest weather stations in the country, Phoenix Park in Dublin and Malin Head in Donegal, had their wettest February since recording started in 1850.”
“Two people were killed after a tornado tore through the Nashville area early Tuesday morning, according to a tweet from the Metro Nashville Police Department.
“The victims are from East Nashville, according to police. The Nashville Fire Department is responding to approximately 40 structure collapses around the city, according to a tweet from the agency.”
“That is the definition that the National Meteorological Service (SMN) predicted for today and for the whole week. From today until Sunday, the maximum temperatures will range between 34 and 40 degrees [Argentina].”
“New South Wales [Australia] is bracing for a week-long deluge as remnants of ex-tropical Cyclone Esther move across the state… There is currently a severe weather warning in place for heavy rainfall and flash flooding.”
“China may be at risk of a locust invasion from neighboring countries…
“There are various entry points for the locusts to reach China, including Tibet, which shares a border with India. Other routes include through the province of Yunnan in southwestern China… There is also a concern that a locust swarm could arrive in summer from Pakistan, which is currently facing its worst outbreak in years…”
“Zimbabwe needs at least US$1 billion towards rehabilitation of the three provinces that were ravaged by Cyclone Idai which hit three Southern African states in March 2019, destroying infrastructure and killing hundreds of people…
“Masvingo, Manicaland and Mashonaland West provinces need at least US$1 billion for rehabilitation.”
“Almost half of the world’s sandy beaches will have retreated significantly by the end of the century as a result of climate-driven coastal flooding and human interference, according to new research.”
“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.
“The world is on course to record its warmest winter ever, unsettling global crop production and raising the risk of food inflation.
“The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has warned that the number of crop-eating locusts in east Africa could explode 400-fold by June 2020. 
“Uganda on Monday issued a disaster alert warning that the country will face floods, landslides, strong winds and lightning as the first rain season starts. 
“It’s deja vu for Morocco’s grain farmers, who are bracing for another dismal harvest as one of the worst droughts in decades withers crops.
“Over 298,000 people have been affected by severe drought conditions across Sri Lanka while the dry weather is expected to further worsen in the coming weeks, the Disaster Management Center said in a statement here Tuesday. 
“Indian Ocean surface temperatures that helped drive hot and dry conditions in eastern Australia last year were more clearly influenced by climate change than previously thought and are likely to worsen in future, researchers have found… 
“Queensland could be drenched with up to 300mm [12 inches] of rain as a tropical cyclone forms in the Coral Sea. 
“After six months without rains that have caused a severe drought… 
“You weren’t wrong, it WAS a wet winter. At least if you were in north or central Alabama. 
“Record-breaking warmth for the month of March hit New England on Monday with more high temperatures expected Tuesday across Massachusetts. 
“A surge in activity on farms [in Ireland] across the country has been brought to a halt again by the heavy rains of the last few days… 
“Two people have been rescued from cars as heavy rain brings flooding to parts of Wales… 
“The spread of coronavirus across the world is disrupting climate and biodiversity meetings ahead of two critical UN summits seeking to limit warming and to halt extinctions of plants and wildlife.
Weirdly, and perhaps mercifully, this is the quietest day for climate-related news that I can recall. 
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“RK Janamani, a senior scientist at the Indian Meteorological Department’s National Weather Forecasting Centre said, 
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The Daily Mail has cottoned on to global dimming
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No Winter for Scandinavia
“Negligible rainfall as various temperature records broken in Murcia, Spain, which had its joint-warmest February on record
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