“What happens to forests when the planet warms up too fast.
“New sediment records from the Norwegian Sea offer a rare, close-up look at how quickly nature can unravel when the planet warms. During a past episode of extreme global warming, coastal forests along the Arctic margin collapsed within just a few centuries.”
“Records fall as Storm Chandra brings flooding to the UK and Ireland.
“Storm Chandra brought heavy rain, flooding and strong winds. A major incident was declared in Somerset with record river levels. Also record rainfall in County Down.”
“‘Like a sea out there’: flooded Somerset residents wonder how water can be managed…
“With another Met Office yellow warning for rain coming into force for parts of the south-west of England on Thursday, the council fears more homes and businesses will go underwater, and has declared a major incident.”
“A climate-linked octopus surge is reshaping UK marine ecosystems.
“A new scientific report reveals a climate-driven octopus surge off southwest UK waters, disrupting marine ecosystems and shellfish fisheries, highlighting warming seas, cross-Channel larval transport, and the urgent need for early warning systems and adaptive fisheries management.”
“National survey finds microplastic pollution around Britain’s coastline could be double than previously recorded.
“Microplastic pollution in the seas around Great Britain has been found at significantly higher concentrations than previously recorded by a joint project between the University of Portsmouth and GB Row Challenge.”
“At least five killed after Storm Kristin hits Portugal…
“The storm, which the government described as an “extreme climactic event”, left schools shuttered, buildings damaged and travel severely disrupted. In the coastal city of Figueira da Foz, a Ferris wheel overturned and several vehicles were hit when part of a roof was torn from a building.”
“Live: Evacuation of residents of Los Puentes in Jaén and municipalities [Spain]…
“Storm Kristin has entered the province of Jaén with force and leaves road closures, interrupted rail traffic to Córdoba and an injury, for the moment… In the rest of the province, warnings and risks due to river overflows are accumulating.”
“The storm hit hardest in Aksu, where a tornado formed over the Aksu Stream, lifting boats onto the shore and smashing others along the banks. Greenhouses collapsed, roofs were ripped away, and trees and power lines came down.”
“Water crisis in Cyprus: citizens urged to reduce water consumption.
“On January 26, the Cypriot authorities declared a critical water situation due to a prolonged drought. Despite recent rainfall, the situation has hardly improved: the inflow of water to the reservoirs is only about 2 million cubic meters, and their filling level has dropped to a record low of 10%.”
“HISTORIC HEAT WAVE IN AFRICA – hundreds of records have been falling all over Africa every day of the month.
“Incredible “double-double” record again in the CONGO’s capitals: 36.2C [97.2F] Kinshasa, 35.9C Brazzaville. Hottest January day in history for both. They did the same thing in December!”
“Nigerian farmers complaint that climate change is affecting staple food crops…
“Climate change remains one of the most critical challenges confronting Nigeria’s farming sector. The country’s agriculture is mainly rain-fed (not irrigated). This makes it highly vulnerable to changes in climate and extreme weather events…”
“Drought in the east, floods in the south: Africa battered by climate change…
“I spoke to a local chief in Mandera, Adan Molu Kike. He was a quiet, unassuming elderly man who went out of his way to explain to me how devastating the recent drought is. “Our animals started dying in July last year, and they are still dying,” he told me.”
“More records in South Africa – min 22.3 [72.1F] Paddock Tied its warmest night.
“More north, Kenya exceptional high Min 27.7 at Lodwar 0.1C from January national record of highest minimum and hottest night today in the Northern Hemisphere.”
“Environment minister pelted with coal at fiery power plant pollution debate [Israel].
“A chunk of coal was hurled toward Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman during a contentious public hearing on Wednesday evening on the continued use of coal at Israel’s largest power plant, but she was not injured, police and witnesses said.”
“‘Under a dome of smog’: Why are Central Asian cities among the world’s most polluted?
“The capital of Kyrgyzstan is not an outlier. Across Central Asia, rapid economic growth, surging car ownership and weak environmental controls have combined with geography and weather to push major cities into the ranks of the world’s most polluted.”
“Naran and Kaghan have experienced record-breaking snowfall, paralysing daily life, blocking roads, and cutting electricity supply for the past five days, causing severe difficulties for residents.”
“Farmers dread losses as hail, rain flatten vegetable crops in Haryana [India].
“Farmers said the first spell of rainfall, accompanied with hailstorm, damaged their mustard, potato and other vegetable crops on a large scale. However, barley and wheat crops escaped as much harm due to younger seedlings.”
“China sees most high temperature days on record in 2025.
“China’s national average annual temperature hit a record for a second year at 10.9 degrees Celsius (51.6 degrees Fahrenheit), with the most high-temperature days ever recorded, the country’s Meteorological Administration said on Thursday.”
“Built on ice, not land: The city where the ground is melting.
“In eastern Siberia, one of the world’s coldest cities is built on a foundation that is slowly changing. Yakutsk stands on permafrost, ground that has remained frozen for thousands of years and long provided a stable base for homes, roads, and public infrastructure.”
“Over 2,000 stranded at Japan’s Hokkaido airport amid record snowfall.
“Local media reported that more than 90 flights were canceled at the airport on Monday due to severe snow conditions. Airport authorities opened parts of the terminal overnight to accommodate stranded travelers.”
“Budget slashed for Indonesia’s rescue agency despite disaster surge.
“Indonesia’s main rescue agency had its funding cut by a parliamentary panel on Wednesday as part of a plan to divert government expenditure to other programmes, despite concerns over the number of disasters the agency has to deal with.”
“37.4c [98.9F] Kaimana West Papua destroyed its record of January hottest day, after breaking that of December. Kaimana has been breaking and re-breaking records continuously every month since 2019.”
“North Queensland farmers rescued from rooftops as floodwaters surge…
“The Feral View property owners, west of Georgetown in the state’s northwest, were forced to abandon their home as the Gilbert River’s water levels rose with terrifying speed, leaving them stranded without power or mobile service.”
“Record-breaking Australia heatwave fuels bushfires, cuts power to thousands…
“David Crock, a forecaster from Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology, said the heat was being driven by climate change and called the temperatures “very unusual”. “The severity of this heatwave is comparable to the heatwave in January 2009, and also the heatwave in January 1939,” Crock said.”
“‘It takes a toll’: Victorian farmers endure record heat and drying winds…
“Key farming areas in Victoria have smashed temperature records this week with the mercury climbing to 48.9C – but farmers say rather than one-offs, it’s the succession of hot, windy and dry conditions that takes the real toll.”
“With little if any rain on the horizon to close out January, or for the first few days of February, it’s possible that this could be Adelaide’s driest summer on record… This year, just 2.8mm fell in December, so after a rainless January to date, 2.8mm is the city’s running tally for the 2025/26 summer.”
“Pacific Islands: The hidden mental health costs of climate change…
“Suicide rates soar during instances of extreme heat. The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder remains elevated for years following flooding. Bushfires bring anxiety, depression, and profound psychological distress.”
“Marine heatwave in Tongan waters brings record temperatures.
“Marine heatwave conditions are intensifying in Tongan waters, after Nuku’alofa experienced its hottest day on record, hitting 34.6 degrees last week. Tonga Meteorological Services warned today that a significant rise in ocean temperatures around Tonga will likely see the marine heatwave conditions persist into February.”
“‘The land will be left as ashes’: why Patagonia’s wildfires are almost impossible to stop.
“Wildfires are also hitting Chile, with at least 18 people killed this month. Environmental groups and workers blame extreme weather, which scientists link to the climate crisis and cuts to national fire-prevention budgets.”
“Between dust and deluge: The women on Brazil’s water frontlines.
“In the drought-stricken backlands of the sertão and the flooded river communities of the Amazon, women lead their households and communities through survival and recovery. They stand at the frontline of these climate extremes—when water comes too quickly, and when it doesn’t come at all.”
“Amazon is getting drier as deforestation shuts down atmospheric rivers.
“Deforestation has reduced rainfall over the Amazon, suggesting the rainforest could reach a catastrophic tipping point sooner than expected. Satellite observations and rain gauge measurements show that the amount of rain falling in the southern Amazon basin declined by 8 to 11 per cent between 1980 and 2019.”
“Heavy rains trigger large-scale flooding across Colombia’s Medellín.
“Severe flooding has struck the Colombian city of Medellín after heavy rains on January 28 caused the Medellín River to overflow its banks, inundating large parts of the city.”
“Dutch government discriminated against Bonaire islanders over climate adaptation, court rules…
“Bonaire, a Dutch special municipality since 2010 – though the Netherlands has been present on the island for about 400 years – is particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise, extreme heat and other climate-related impacts…”
“Will a bomb cyclone hit the East Coast over the weekend? The latest forecast shows potential for monster snowstorm…
“Given the intensity of the storm, there is a threat for strong winds capable of power outages and tree damage along the East Coast, as the storm tracks from the Carolinas up to New York City and New England.”
“Record-breaking snow wallops Anchorage, closing schools early and wreaking havoc on the roads.
“Anchorage hit a new mark for the snowiest January on record. By late Tuesday afternoon, the National Weather Service said, more than 7 inches of snow had fallen since Monday night, pushing the city to the new record of almost 40 inches for the month.”
“As an Oil Rig Topples in the Alaskan Arctic and Ignites a Fire, Exploration There Continues.
“A rig fell over onto the tundra as it was on its way to drill in ConocoPhillips’ winter exploration program. Opponents of the plan warned it was rushed and lacked adequate environmental protections.”
“Overlooked threat: Dams trigger temperature-driven disease in iconic salmonid fish…
“The results were compelling: reservoirs releasing surface water substantially raise downstream temperatures (by up to 4–5 °C) during the summer. These warmed sections turn into hotspots for the myxozoan parasite Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae, which causes a deadly disease among salmonids.”
“The Sea Urchin Apocalypse Is Real, and It Might Be Spreading Globally, Scientists Warn…
“Sea urchins are crucial to their shallow tropical environments since they feed on and keep algae populations in check that might otherwise threaten the survival of coral reefs. So the loss of these invertebrates could have untold destructive effects on other marine life.”
“Overshoot: The World Is Hitting Point of No Return on Climate.
“With warming set to pass the critical 1.5-degree limit, scientists are warning that the world is on course to trigger tipping points that would lead to cascading consequences — from the melting of ice sheets to the death of the Amazon rainforest — that could not be reversed.”
I rely on donations and tips from my readers to to keep the site running. Every little bit helps. Can you chip in even a dollar? Buy me a coffeeor 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.
“In polar regions, microbes are influencing climate change as frozen ecosystems thaw.
“Microbes across Earth’s coldest regions are becoming more active as glaciers, permafrost and sea ice thaw, accelerating carbon release and potentially amplifying climate change, according to a new international review from McGill University.”
“Monday ice update – “Arctic sea ice extent is currently the *lowest* on record (JAXA data)…
“• about 540,000 km² below the 2010s mean • about 1,100,000 km² below the 2000s mean • about 1,650,000 km² below the 1990s mean • about 2,120,000 km² below the 1980s mean” [Zack Labe]
“Arctic seas are getting louder as ice melts, posing risks: Study shows how to better measure noise.
“The Arctic is experiencing a steady rise in human-generated underwater noise as melting ice and increasing activity open the region to greater vessel traffic, with major implications for wildlife and local communities.”
“Why Britain’s crumbling canals are a ticking timebomb…
“…the number of incidents where the embankment of a canal just collapses seems to be increasing… Climate change is also cited as a cause – drought creates cracks in the soil surrounding and underneath canal beds.”
“A red flood warning – meaning danger to life – has been issued for a river in south-west England as Storm Chandra brought heavy rain and strong winds to many areas of the UK…
“Sections of roads in Dorset, Somerset and east Devon were closed due to flooding.”
“249 yr of homogenized temperature at Innsbruck (Tirol).
“Climate of the 21st c. is impressively consistent in its rate of warming (esp. last 40 yr) and has nothing to do with 20th c. climate! Spoiler: Solar activity has nothing to do with it!” [Melaine Le Roy]
“Pine trees record a surge in Mediterranean climate extremes.
“Pine forests in eastern Spain hold a quiet record of weather history… The results show rising instability in rainfall patterns during modern warming, with sharp increases in heavy rain and deep drought.”
“Batten down the hatches: Red weather alert issued in Spain as Atlantic storms roll in with heavy rainfall and strong winds…
“According to Aemet, the state meteorological agency, the poor weather is set to continue this week as fresh Atlantic storms roll in, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to much of the peninsula.”
“Balearic sea temperature spiked at 28ºC last summer, nearly 5ºC above average.
“The Mediterranean Sea in the Balearics reached an average surface temperature of 28.4ºC during the month of July 2025, which is almost 5ºC above the 1982-2015 average. These are some of the data collected in the 2025 annual report…”
“Italy declares state of emergency in southern regions following storm that caused major landslide in Niscemi..
“Italy declared a state of emergency Monday over the devastation caused last week in Calabria, Sicily and Sardinia by Cyclone Harry, which also triggered a major landslide in the Sicilian town of Niscemi that has displaced at least 1,500 residents and disrupted daily life, said officials.”
“Hundreds feared dead in attempt to cross Mediterranean during cyclone.
“Up to 380 people may have drowned attempting to cross the Mediterranean last week as Cyclone Harry battered southern Italy and Malta, the Italian coastguard has said, as a shipwreck with the loss of 50 lives was confirmed by Maltese authorities.”
“Collapse at Lake Chad: How Climate Stress Transforms Resources Into Flashpoints.
“Water scarcity in the Sahel, a transitional region separating the Sahara Desert and the savannas of Sub-Saharan Africa, represents an existential crisis in an area historically plagued by weak governance and economic struggles.”
“EXTRAORDINARY HEAT IN CENTRAL AFRICA. Records pulverized everywhere:
“37.5 [99.5F] Impfondo CONGO HOTTEST JANUARY DAY EVER. Records all over the country: Ouesso, M’Pouya etc… 38.6 Bangui CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC January hottest day ever.”
“RECORD HEAT IN SOUTHERN AFRICA. After a 46C [114.8F] day, a record hot night from South Africa all the way to Tanzania:
“RECORD HOTTEST JANUARY NIGHTS Minimums: SOUTH AFRICA: 23.8 Uitenhage, 23.6 max. 33.7 Coffee Bay both records, 23.2 Grahamstown. 22.7 Somerset. TANZANIA Min 22.0 Dodoma.”
“Climate change is hurting Kenyan women working in coastal tourism – they explain how…
“When climate change affects women’s sense of identity and culture, it affects their livelihoods and well-being too. These impacts ripple through the tourism industry, affecting the experiences and services that millions of visitors rely on in Africa’s tourism.”
“Iran’s biggest centres of protest are also experiencing extreme pollution and water shortages…
“Iran is experiencing not one environmental crisis but the convergence of several: water shortages, land subsidence, air pollution and energy failure. All added together, life is a struggle for survival.”
“Ghazni residents warn of worsening water crisis as groundwater levels plunge.
“Residents of Ghazni province in central Afghanistan say groundwater levels have dropped sharply over the past year, leaving many communities struggling to secure enough water for daily use and raising fears of a deepening water crisis.”
“China places blankets on ice: the experimental strategy that could slow glacier melting.
“In some mountains of China, the glaciers present an unusual appearance, covered by extensive white surfaces that contrast with the dark rock. However, global warming has led the country to take measures to curb the melting and preserve these gigantic blocks of ice.”
“Since January, temperatures in most parts of China have been significantly warmer than usual.
“It is expected that China will experience an even stronger warming trend in early February, with temperature potentially breaking the record for warmest February temperatures ever!” [Jim Yang]
“In the 24 hours through Sunday night, Sapporo received 54 centimeters of snow — setting a record for January. As of 4 p.m. on Sunday, 112 centimeters of snow had fallen, marking the first time since 2022 that accumulation exceeded one meter. On Monday morning, the city was hit again by heavy snow.”
“The surveys indicate that, as in other parts of the world, Thailand’s reefs are losing structural complexity, becoming dominated by simpler boulder-forming corals, while staghorn and branching species die out.”
“Twenty-three soldiers died in Indonesia’s West Java landslides, official says.
“The 23 Marines were caught in the landslide during training exercises for Indonesia-Papua New Guinea border patrols on Saturday, First Admiral Tunggul, the Navy spokesperson said. “The incident occurred due to extreme weather conditions with heavy rainfall, which caused a landslide at the training site,” said Tunggul…”
“Flash flooding on Copperfield River forces emergency evacuation of Einasleigh.
“Residents near the Copperfield River in Far North Queensland‘s Gulf Country are being urged to evacuate now after the Etheridge Shire Council issued an emergency alert… Residents around the Copperfield River and Einasleigh township must leave immediately.”
“Emergency feed arrives for remote Western Australia pastoralists amid worst drought in decades,.
“Pastoralists across WA’s Midwest, Gascoyne and Murchison regions have struggled through several years of low rainfall… There are growing calls for the state government to subsidise the transport costs of donated hay or fund additional drought relief.”
“More than 1,000 families told to evacuate as bushfires rage and temperatures near 50C in Australia.
“Emergency services said a fast-moving fire in the Otways, a heavily forested region nearly 200km southwest of Melbourne, had breached containment lines and could spread further amid record heat and gusty winds.”
“Hailstorms ‘wiped out entire crops’ in Canterbury [NZ].
“Canterbury arable farmers are facing millions of dollars of losses after a third big hailstorm hit parts of the region on Friday. Crops have been destroyed, while others have gone to seed due to ongoing wet weather making them unusable.”
“Vanuatu communities move to protect taro, an ancestral climate-resilient crop…
“A key reason that communities are now fighting to reinvigorate taro cultivation is because it’s more resilient to climate shocks: In recent years, severe storms have led to the tiny nation’s islands being cut off from food shipments…”
“It’s the most extreme heat wave Oceania has ever seen outside Australia with hundreds of records smashed no-stop in the whole Continent. And these days aren’t the exception… Min 27.3 [81.1F] Fuamotu TONGA Hottest night in history.”
“Wildfires in Patagonia reignite, destroying over 35,000 hectares…
“Three fires reignited on Sunday due to high temperatures and gusty winds. On Monday, fires surrounded the town of Cholila, in western Chubut. More than 35,000 hectares have already been destroyed in the province.”
“Lightning strike at Brasilia rally injures 89 Bolsonaro supporters…
“Video footage captured the moment a sudden flash and thunder sent crowds scrambling for cover beneath umbrellas and plastic ponchos in Brasilia. Fire department officials said 47 people required hospital treatment, with 11 needing intensive medical care.”
“Old diseases return as settlement pushes into the Amazon rainforest.
“Human activity continues to expand ever further into wild areas, throwing ecology out of balance. But what begins as an environmental issue often evolves into a human problem.”
“While USA and Canada are freezing, record heat is everywhere else in CENTRAL AMERICA.
“38C/100F in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica at the same time. Never happened in January. 33C in Mexico at 1500m asl. Insane.”
“While no monthly cold records is broken in North America, hundreds of heat records keep falling all over Greenland, Mexico, Central America and Caribbean and also Florida. MONTHLY RECORDS: 90 [32.2C] Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, 89 Homestead, 88 Miami.”
“Rain, not snow: Extraordinary warmth leaves mountains less snowy across the West.
“California is still drought-free, but the Colorado River remains in a severe drought. This year’s meager snowpack in the Rocky Mountains could complicate the Southwest’s chronic water shortages.”
“Water conservation may not protect cities from severe droughts.
“Water shortages already affect many cities in the western United States. Rising temperatures increase evaporation, reduce snowpack, and lower river flow. Growing populations place additional pressure on limited water supplies.”
“Dire Colorado River outcomes may be unavoidable, US report shows.
“No matter which alternative the federal government picks to manage the depleted Colorado River, there’s a very good chance of severely bad consequences — such as “dead pool” at reservoirs and a cutoff of electricity from big dams.”
“At least 30 dead as severe winter storm coats US in snow and ice.
“Many in the United States faced another frigid night of freezing temperatures, power outages, and transportation issues as a colossal winter storm was blamed for the deaths of some 30 people across several states in the country.”
“Deep cold could last days, worsening storm’s impacts: ‘I’m just really, really tired’…
“The impact of the cold will be amplified by how long it will last. In many areas — including the nation’s capital — temperatures may not rise above freezing until early February, part of a streak that started in D.C. on Friday evening.”
“Toronto is beginning to dig itself out from the largest snowfall in the city’s history, a process which officials say is likely to take “several days”…
“More than 88.2cm of snow have fallen at Pearson international airport this month, marking the snowiest January and snowiest month since records began in 1937.”
“Very interesting to see that the ongoing cold across parts of North America and Eurasia are reflected in a temporary dip in global average temperature.
“Of course, this has no significance in terms of the long-term climate change (warming) trend.” [Zack Labe]
“The global mean annual [Sea Surface Temperature] values [during the Eemian] were ∼0.5°C warmer than they were 150 years ago and indistinguishable from the 1995–2014 mean”
“We are now well above that. Even more so regionally.” [Leon Simons]
“Did Humans Nearly Go Extinct 900,000 Years Ago? A Biologist Explains…
“…it likely isn’t a coincidence that the timing matches up with a period of profound environmental upheaval: the Early–Middle Pleistocene Transition… For early human ancestors (most likely members of the genus Homo predating Homo heidelbergensis), these changes would have been devastating.”
“Solar geoengineering could be even more costly than unabated global warming if it is cut off suddenly, leading to a “termination shock” of rapidly rebounding temperatures…
“…solar geoengineering would need to continue uninterrupted for centuries, or the warming that was “masked” would come roaring back at a faster rate.”
I rely on donations and tips from my readers to to keep the site running. Every little bit helps. Can you chip in even a dollar? Buy me a coffeeor 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.
“Record surge in daily temperature swings across globe: Study…
“”Climate change alters cloud patterns and atmospheric moisture, which directly affects daily temperature cycles,” Demirhan said. In some cases, increased cloud cover limits daytime heating and nighttime cooling, narrowing temperature ranges, while in others, warming sharpens contrasts between day and night.”
“Temperatures averaged over global land areas were the 2nd hottest on record in 2025. This has major consequences for communities and ecosystems all around the world.
“Friday ice update – Arctic sea ice extent is currently the *lowest* on record (JAXA data)…
“• about 500,000 km² below the 2010s mean • about 1,090,000 km² below the 2000s mean • about 1,640,000 km² below the 1990s mean • about 2,110,000 km² below the 1980s mean” [Zack Labe]
“Crazy Temperatures tonight up to +9C / 48.2F (above summer average), persisting during the day. 24 stations at low elevations out of 31 above freezing today. Kitsissorsuit is chasing the WORLD RECORD of the highest monthly temperature anomaly. >+14C!“
“Along the Russian side of the Arctic Ocean, they are now getting 1-2 months of open water every year, allowing ships without ice-breaking support to easily cross from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
“Twenty years ago, open water passages were rare.” [Dr Robert Rohde]
“‘Completely Cut Off’: Kamchatka Calls for Moscow’s Help as Record Snowfall Paralyzes Region…
“Locals in the regional capital of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky described entire neighborhoods buried in snow and unplowed roads that have impeded everything from ambulances and firetrucks to basic food shipments as snowdrifts as high as 1.7 to 2.5 meters (5.5 to 8.2 feet) piled up.”
“Russia’s Unified Energy System (UES) has recorded a historic surge in electricity demand, setting a new all-time high in power consumption due to the country’s prolonged cold snap.
“On January 22, the UES recorded a peak of 171,943 MW, surpassing the previous record of 171,389 MW set just over a month earlier on December 11, 2023.”
“Forest Fires Take No Break. Belarusian foresters train for an unrelenting fire season…
“…The climatic realities of recent years are blurring the usual boundaries between seasons. Where the fire season once began in March or May, reports of fires now arrive alarmingly early. This year, the first blaze was recorded in early January.“
“The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has unveiled emergency plans to protect its gardens from future water shortages after severe drought conditions last year [UK].
“The charity said water capture and management will be its biggest area of investment in 2026, as scientists warn climate change is making weather patterns increasingly erratic.”
“Flooding has struck Cornwall as the tide has burst over a quay during Storm Ingrid, putting homes and businesses at risk.
“Cornwall has barely recovered from Storm Goretti, but already there’s another weather warning in place. And Looe is already feeling the strain as flooding has been reported.”
“Cyclone Harry has caused extensive damage across Italy’s Sicily, Sardinia, and Calabria regions, with initial estimates putting the total cost at around $2 billion, ANSA news agency reported on Friday.
“Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci said the Cabinet will hold a meeting next week to assess the full extent of the destruction and approve emergency measures.”
“Record 16-metre [52 foot] wave measured between Sicily and Malta during Storm Harry.
“An oceanographic buoy positioned south of Sicily, in waters between Malta and Portopalo di Capo Passero, has recorded a wave measuring 16 metres in height during the most violent phase of Storm Harry – the highest wave ever documented in the Mediterranean Sea.”
“The Climate Crisis Is Already Here with Dramatic Consequences [Greece].
“Populations of local fish species are declining dramatically, while some species have completely disappeared from Greek waters. The dense forests of Mainalo, home to the beautiful Cephalonian fir—a species found only in Greece—are being destroyed irreversibly due to extensive drying. Hundreds of thousands of acres of land are consumed by fire during the summer…”
“Kuşadası is at the mercy of the flood! The streets have turned into a lake, and vehicles were swept away [Turkey].
“The heavy rainfall in Aydın’s Kuşadası district quickly turned into a flood. Due to the intense rain that lasted approximately 30 minutes, streams overflowed, streets and avenues were submerged, and some vehicles were swept away by the floodwaters.”
“Algeria: towards the extension of agricultural insurance to major climate risks.
“Algeria is moving towards a significant expansion of its agricultural insurance system to include natural disasters related to climate change. The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries announced that work is underway to adapt and modernize existing insurance products…”
“Record heat continues relentless In Central African Republic. Hot days and nights.
“The minimum temperature of 22.3C [73.8F] at Berberati is the highest ever recorded in January. Records are falling in every single tropical country. Never happened anything like this.”
“Historic floods in Kruger Park reveal the environmental cost of extreme weather in southern Africa.
“The severe floods that affected Kruger National Park in South Africa have caused damage that will require years of recovery. Additionally, authorities estimate multimillion-dollar costs to restore key infrastructure within the protected area.”
“Residents in Mozambique are on high alert, as crocodiles have started to appear across towns amid heavy floods…
“Paola Emerson, head of the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Mozambique, said, “The river levels are rising and are reaching urban areas or heavily populated areas…so the crocodiles that are in the Limpopo river in this case are able to get into populated areas that are now submerged under water and that is the concern.””
“35.0C [95F] in Sainte Marie Island (also known with the Malgasy name Nosy Boraha) is a new record of highest Temperature in January after a very high minimum of 27.6C.”
“Second Unseasonal heat wave of 2026 in the Red Sea after the record heat of Jan 1st: Temperatures up to 35C [95F] in Saudi Arabia and 31C in Egypt with some tropical nights locally >25C. Tomorrow the heat will peak and records for January might fall.”
“Heavy snowfall paralyses northern Pakistan, army launches rescues.
“The extreme weather has led to the closure of major and connecting roads, disruption of power supply and hundreds of people being stranded. Landslides and avalanches have been reported at multiple locations…”
“Kabul residents warn of worsening water shortages as wells run dry.
“Residents of Kabul say shortages of safe drinking water are worsening as groundwater levels fall and household wells dry up, forcing many families to buy water at high prices or travel long distances to secure supplies.”
“Forest fires across Kashmir as high-speed winds fan flames…
“According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the winds up to 100 km per hour in Pir Panjalís Poonch district and 60 km per hour to 84 km per hour in several areas… Authorities said a prolonged dry spell in December and January led to a rise in forest fire incidents.”
“No Snow, Forest Fire Rages For Two Days Near China Border In Sikkim.
“A forest fire continues to rage in East Sikkim’s Kupup village on the Indo-China border two days after it started. Even more concerning is the presence of landmines in close vicinity to the Doklam region, which is adjacent to the village… a blaze at this altitude [13,000 feet] is rare.”
“The mother of all mega-dams is China’s hidden weapon in the Himalayas.
“New disclosures reveal that …what Beijing is constructing on the so-called “Everest of Rivers,” near Tibet’s border with India, is not just the largest dam ever attempted. It is an extensive subterranean network designed to give China effective command over the river before it reaches any downstream country.“
“Philippines builds insurance buffer as climate shocks intensify across Asia.
“The Philippines is increasing its insurance buffer against climate-related shocks, with higher penetration, rising property premiums, and a broader mix of catastrophe risk solutions emerging as severe weather events affect Asia.”
“Seven dead, dozens missing after landslide in Indonesia’s West Bandung [Indonesia]…
“Latest disaster comes just weeks after deadly floods and landslides left more than 1,000 people dead in Indonesia’s west… Local Police Chief AY Yogaswara said the landslide was accompanied by flash flooding, according to Jakarta-based Antara news agency.”
“Floodwaters up to 2 meters deep inundate residential areas in Tangerang City, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate [near Jakarta].
“Residents have been displaced for 2 nights, the Mayor inspected and distributed logistical assistance. The Tangerang City Government is on full alert and is urging the community to remain united in facing the impact of the flood disaster.”
“This is getting ridiculous… records of historic hottest nights smashed in pieces again in INDONESIA.
“After its hottest day in history, Manokwari, West Papua, smashed by 2C the record of its hottest night with a MINIMUM of 27.8C [82F]. Records are being broken and re-broken continuously.”
“Human-caused global heating made the intense heatwave that affected much of Australia in early January five times more likely, new analysis suggests.
“The heatwave earlier this month was the most severe since the 2019-20 black summer, with temperatures over 40C in Melbourne and Sydney… the effect of greenhouse gas emissions outweighed the effects of a weak La Niña…”
“Intense heat could smash temperature records in south-east Australia with catastrophic fire danger forecast.
“All-time temperature records could tumble in Victoria and New South Wales over coming days, as a dome of intense heat pushes into south-east Australia, bringing extreme to catastrophic fire conditions.”
“Why does it feel like dangerous ocean creatures are ruining Australia’s summer?
“In the same week that New South Wales experienced four shark attacks, Victorian beachgoers were warned about stinging jellyfish… Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of storms and alter rainfall patterns… increasing the likelihood of jellyfish being driven into coastal swimming areas.”
“A bid to clean up shipping industry intensified a coral bleaching event on Great Barrier Reef, study says.
“Steps to clean up the shipping industry by removing sulphur from fuels intensified a major coral bleaching event on the Great Barrier Reef by allowing more of the sun’s energy to hit the oceanic wonder, according to a new study.”
“New Zealand landslide: rescue efforts called off for six people buried in disaster.
“Police Supt Tim Anderson said human remains had been uncovered on Friday night beneath the mountains of dirt and debris that crashed into a campsite in Mount Maunganui on Thursday, adding that it could take several days to locate all of the victims due to the unstable ground.”
“Argentina’s Patagonia wildfires: flare-ups in Chubut spur evacuations as crews face “highly complex” blazes.
“Wildfires in Argentina’s Patagonia continued to pressure communities in Chubut province, with active fronts and repeated flare-ups reported around Epuyén, El Hoyo and Puerto Patriada, as heat, strong winds and very low humidity complicated containment efforts.”
“Firefighters face attacks, drones and arsonists while battling deadly blazes in Chile.
“The total area burned in the current fires has already far surpassed the area consumed by the Valparaíso and Viña del Mar inferno of 2024, which destroyed more than 8,500 hectares (33 square miles) and claimed 131 lives… The number of victims and the extent of the damage are likely to rise.”
“40 years of tracking trees reveals how global change is impacting Amazon and Andean Forest diversity…
“Plant species have limited options to survive climate change: they can alter their distributions as environmental conditions change, or they can acclimate to these new conditions. If species cannot move or acclimate, their populations will decline, potentially leading to extinction.”
“Snow starts falling in Texas, Oklahoma as eastern US braces for winter storm.
“Heavy snow was falling over Northwest Texas and Oklahoma City on Friday morning as a major winter storm began moving east across the U.S., bringing deadly cold and the threat of power outages and treacherously icy roads…”
“Climate change can alter flower nectar quality and supply, threatening monarch butterfly migration.
“They observed that a tiny bump in temperature, just 0.6 degrees Celsius, was enough to lower the quality of the nectar these plants produced. Monarchs fed on these “warmed” blooms built up about a quarter less body fat than their counterparts.”
“Whales are now ‘sharing’ food amid shortages due to climate change.
“Fin, humpback, and minke whales in the Gulf of St Lawrence in the North Atlantic are eating more fish and less krill than they did in the past… The study found that all three whale species have shifted towards fish-based diets over time…”
“The ocean floor is turning into the world’s biggest plastic dump site killing hundreds of underwater species.
“While floating plastic gets most of the attention, the seabed is where a large share of marine debris ends up. Once waste reaches deep water, it becomes extremely difficult to locate and even harder to remove.”
“Air cargo warning as extreme weather raises risks for pharma cold chains…
“For air cargo supply chains, this volatility poses growing risks. Pharmaceutical shipments are particularly vulnerable during airport handling, such as loading and unloading on the tarmac or cross-docking between flights.”
“Dramatic rise in water-related violence recorded since 2022.
“Water-related violence has almost doubled since 2022 and little is being done to understand and address the trend and prevent new and escalating risks, experts have said… Recent examples include tensions over an Indus River water-sharing treaty between India and Pakistan…”
“Suppressed climate report warned of mass migration and nuclear war… When the [UK] government was forced to release the report after a freedom of information request, it published an abridged version…
“But a full, internal version of the report, seen by The Times said… many ecosystems around the world were so stressed that they could soon pass a tipping point, after which they would inexorably degrade no matter what humans did to protect them.
“Forests in Canada and Russia might pass a tipping point by 2030, as might glaciers in the Himalayas that fed rivers on which two billion people depended, the report suggested. Intelligence chiefs warned that the decline of Himalayan rivers would “almost certainly escalate tensions” between China, India and Pakistan, potentially leading to nuclear war.”
I rely on donations and tips from my readers to 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 on Monday with an “Economic” thread.
“Scientists reveal the impact of air pollution on the human body.
“Breathing in air pollution like ozone and PM2.5 harms nearly every major system in the human body. It is particularly hard on the cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological systems… Even short-term exposure to either PM2.5 or ozone can increase hospitalizations for heart attacks and strokes.
“Prolonged air pollution linked to increase of incurable muscle-wasting diseases, study suggests…
“Swedish scientists found that long-term exposure to air pollution was associated with a 20 to 30 per cent higher risk of developing motor neurone disease (MND) including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) – even in the “relatively low levels” found in Sweden.”
“Air pollution a major financial risk for companies and investors.
“A new report released today (January 21st) warns that air pollution has evolved from a public health emergency into a severe and systemic financial risk, threatening trillions of dollars in economic value and exposing companies and investors to escalating regulatory, legal and operational pressures.”
“Next week the US will have the “relative” coldest air on Earth. But notice the mid-latitudes in general from the US to Europe to Russia feature a band of cold anomalies, whereas the Arctic is warm all around.
“That’s precisely why the cold is being displaced south.” [Jeff Berardelli]
“‘Wavy’ jet stream dumps record snowfall on Russia. Extreme weather paralyses region as Arctic blast sweeps across Asia…
“In Russia’s far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula, vast snowdrifts several metres high blocked building entrances and buried cars, after more than 2m (6.5ft) of snow fell in some areas in the first half of January, following 3.7m in December, according to weather monitoring stations.”
“On the afternoon of January 21, the second floor of a shopping center on Naumova Street in Novosibirsk’s Pervomaysky District collapsed [under the weight of heavy snow]. Several people were trapped under the rubble, and one died .
“The shopping center building turned out to be illegal, and its owner was arrested . NGS reports on the tragedy and how the structure evolved from a car wash.”
“Biodiversity collapse threatens UK security, intelligence chiefs warn.
“The global attack on nature is threatening the UK’s national security, government intelligence chiefs have warned, as the increasingly likely collapse of vitally important natural systems would bring mass migration, food shortages, price rises, and global disorder.”
““The last few days have been a reminder that an uncritical reliance on volatile and unreliable forces leaves the UK with little room to manoeuvre. Food inflation ticking back up shows this vulnerability extends even to something as basic as food affordability.”
“Severe hailstorms increasing most rapidly in Europe.
“The frequency of severe hailstorms is increasing more rapidly in Europe than anywhere else in the world. Closely linked to climate change, such storms can cause considerable damage. This is a key takeaway from a recent study compiled by researchers from the European Severe Storms Laboratory…”
“Two people died on Jan 21 in Greece after torrential rain flooded homes and businesses in Athens and other parts of the country, the authorities said.
A woman died after being hit by a car that was carried away in flash floods in the southern Athens suburb of Glyfada, a fire brigade official told Reuters.”
“Storm Harry, the Island [Sardinia] reckons with the storm: “Immense damage.”
“Now that the great fear has passed, Harry is no longer the cyclone but the damage count. “Immense,” said Governor Alessandra Todde , who yesterday, together with Environment Councilor Rosanna Laconi and Civil Protection Director General Mauro Merella, conducted an initial reconnaissance…”
“One person was killed and 15 others were injured on Tuesday as a sandstorm hit eastern and southern Libya, causing extensive damage in the eastern city of Benghazi.
“Khaled Al-Qadhafi, an official with the East Libya-based Health Ministry, said the injuries ranged from moderate to minor, without giving further details.”
“Flooding in Tunisia has killed five people, authorities said, as media reported four others missing on Wednesday after the country experienced its heaviest rainfall in over 70 years.
“Four deaths occurred in the town of Moknine in the Monastir governorate, while a fifth death was reported in Nabeul town, civil defence spokesman Khalil Mechri told AFP.”
“Wildfires burning in Franschhoek, east of Cape Town, flared up on Tuesday, leaving fire crews scrambling to contain the blaze once again. Local reports say fierce winds of up to 50 km an hour have exacerbated the situation in an area laden with dry combustible materials that are fueling the flames.”
“Mozambique floods spiralling into escalating emergency, UN warns.
“”We are working, but we don’t have all the data about what is happening now,” says Manuel Tule, Governor of Maputo Province. “This moment we are making plans to go to the affected areas where there are people waiting to be rescued. We are still working.””
“4 consecutive Minimums >29C [84.2F] in Juan de Nova Island, French Southern Territories [off Mozambique]. Unprecedented in climatic history of all tropical Africa south of equator. Once again, climatic history is being rewritten.”
“Sharp rise in malnutrition cases, preventable diseases in Somalia: MSF.
“Somalia is facing a deepening health and nutrition emergency as consecutive failed rainy seasons, soaring water prices and sharp cuts to humanitarian aid drive a surge in malnutrition and outbreaks of preventable diseases…”
“The Omani port of Sultan Qaboos, near the capital Muscat, has never dropped below 20C [68F] once so far this winter.
“It’s the only place in the world outside the tropics where all nights are…tropical (min >20C). This happened only once in world history – in 2024 in the same place.”
“Uttarakhand’s Vanishing Winter: A Crisis In The Himalayas.
“Uttarakhand is grappling with an unprecedented climate crisis. November and December passed without a drop of rain or a flake of snow, and with more than half of January gone, there are still no signs of relief.”
“Man-Animal Conflict Undergoes Change In Uttarakhand With Involvement Of Younger Wildlife…
“Most of the tigers captured following incidents of man-animal conflict in the last five years are young tigers aged between three and seven. This is a worrying signal that also demonstrates the continuing deterioration of the balance between forests and humans.”
“Strange circular sea current off Vasai [W India] coast sparks panic.
“A strange circular whirlpool has been seen about 66 nautical miles off the Vasai coast near Palghar, puzzling local fishermen. The unusual ring-shaped formation appeared over the past ten days, and one fishing boat got caught inside but escaped safely.”
“In Bangladesh, thousands of volunteers are battling climate-fueled disease at its source…
“Mosquitoes are now breeding more rapidly, bringing with them diseases like dengue and chikungunya. The insects thrive in warm, humid environments rich in the kind of organic matter found in much of Dhaka’s waste.”
“Firefighters battle wildfire raging in Busan for 2nd day [Korea].
“Hundreds of personnel were mobilized to put out a wildfire raging for the second day in the southeastern city of Busan, with 17 helicopters set to be deployed Thursday, officials said… A dry weather advisory has been issued for days in Busan, with conditions making the area susceptible to wildfires.”
“East Asia seas hit near-record heat as global oceans store more warmth.
“Sea surface temperatures in waters around South Korea and East Asia hit some of their highest levels on record last year, accelerating climate risks to marine ecosystems and the country’s fisheries, government data showed.”
“A tornado unleashes chaos in Karangpandan, Karanganyar [Java, Indonesia].
“Emergency teams and local authorities were deployed to the area to assess the damage and assist those affected, while cleanup and reconstruction efforts began.”
“INDONESIA ENDLESS RECORD HEAT: Another scorching hot night with Minimums up to 28C in Vanuatu and in West Papua (Indonesia).
“New Records of hottest night in history MINIMUMS: 27.2 [82.4F] Manokwari, 26.6 Jayapura AP. Its last remaining glaciers, the Carstensz, are on their way to the extinction.”
“50.0c Hamelin Pool WA today; 49.2C Shark Bay AP – monthly record smashed. This is just the beginning of one of the harshest coastal heat waves ever seen worldwide.”
“Heatwave and fire warnings as parts of Victoria expected to approach ‘all-time maximum record’ temperatures.
“Victorians are being warned to brace for another heatwave, with temperatures set to soar towards record levels in some parts of the state, putting authorities on alert in fire-affected areas.”
“Victorian bushfires to drive premiums higher in high-risk areas.
“The Victorian bushfires are expected to add further upward pressure on insurance premiums, particularly in regional and high‑risk areas, as insurers absorb additional catastrophe losses on top of existing claims inflation in personal lines.”
“Damaged cars near Great Ocean Road recovered after flash floods from record rainfall.
“One of Australia’s most iconic and picturesque roads had to be temporarily closed for a dramatic recovery operation following a severe flood last week. Victoria’s Wye River and surrounding waterways became swollen and broke their banks after more than 170 millimetres of rain fell in seven hours…”
“Rescuers in New Zealand were searching for several people, including at least one child, after a landslide tore through a popular holiday campsite as days of record-breaking rain and flooding continued to batter the country.
“The landslide struck a campground at the base of Mount Maunganui on Thursday morning…”
“NZ is again being soaked this summer – record ocean heat helps explain it…
“This week, fresh downpours on already saturated ground have again triggered flood warnings and road closures across the upper North Island. These are individual weather events, but they are unfolding against unusually warm seas that load the atmosphere with extra moisture and energy.”
“Chile’s wildfire crisis was fueled by record heat.
“The fires have been burning in many locations along Chile’s coastline, with some of the hardest-hit areas in the Ñuble and Biobío regions. Authorities declared a state of catastrophe as conditions worsened.”
“Chile’s fire-ravaged communities pull together as frustrations mount over state response…
“Boric’s government was criticized for a slow reconstruction following deadly fires in Valparaiso in 2024. President-elect Jose Antonio Kast, who takes office on March 11, has vowed to prioritize reconstruction in fire-hit communities.”
“Costa Rica Firefighters Battle Surge in Wildfires Amid Dry Winds.
“Firefighters across Costa Rica report a sharp rise in wildfire incidents this year, with dry weather and strong winds fueling larger blazes. In the first three weeks of January, emergency calls for fires have nearly doubled compared to the same period in 2025…”
“Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialists and county agents are reporting widespread drought conditions with symptoms ranging from ungerminated wheat fields and declining rangeland conditions to low water levels in stock ponds due to unseasonably warm temperatures and little rain since July.”
“Two-thirds of the US is facing drought in the middle of winter. Here’s why scientists are worried.
“The conditions have set off alarm bells across the country, especially in regions like the Mountain West, which is dependent on snowfall both for winter tourism dollars and water supplies from snowmelt.”
“A whopper storm could soon engulf a 2,000-mile stretch with snow and ice…
““We’re about to witness a truly legendary winter storm setup in the Southern U.S. later this week,” wrote Defense Department meteorologist Eric Webb… around 55 percent of people living in the contiguous United States are forecast to experience snow, sleet or freezing rain at the same time.”
“Half the world’s 100 largest cities are in high water stress areas, analysis finds…
“Watershed Investigations and the Guardian mapped cities on to stressed catchments revealing that Beijing, New York, Los Angeles, Rio de Janeiro and Delhi are among those facing extreme stress, while London, Bangkok and Jakarta are classed as being highly stressed.”
“Climate change is pushing insurance to breaking point.
“Climate change is no longer a distant scenario for risk teams to model; it is showing up in annual losses, premium hikes and insurer retrenchment, with knock-on effects that reach far beyond household cover.”
I rely on donations and tips from my readers to 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.
Huge thanks to all of you who contributed to my fundraiser, which has now reached its target. I was very touched by the generosity. And thank you, as ever, to all those who subscribe and donate. I couldn’t do this without you.
“Scientists warn of ‘regime shift’ as seaweed blooms expand worldwide.
“Scientists have warned of a potential “regime shift” in the oceans, as the rapid growth of huge mats of seaweed appears to be driven by global heating and excessive enrichment of waters from farming runoff and other pollutants.”
“Antarctic penguins have radically shifted their breeding season – seemingly in response to climate change…
“Dramatic shifts in behaviour were revealed by a decade-long study led by Penguin Watch at the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University, with some penguins’ breeding period moving forward by more than three weeks. The changes threaten to disrupt penguins’ access to food…”
“Monday ice update – Arctic sea ice extent is currently the *lowest* on record (JAXA data)…
“• about 450,000 km² below the 2010s mean • about 1,030,000 km² below the 2000s mean • about 1,580,000 km² below the 1990s mean • about 2,010,000 km² below the 1980s mean” [Zack Labe]
“Warm air is reaching Greenland again where the past weeks have been absurdly mild.
“One striking example is Kitsissorsuit-74N, 57.8W. Current average temperature this month is -3.6C [25F] which is about +14C above normal. World record of highest monthly anomaly is +14.8C at Vize Island.”
“Melting ice may raise Greenland’s value. Trump’s fight may be just the start….
““It’s partly the melting of sea ice making it more attractive for the economic development that he’d pursue in Greenland,” said Sherri Goodman, a distinguished fellow at the Atlantic Council and the former deputy undersecretary of defense for environmental security.”
“The Ocean Is Still Reeling From a Single Massive Heat Wave Decades Ago.
“A 2003 marine heat wave in the waters around Greenland continues to impact North Atlantic ocean ecosystems decades on, with a sudden and strong increase in marine heat wave frequency persisting ever since.”
“Norway’s oil fund defends push to water down net zero…
“The $2tn oil fund told the FT that it feared companies could back away from the idea of science-backed climate targets unless they were allowed to emit more greenhouse gases while still claiming to be working towards those goals.”
“Only 7 decades and this south-facing tributary of Glacier Blanc flowing from Neige Cordier (3614 m) has entirely gone! (A red dot indicates a similar location on both images).” [Melaine Le Roy]
“Mediterranean Faces Dangerous High Flood Risk as a Deep Low Drives Extreme Rainfall.
“A combination of stratiform and convective rainfall could result in widespread 200-400 mm [15 inches] rain accumulations with the upslope flow onto Corsica, Sardinia, and southeast Italy. The Mediterranean region braces for a period of extreme rainfall…”
“Icy floods have swamped Malta after a freak storm battered the Mediterranean holiday island over the weekend.
“Dramatic footage shows cars buried beneath hailstones as rivers of ice cascade through the streets. Authorities can be seen working furiously to clear the roads…”
“Greater Tunis, Nabeul and Bizerte: Floods are affecting several neighborhoods! [Tunisia].
“Since Sunday evening, a new wave of heavy rain has been affecting northeastern Tunisia, with significant water accumulation in several localities in the Nabeul Governorate, as well as in some areas of Greater Tunis and Bizerte.”
“EXTRAORDINARY records hot nights continue in the Gulf of Guinea. Minimum temperatures 26/29C [84.2F] all month:
“Absolutely insane in January. Mins 29C in The Madagascar Channel. Mins 28C in SW Oceania. Mins 27C in The Caribbean. All tropics are smashing record after record. Unprecedented.”
“South Africa Declares National Disaster After Deadly Floods.
“Heavy rainfall, strong winds, lightning and flooding have resulted in loss of life, significant damage to infrastructure and property, environmental degradation and displacement of communities, the Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs said in a statement on Sunday.”
“Floods in Mozambique displace more than 300,000 people in one province, governor says.
“More than 300,000 people have been displaced by flooding in a province in Mozambique, its governor said Monday. Authorities had already announced that around 40% of the Gaza province has been submerged by floodwater following weeks of torrential rain…”
“Extraordinary and unprecedented heat in the Indian Ocean: the islands of Juan de Nova and Europa [off Mozambique] keeps recording Minimums temperatures of 29C+ [84.2F] for days, already 3 in a row and counting..
“Never happened anywhere in Southern Africa, although the record of 30.3 set last year is safe.”
“Syrian army moves to retake strategic Tishrin Dam from YPG militants.
“The Tishrin Dam, situated on the Euphrates River, is Syria’s second-largest hydroelectric facility and holds strategic importance for energy and water management. Last week, Syrian forces began operations to push YPG elements from areas west of the Euphrates.”
“Central Asia’s water resources are running out: what happens when the tipping point is reached?
“Climate change, growing consumption, and systemic weaknesses in water governance are making the country increasingly vulnerable. Experts warn that without an urgent revision of water policy, the capitals of Central Asia could face a crisis comparable to the one already unfolding in Tehran.”
“Tajikistan Expands Saxaul Plantations to Fight Climate Change.
“Tajikistan is stepping up efforts to combat climate change and land degradation by expanding saxaul plantations across several regions. In the Shahriotus district of Khatlon province, saxaul has already been planted on more than 250 hectares…”
“Quetta’s water crisis worsens as groundwater depletes and public supply fails [Pakistan].
“Behind people’s daily struggles lies a deeper structural crisis rooted in geography, climate and policy failure. Despite covering nearly 44 per cent of Pakistan’s landmass, Balochistan receives less than 200mm of annual rainfall, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department.”
“When winter burns: Uttarakhand to Kashmir, Himalayan forests are catching fire out of season.
“From Uttarakhand to Himachal Pradesh and deep into Jammu and Kashmir forest fires are breaking all known seasonal patterns. Erupting at a time when they simply should not exist. What we are witnessing is not an isolated anomaly. It is a warning…”
“Across India, farmers battling climate change, erratic rainfall, rising input costs, labour shortages and unstable markets now face another persistent threat: the rugose spiralling whitefly (RSW).”
“Not just Indore: Urban rivers and lakes turning toxic in Madhya Pradesh.
“Most major cities of Madhya Pradesh—Bhopal, Jabalpur, Gwalior, Ujjain and Sagar—depend directly or indirectly on rivers, lakes and groundwater for drinking water. All these sources are under increasing pressure from urban sewage, industrial waste and solid garbage.”
“Wildfire rages for nearly two days in China’s Yunnan…
“The fire broke out at 4:51 p.m. on Friday in Jiasheng Village, under the jurisdiction of Nujiang Prefecture. The local government has organized 326 rescuers, including personnel from forestry, grassland and firefighting departments, to combat the blaze.”
“HISTORIC WINTER WARM SPELL IN JAPAN. Another record day in this endless January warm spell with temperatures up to 25.8C [78.4F] and even some tropical nights in the southern islands.
“10 more records of January high temperatures fell (see list credit of JMA)… Geochang in South Korea broke its record of January highest temperature again.”
“Persistent floods kill 5, paralyze transport across Java.
“Flooding across Java has left at least five people dead, displaced thousands of residents, and disrupted public transportation networks, with authorities warning the situation could persist through February.”
“Perth & WA weather: Scorching temperatures across State prompt extreme heatwave, fire warnings.
“A severe heatwave warning is in effect for residents living in the Kimberley, Central West, and Lower West regions of the State, while people living in Pilbara, Gascoyne, and the North Interior have been issued an extreme heatwave warning.”
“Pilbara water sources drying up as blistering heatwave continues in Karratha…
“A key water source for a major city in Western Australia’s North West has hit its lowest level since 1987, as the region faces another week of temperatures creeping towards 50 degrees Celsius. Yesterday, Karratha, 1,500 kilometres north of Perth, recorded rainfall for the first time since August 2025.”
“Australia’s ocean temperatures reached a record high in 2025, according to Weatherzone, due to a number of climate drivers.
“The weather service reported the mean annual sea surface temperature in Australia last year was 21.13 degrees, which is 0.93 degrees above the 1961-1990 average.”
“After four shark attacks in 48 hours, NSW authorities urge beachgoers ‘just go to a pool’…
“Shark bites are rare in Sydney Harbour. Before Sunday, there had been just four in the past 50 years, including a woman who was seriously injured after a bull shark bit her leg in Elizabeth Bay in 2024.”
“EXTRAORDINARY UNBELIEVABLE. Records of Hottest nights ever recorded in VANUATU and NEW CALEDONIA.
“MINIMUMS 28.0 at Mare Island, Lifou Island and Aneityum. Smashed the records with ridiculous margins… ALL TIME RECORD at Raoul Island with 31.1C [88F].“
“Chile wildfires rage for third day, entire towns wiped out.
“Wildfires that have killed at least 20 people in southern Chile and wiped out entire towns raged for a third day on Monday, January 19, fanned by warm temperatures and strong winds at the height of the Southern Hemisphere summer.”
“Heat inequality: Study measures the toll of climate change in Rio de Janeiro favelas…
“Michele Campos feels like crying every summer when temperatures in Rio de Janeiro climb above 40°C (100°F), heating up the cement that covers every corner of the favela of Chapeu Mangueira where she lives and making life unbearable in her windowless bedroom.”
“HISTORIC HEAT IN THE CARIBBEAN. Record heat continues from Mexico (39C/102F) in Sinaloa to Central America and Caribbean.
“Today 90F/32.2C St Thomas Airport. US VIRGIN ISLANDS HOTTEST JANUARY DAY – Record broken 5 times in 1 week and all months of 2024 and 2025! Crazy MINIMUM 26.0C Montego Bay JAMAICA Record January hottest night. Temperatures are typical of AUGUST.”
“We are witnessing record tropical heat waves everywhere:
“Hundreds of records are falling in Oceania (New Caledonia, Fiji, Indonesia),Africa (French Territories, Mozambique, Gulf of Guinea),Central America and Caribbean, every day. We can only imagine how it will be with the next Nino.“
“Insurance companies: Climate-related damage shifts to consumers.
“Extreme weather events are an increasing burden on insurers, who are withdrawing from a growing number of high-risk areas. As a result, the costs of climate-related damage are increasingly being shifted to households, companies and the public sector.”
“Wildfires trigger massive soil loss for decades, new global map shows.
“When rain falls on the charred landscapes, it increases surface runoff and soil erosion that can last for decades, according to a new study published in Nature Geoscience.”
“The way Earth’s surface moves has a bigger impact on shifting the climate than we knew.
“…the way tectonic plates move about Earth’s surface plays a major, previously underappreciated role in climate. Carbon doesn’t just emerge where tectonic plates meet. The places where tectonic plates pull away from each other are significant too.”
“CERES just released the “Earth Energy” data for November, 2025, and there was a new record low for the 36-month running average for Earth albedo, now down to 28.682%.
“”Well, darkness has a hunger that’s insatiable.” -Indigo Girls.”
I rely on donations and tips from my readers to 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.
Huge thanks to all of you who contributed to my fundraiser, which has now reached its target. I was very touched by the generosity. And thank you, as ever, to all those who subscribe and donate. I couldn’t do this without you.
“Thousands of cities around the world saw their hottest year on record last year from Shanghai to Moscow to Salt Lake City…
“As for cities with record-breaking cold, there was just one last year: Manvi, in the Indian state of Karnataka. It’s the first time any city in the world has seen its coldest year since 2014…”
“Which latitudes saw the largest temperature anomalies in 2025?
“While the tropics contributed less to 2025’s global temperature anomaly than in 2024 and 2023, the Antarctic region recorded its warmest year on record and the Arctic its 2nd warmest.”
“Friday ice update – Arctic sea ice extent is currently the 2nd lowest on record (JAXA data)…
• about 420,000 km² below the 2010s mean • about 960,000 km² below the 2000s mean • about 1,530,000 km² below the 1990s mean • about 1,950,000 km² below the 1980s mean.
“The total volume of Arctic sea ice has been at or near record low levels for every day since late October.” [Zack Labe]
“This cruise line is teaching guests how to track climate change in polar ice caps.
“Passengers can do their bit to help monitor climate change during a new citizen science project aboard Aurora Expeditions’ Antarctica cruises. The expedition cruise line has partnered with physics teacher and scientist Joe Muise who runs the Thermal Imaging of Polar Ice project to help collect data on the region’s changing landscapes.”
“Satellite data show that wildland fires are becoming more common across the Arctic, particularly in Eurasia.
“In the far north, wildfires are breaking old patterns. Satellite data show that wildland fires once scattered across the Arctic are now surging in numbers—particularly in northern Eurasia—and many are burning more intensely than before.”
“Drought kills two in five new trees in Peak District, shock National Trust report reveals. [UK]
“Bookended by storms Éowyn and Bram, 2025 delivered a sun-soaked spring and baking summer followed by autumn floods – a rollercoaster of conditions that has tested nature’s resilience like never before.”
“Spain’s environment minister warns of ‘alarming increase’ in hate speech towards the country’s weather forecasters.
“In a report filed with prosecutors on Wednesday, Sara Aagesen said weather forecasters, science communicators and researchers were being targeted with ‘hate speech, personal attacks and denigration’ across several online platforms, including X.”
“Africa’s water challenges grow as climate change escalates.
“…almost all countries subsidise their water systems in some way, yet in most of Africa governments have traditionally turned to donors to provide these subsidies in the absence of a sufficient local tax base.”
“Cape Town sounds alarm as dam levels plummet after heatwave.
“Cape Town authorities have issued an urgent appeal for residents, businesses and visitors to cut back on water use after dam levels dropped significantly following a surge in consumption during recent hot weather.”
“More than 100 people die after torrential rain and flooding in South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
“At least 103 people have died in Mozambique, the worst-affected country, where more than 200,000 people have been affected, thousands of homes have been damaged and tens of thousands of people are facing evacuation.”
“Farmers in war-torn Yemen fighting the climate crisis against the odds…
“Precipitation in the already arid country has fallen by an average of 6.25mm per decade since 1971, according to the World Bank. Extreme heat and the falling use of traditional water-storage infrastructure mean that overall water availability in the country has declined by 60 per cent since 1990.”
“US offers to mediate revived talks on Nile River water dispute.
“U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the United States is ready to relaunch diplomatic mediation efforts between Egypt and Ethiopia concerning their protracted dispute over sharing the waters of the Nile River.”
“Silent extinction: Iraq’s wildlife fades as water runs out.
“Iraq’s wildlife is not disappearing in a single catastrophic moment. It is slipping away year after year until absence starts to feel ordinary, from the Mesopotamian Marshes in the south to northern mountain ranges and western deserts…”
“How ‘day zero’ water shortages in Iran are fuelling protests…
“‘Day Zero’… is now threatening Mashhad, Tabriz and Tehran, where taps in the city’s southern districts had already run dry by early December. Nightly “pressure cuts”, in which the water supply is halted to whole districts in the capital, have become the norm.”
“Climate change leads to human-bear clashes in the Himalayas.
“On New Year’s Day, Kesar Singh of Khunana village in Chamoli district in Uttarakhand, who sustained grievous injuries in a bear attack, was airlifted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, for medical treatment…”
“Unusually warm January in China continues, with 40 stations broke or tied January warmest records today, and another 55 broke or tied mid-January warmest records!
“China affected by extreme warmth will expand again tomorrow, with more stations breaking records.” [Jim Yang]
“Russia: successive snowstorms engulf far eastern region of Kamchatka.
“Heavy snow is not uncommon in Kamchatka, but the unusual intensity of the storms has left the region’s major city partially paralysed. Snow piles reached three metres high, and sometimes even more. Schools have shut and businesses have switched to remote working.”
“Reductions in Arctic sea ice caused by global warming have ironically led to record-breaking Northern Hemisphere snowfalls and frequent winter storms. The mechanism involves Arctic warming reducing the temperature contrast between the Arctic and mid-latitudes, which weakens the polar jet stream, causing it to dip further south, dragging cold Arctic air and moisture with it…”
Warm air from China reached Northern Japan. 17.4C [63.3F] today at Toyoda, Yamaguchi Prefecture is a new record of January highest temperature… record heat in the KOREAS with temperatures again up to 20C [68F]; 17.5C at Geochang in South Korea broke its record of January highest temperature again.”
“Indonesia sues six companies over environmental harm in flood zones.
“Indonesia’s government has filed multiple lawsuits seeking more than $200m in damages against six firms, after deadly floods wreaked havoc across Sumatra, killing more than 1,000 people last year, although environmentalists criticised the moves as inadequate.”
“Another record hot night in the Eastern Provinces with a Minimum of 28.6C [83.5F] at Bau Bau, hottest night in history, previous record…yesterday. West Papua, Sulawesi, The Molukkas and West Timor all had their hottest nights in history in the past weeks.”
“Wildfires occur in three provinces despite rainy season: BNPB [Indonesia].
“The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said it received reports of wildfires in three provinces, which are Aceh, Riau, and Central Kalimantan, even as parts of the country remain in the rainy season.”
“Australian insurance association declares bushfires ‘catastrophe’.
“The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) on Friday escalated its significant event declaration to an “insurance catastrophe” for the Victorian bushfires. Fires have burned more than 400,000 hectares in south-east Australia. Economic losses from fires likely to reach hundreds of millions of dollars, according to Aon.”
“‘Great balls of ice!’ Hail storm smashes windscreens and properties [NSW].
“The storm at about 4.15pm on Thursday, January 15 hit areas southeast and southwest of Goulburn hardest. Golf ball size hailstones smashed motorists’ windscreens on the Federal Highway and Braidwood Road, severely dented vehicles and damaged houses.”
“What we know about the flash flooding along the Great Ocean Road.
“Record-breaking rain fell on the popular holiday towns along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road in the space of a few hours on Thursday, triggering flash flooding that swept away cars, caravans and tents.”
“Wildfires continue in Argentine Patagonia; ten provinces on alert.
“The Federal Emergency Agency of Argentina issued warnings of fire danger not only in the Patagonian provinces of Neuquén, Río Negro, Chubut and Santa Cruz, but also in La Pampa, the Cuyo region (San Juan, Mendoza, San Luis), and in the southern reaches of Córdoba and Buenos Aires.”
“Power providers in Buenos Aires restored electricity in Argentina’s capital Thursday, after massive blackouts hit at least 1 million customers amid an extreme heat wave…
“Electricity outages were concentrated in northern parts of the city, including neighborhoods Belgrano, Palermo, Villa del Parque, Mataderos and Saavedra.”
“Incredible, never-before-seen footage and images of the world’s biggest uncontacted tribe have surfaced, with spear-wielding Amazonian hunters shown interacting with Western explorers.
“The astonishing scenes were captured by American conservationist Paul Rosalie, who claims to be the first to capture high-definition images of the remote tribe.”
“‘We’re in danger of extinction’: can Bolivia’s ‘water people’ survive a rising tide of salt and migration?
“The Uru Chipaya, one of South America’s most ancient civilisations, are battling drought, salinity and an exodus of their people as the climate crisis wreaks havoc on their land… Chipaya lies on Bolivia’s Altiplano, 35 miles from the Chilean border.”
“Can Costa Rica’s cloud forests cope with climate change?
“…“It’s very likely that the overall area of cloud forests will be reduced, because the conditions that create them are changing. The clouds are moving up,” said Gerardo Avalos, a professor of ecology at the University of Costa Rica.”
“Caribbean are living some extraordinary, never seen before: 100% of the countries breaking and rebreaking records continuously. Today 30.7C at Saba HOTTEST JANUARY DAY IN HISTORY; 31.7 [89.1F] again at St Thomas US VIRGIN ISLANDS HOTTEST JANUARY DAY.”
“The Cross-Border Fight for Water in the Rio Grande Valley.
“Water scarcity is a fact of life for people in South Texas and the Chihuahuan Desert of northern Mexico. While Texans in the Rio Grande Valley have so far avoided scientists’ predictions of a “Zero Day” when the water runs out, residents of Monterrey, Mexico, have already faced it.”
“Small farms fight for survival in a warming Midwest.
“As the climate warms, farmers in the Midwest are struggling with more extreme weather – from floods to droughts, heat waves, and wildfires. Hoidal: “It kind of feels like every year is a new unexpected challenge.””
“Much of the West is having its warmest winter on record — and it’s fueling a snow drought…
“A lack of snow — known as a snow drought — grips much of the West as a result of the unusually high temperatures, even as winter reaches the midway point. Snow cover was less extensive than any Jan. 14 on record across the West, according to satellite-based measurements.”
“Lake Mead’s projected record low gets even lower.
“New federal projections for Southern Nevada’s main water source were released Friday and paint an even more dismal picture amid a tight interstate negotiation over the future of the American West… All water users along the Colorado River must learn to live with less.”
“Consistently warming oceans have fueled a rash of subtle records, especially on the West Coast. High tides get higher; temperatures set records… Ocean heat content continued to set records globally in 2025, with “broad ocean warming across basins…””
“Upper-ocean heat content data for December showed that the West Pacific Warm Pool remained fifth warmest on record, despite some of its heat already being discharged eastward.
“This warmth raises the ceiling on the potential strength of El Niño later in 2026.” [Ben Noll]
“One uncertainty that keeps me awake is whether we are underestimating the forced RATE of global heat uptake warming, because the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) has been hiding the real rate.” [Leon Simons]
“Mining the Deep Sea: How the US is Unlocking the Ocean’s Critical Minerals.
“In 2025, the US witnessed a significant growth in corporate interest and activity in deep sea mining under US laws, namely, the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act… This has largely been driven by a renewed federal push to secure critical mineral resources from the ocean floor, spurred by President Donald Trump’s Executive Order…”
“Pollution leaves its mark deep inside seabirds’ cells.
“The impacts of pollution on seabirds are often visible at the surface – oil-coated plumage, contaminated eggs, or declining breeding success. But new research reveals that pollutants can also affect birds at a far more fundamental level, altering how their cells generate the energy needed to survive.”
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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.
“2026 YEAR WITHOUT WINTER. Greenland will remember for years this non-existent winter with temperatures, in the central-west, typical of October.
“What happens to forests when the planet warms up too fast.
“Records fall as Storm Chandra brings flooding to the UK and Ireland.
“‘Like a sea out there’: flooded Somerset residents wonder how water can be managed…
“A climate-linked octopus surge is reshaping UK marine ecosystems.
“National survey finds microplastic pollution around Britain’s coastline could be double than previously recorded.
“At least five killed after Storm Kristin hits Portugal…
“Live: Evacuation of residents of Los Puentes in Jaén and municipalities [Spain]…
“Tornado hits Turkey’s Antalya, causes widespread damage.
“Water crisis in Cyprus: citizens urged to reduce water consumption.
“HISTORIC HEAT WAVE IN AFRICA – hundreds of records have been falling all over Africa every day of the month.
“Nigerian farmers complaint that climate change is affecting staple food crops…
“Drought in the east, floods in the south: Africa battered by climate change…
“More records in South Africa – min 22.3 [72.1F] Paddock Tied its warmest night.
“Environment minister pelted with coal at fiery power plant pollution debate [Israel].
“‘Under a dome of smog’: Why are Central Asian cities among the world’s most polluted?
“Record snowfall paralyses Naran, Kaghan [Pakistan].
“Farmers dread losses as hail, rain flatten vegetable crops in Haryana [India].
“China sees most high temperature days on record in 2025.
“Built on ice, not land: The city where the ground is melting.
“Over 2,000 stranded at Japan’s Hokkaido airport amid record snowfall.
“Budget slashed for Indonesia’s rescue agency despite disaster surge.
“Record heat never ends in INDONESIA:
“North Queensland farmers rescued from rooftops as floodwaters surge…
“Record-breaking Australia heatwave fuels bushfires, cuts power to thousands…
“‘It takes a toll’: Victorian farmers endure record heat and drying winds…
“After bone-dry January, Adelaide faces low summer rainfall record.
“Pacific Islands: The hidden mental health costs of climate change…
“Marine heatwave in Tongan waters brings record temperatures.
“‘The land will be left as ashes’: why Patagonia’s wildfires are almost impossible to stop.
“Between dust and deluge: The women on Brazil’s water frontlines.
“Amazon is getting drier as deforestation shuts down atmospheric rivers.
“Heavy rains trigger large-scale flooding across Colombia’s Medellín.
“Dutch government discriminated against Bonaire islanders over climate adaptation, court rules…
“Record warmth in The BAHAMAS where Freeport had a Minimum of 24.6C/76F warmest January night in history.
“HISTORIC HEAT IN FLORIDA – hottest January day ever recorded in the State tied yesterday with 90F.
“Will a bomb cyclone hit the East Coast over the weekend? The latest forecast shows potential for monster snowstorm…
“Record-breaking snow wallops Anchorage, closing schools early and wreaking havoc on the roads.
“As an Oil Rig Topples in the Alaskan Arctic and Ignites a Fire, Exploration There Continues.
“Overlooked threat: Dams trigger temperature-driven disease in iconic salmonid fish…
“The Sea Urchin Apocalypse Is Real, and It Might Be Spreading Globally, Scientists Warn…
“Overshoot: The World Is Hitting Point of No Return on Climate.
“In polar regions, microbes are influencing climate change as frozen ecosystems thaw.
“Monday ice update – “Arctic sea ice extent is currently the *lowest* on record (JAXA data)…
“Arctic seas are getting louder as ice melts, posing risks: Study shows how to better measure noise.
“Insane mildness continues in GREENLAND – much warmer than most of USA.
“Why Britain’s crumbling canals are a ticking timebomb…
“A red flood warning – meaning danger to life – has been issued for a river in south-west England as Storm Chandra brought heavy rain and strong winds to many areas of the UK…
“249 yr of homogenized temperature at Innsbruck (Tirol).
“Pine trees record a surge in Mediterranean climate extremes.
“Batten down the hatches: Red weather alert issued in Spain as Atlantic storms roll in with heavy rainfall and strong winds…
“Balearic sea temperature spiked at 28ºC last summer, nearly 5ºC above average.
“Italy declares state of emergency in southern regions following storm that caused major landslide in Niscemi..
“Hundreds feared dead in attempt to cross Mediterranean during cyclone.
“Collapse at Lake Chad: How Climate Stress Transforms Resources Into Flashpoints.
“EXTRAORDINARY HEAT IN CENTRAL AFRICA. Records pulverized everywhere:
“RECORD HEAT IN SOUTHERN AFRICA. After a 46C [114.8F] day, a record hot night from South Africa all the way to Tanzania:
“Climate change is hurting Kenyan women working in coastal tourism – they explain how…
“Iran’s biggest centres of protest are also experiencing extreme pollution and water shortages…
“Ghazni residents warn of worsening water crisis as groundwater levels plunge.
“China places blankets on ice: the experimental strategy that could slow glacier melting.
“Cold waves bring record snowfalls across Japan…
“Coast-to-coast coral assessment reveals Thailand’s reefs losing complexity…
“Twenty-three soldiers died in Indonesia’s West Java landslides, official says.
“Flash flooding on Copperfield River forces emergency evacuation of Einasleigh.
“Emergency feed arrives for remote Western Australia pastoralists amid worst drought in decades,.
“Victoria has recorded a new statewide maximum temperature, with 48.9C [120F] recorded in the north-west towns of Walpeup and Hopetoun.
“More than 1,000 families told to evacuate as bushfires rage and temperatures near 50C in Australia.
“Hailstorms ‘wiped out entire crops’ in Canterbury [NZ].
“Vanuatu communities move to protect taro, an ancestral climate-resilient crop…
“OCEANIA RECORD HEAT. 
“Wildfires in Patagonia reignite, destroying over 35,000 hectares…
“Lightning strike at Brasilia rally injures 89 Bolsonaro supporters…
“Old diseases return as settlement pushes into the Amazon rainforest.
“While USA and Canada are freezing, record heat is everywhere else in CENTRAL AMERICA.
“HISTORIC HEAT WAVE IN FLORIDA:
“Rain, not snow: Extraordinary warmth leaves mountains less snowy across the West.
“Water conservation may not protect cities from severe droughts.
“Dire Colorado River outcomes may be unavoidable, US report shows.
“At least 30 dead as severe winter storm coats US in snow and ice.
“Deep cold could last days, worsening storm’s impacts: ‘I’m just really, really tired’…
“Toronto is beginning to dig itself out from the largest snowfall in the city’s history, a process which officials say is likely to take “several days”…
“Very interesting to see that the ongoing cold across parts of North America and Eurasia are reflected in a temporary dip in global average temperature. 
“The global mean annual [Sea Surface Temperature] values [during the Eemian] were ∼0.5°C warmer than they were 150 years ago and indistinguishable from the 1995–2014 mean”
“Did Humans Nearly Go Extinct 900,000 Years Ago? A Biologist Explains…
“Solar geoengineering could be even more costly than unabated global warming if it is cut off suddenly, leading to a “termination shock” of rapidly rebounding temperatures…
“Record surge in daily temperature swings across globe: Study…
“Temperatures averaged over global land areas were the 2nd hottest on record in 2025. This has major consequences for communities and ecosystems all around the world.
“Friday ice update – Arctic sea ice extent is currently the *lowest* on record (JAXA data)…
“SUMMER IN WINTER IN GREENLAND.
“Along the Russian side of the Arctic Ocean, they are now getting 1-2 months of open water every year, allowing ships without ice-breaking support to easily cross from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
“‘Completely Cut Off’: Kamchatka Calls for Moscow’s Help as Record Snowfall Paralyzes Region…
“Russia’s Unified Energy System (UES) has recorded a historic surge in electricity demand, setting a new all-time high in power consumption due to the country’s prolonged cold snap.
“Forest Fires Take No Break. Belarusian foresters train for an unrelenting fire season…
“The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has unveiled emergency plans to protect its gardens from future water shortages after severe drought conditions last year [UK].
“Flooding has struck Cornwall as the tide has burst over a quay during Storm Ingrid, putting homes and businesses at risk.
“Sea Surface Temperatures around Europe were record high again in 2025.
“Cyclone Harry has caused extensive damage across Italy’s Sicily, Sardinia, and Calabria regions, with initial estimates putting the total cost at around $2 billion, ANSA news agency reported on Friday.
“Record 16-metre [52 foot] wave measured between Sicily and Malta during Storm Harry.
“The Climate Crisis Is Already Here with Dramatic Consequences [Greece].
“Kuşadası is at the mercy of the flood! The streets have turned into a lake, and vehicles were swept away [Turkey].
“Algeria: towards the extension of agricultural insurance to major climate risks.
“Record heat continues relentless In Central African Republic. Hot days and nights.
“Record heat keeps sweeping all the tropics. 
“Historic floods in Kruger Park reveal the environmental cost of extreme weather in southern Africa.
“Residents in Mozambique are on high alert, as crocodiles have started to appear across towns amid heavy floods…
“Record heat in MADAGASCAR:
“RED SEA HEAT WAVE:
“Heavy snowfall paralyses northern Pakistan, army launches rescues.
“Kabul residents warn of worsening water shortages as wells run dry.
“Forest fires across Kashmir as high-speed winds fan flames…
“No Snow, Forest Fire Rages For Two Days Near China Border In Sikkim.
“The mother of all mega-dams is China’s hidden weapon in the Himalayas.
“Philippines builds insurance buffer as climate shocks intensify across Asia.
“Seven dead, dozens missing after landslide in Indonesia’s West Bandung [Indonesia]…
“Floodwaters up to 2 meters deep inundate residential areas in Tangerang City, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate [near Jakarta].
“This is getting ridiculous… records of historic hottest nights smashed in pieces again in INDONESIA.
“Human-caused global heating made the intense heatwave that affected much of Australia in early January five times more likely, new analysis suggests.
“Intense heat could smash temperature records in south-east Australia with catastrophic fire danger forecast.
“A bushfire in Victoria’s Otways, near Gellibrand, has broken containment lines and is threatening communities south and east of the fire.
“Why does it feel like dangerous ocean creatures are ruining Australia’s summer?
“A bid to clean up shipping industry intensified a coral bleaching event on Great Barrier Reef, study says.
“More insane heat from OCEANIA:
“New Zealand landslide: rescue efforts called off for six people buried in disaster.
“Argentina’s Patagonia wildfires: flare-ups in Chubut spur evacuations as crews face “highly complex” blazes.
“Firefighters face attacks, drones and arsonists while battling deadly blazes in Chile.
“40 years of tracking trees reveals how global change is impacting Amazon and Andean Forest diversity…
“Snow starts falling in Texas, Oklahoma as eastern US braces for winter storm.
“I’ve been forecasting for two decades and I can’t recall a time when so many areas were simultaneously covered by a winter storm warning.
“Climate change can alter flower nectar quality and supply, threatening monarch butterfly migration.
“Whales are now ‘sharing’ food amid shortages due to climate change.
“The ocean floor is turning into the world’s biggest plastic dump site killing hundreds of underwater species.
“Air cargo warning as extreme weather raises risks for pharma cold chains…
“Dramatic rise in water-related violence recorded since 2022.
“Suppressed climate report warned of mass migration and nuclear war… When the [UK] government was forced to release the report after a freedom of information request, it published an abridged version…
“Scientists reveal the impact of air pollution on the human body.
“Prolonged air pollution linked to increase of incurable muscle-wasting diseases, study suggests…
“Air pollution a major financial risk for companies and investors.
“Next week the US will have the “relative” coldest air on Earth. But notice the mid-latitudes in general from the US to Europe to Russia feature a band of cold anomalies, whereas the Arctic is warm all around. 
“‘Wavy’ jet stream dumps record snowfall on Russia. Extreme weather paralyses region as Arctic blast sweeps across Asia…
“On the afternoon of January 21, the second floor of a shopping center on Naumova Street in Novosibirsk’s Pervomaysky District collapsed [under the weight of heavy snow]. Several people were trapped under the rubble, and one died .
“Biodiversity collapse threatens UK security, intelligence chiefs warn.
“Food price inflation rises unexpectedly. [UK]
“Severe hailstorms increasing most rapidly in Europe.
“Two people died on Jan 21 in Greece after torrential rain flooded homes and businesses in Athens and other parts of the country, the authorities said.
“Storm Harry, the Island [Sardinia] reckons with the storm: “Immense damage.”
“One person was killed and 15 others were injured on Tuesday as a sandstorm hit eastern and southern Libya, causing extensive damage in the eastern city of Benghazi.
“Flooding in Tunisia has killed five people, authorities said, as media reported four others missing on Wednesday after the country experienced its heaviest rainfall in over 70 years.
“Strong winds reignite wildfires near Cape Town.
“Mozambique floods spiralling into escalating emergency, UN warns.
“HISTORIC HEAT IN SOUTHERN AFRICA:
“Sharp rise in malnutrition cases, preventable diseases in Somalia: MSF.
“In Africa it was another day with >40C [104F] in CHAD with the hot air moving Northeast.
“The Omani port of Sultan Qaboos, near the capital Muscat, has never dropped below 20C [68F] once so far this winter.
“Uttarakhand’s Vanishing Winter: A Crisis In The Himalayas.
“Man-Animal Conflict Undergoes Change In Uttarakhand With Involvement Of Younger Wildlife…
“Strange circular sea current off Vasai [W India] coast sparks panic.
“In Bangladesh, thousands of volunteers are battling climate-fueled disease at its source…
“From record warmth to record cold in few days. Incredible turnaround in Northern CHINA where dozens of January warm records were broken 1 week ago.
“Firefighters battle wildfire raging in Busan for 2nd day [Korea].
“East Asia seas hit near-record heat as global oceans store more warmth.
“Forest and land fires have erupted in several regions across the country despite most areas still being in the peak of the rainy season [Indonesia].
“A tornado unleashes chaos in Karangpandan, Karanganyar [Java, Indonesia].
“INDONESIA ENDLESS RECORD HEAT: Another scorching hot night with Minimums up to 28C in Vanuatu and in West Papua (Indonesia).
“50 DEGREES [122F] IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
“Heatwave and fire warnings as parts of Victoria expected to approach ‘all-time maximum record’ temperatures.
“Victorian bushfires to drive premiums higher in high-risk areas.
“Damaged cars near Great Ocean Road recovered after flash floods from record rainfall.
“Rescuers in New Zealand were searching for several people, including at least one child, after a landslide tore through a popular holiday campsite as days of record-breaking rain and flooding continued to batter the country. 
“NZ is again being soaked this summer – record ocean heat helps explain it…
“EXTRAORDINARY – records all over New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Indonesia:
“Chile’s wildfire crisis was fueled by record heat.
“Chile’s fire-ravaged communities pull together as frustrations mount over state response…
“Costa Rica Firefighters Battle Surge in Wildfires Amid Dry Winds.
“Drought conditions intensify across Texas.
“Two-thirds of the US is facing drought in the middle of winter. Here’s why scientists are worried.
“A whopper storm could soon engulf a 2,000-mile stretch with snow and ice…
“Half the world’s 100 largest cities are in high water stress areas, analysis finds…
“Climate change is pushing insurance to breaking point.
“For 50 years, global warming had a very consistent trend (+0.19 °C/decade) with a boring, predictable range of natural variations around it.
“Will 2026 end up surprising those who made these predictions, again?
“Scientists warn of ‘regime shift’ as seaweed blooms expand worldwide.
“Antarctic penguins have radically shifted their breeding season – seemingly in response to climate change…
“Monday ice update – Arctic sea ice extent is currently the *lowest* on record (JAXA data)…
“Warm air is reaching Greenland again where the past weeks have been absurdly mild.
“Melting ice may raise Greenland’s value. Trump’s fight may be just the start….
“The Ocean Is Still Reeling From a Single Massive Heat Wave Decades Ago.
“Norway’s oil fund defends push to water down net zero…
“Pic de Neige Cordier 1950 | 2025 [French Alps].
“Mediterranean Faces Dangerous High Flood Risk as a Deep Low Drives Extreme Rainfall.
“Icy floods have swamped Malta after a freak storm battered the Mediterranean holiday island over the weekend.
“Greater Tunis, Nabeul and Bizerte: Floods are affecting several neighborhoods! [Tunisia].
“EXTRAORDINARY records hot nights continue in the Gulf of Guinea. Minimum temperatures 26/29C [84.2F] all month:
“South Africa Declares National Disaster After Deadly Floods.
“Floods in Mozambique displace more than 300,000 people in one province, governor says.
“Extraordinary and unprecedented heat in the Indian Ocean: the islands of Juan de Nova and Europa [off Mozambique] keeps recording Minimums temperatures of 29C+ [84.2F] for days, already 3 in a row and counting..
“Syrian army moves to retake strategic Tishrin Dam from YPG militants.
“Central Asia’s water resources are running out: what happens when the tipping point is reached? 
“Tajikistan Expands Saxaul Plantations to Fight Climate Change.
“Quetta’s water crisis worsens as groundwater depletes and public supply fails [Pakistan].
“When winter burns: Uttarakhand to Kashmir, Himalayan forests are catching fire out of season.
“India’s coconut belt battles whitefly crisis…
“Not just Indore: Urban rivers and lakes turning toxic in Madhya Pradesh.
“CHINA HISTORIC WARM SPELL. This unprecedented January warm spell which has broken hundreds of records continue.
“Wildfire rages for nearly two days in China’s Yunnan…
“HISTORIC WINTER WARM SPELL IN JAPAN. Another record day in this endless January warm spell with temperatures up to 25.8C [78.4F] and even some tropical nights in the southern islands.
“Well, Gorontalo record hasn’t lasted long…24 hours Minimum of 26.6C [79.9F] and hottest night in history.
“Persistent floods kill 5, paralyze transport across Java.
“Perth & WA weather: Scorching temperatures across State prompt extreme heatwave, fire warnings.
“Pilbara water sources drying up as blistering heatwave continues in Karratha…
“Australia’s ocean temperatures reached a record high in 2025, according to Weatherzone, due to a number of climate drivers.
“After four shark attacks in 48 hours, NSW authorities urge beachgoers ‘just go to a pool’…
“EXTRAORDINARY UNBELIEVABLE. Records of Hottest nights ever recorded in VANUATU and NEW CALEDONIA.
“Chile wildfires rage for third day, entire towns wiped out.
“An exceptionally long heat wave is culminating with a record hot night in Rio de Janeiro, BRAZIL.
“Heat inequality: Study measures the toll of climate change in Rio de Janeiro favelas…
“Damage in various neighborhoods of Mar del Plata after the storm: “Some people lost their roofs” [Argentina].
“HISTORIC HEAT IN THE CARIBBEAN. Record heat continues from Mexico (39C/102F) in Sinaloa to Central America and Caribbean.
“We are witnessing record tropical heat waves everywhere:
“Insurance companies: Climate-related damage shifts to consumers.
“Wildfires trigger massive soil loss for decades, new global map shows.
“The way Earth’s surface moves has a bigger impact on shifting the climate than we knew.
“Breaking News!
“Thousands of cities around the world saw their hottest year on record last year from Shanghai to Moscow to Salt Lake City…
“Which latitudes saw the largest temperature anomalies in 2025? 
“Friday ice update – Arctic sea ice extent is currently the 2nd lowest on record (JAXA data)…
“This cruise line is teaching guests how to track climate change in polar ice caps.
“Satellite data show that wildland fires are becoming more common across the Arctic, particularly in Eurasia. 
“Drought kills two in five new trees in Peak District, shock National Trust report reveals. [UK]
“Spain’s environment minister warns of ‘alarming increase’ in hate speech towards the country’s weather forecasters.
“Africa’s water challenges grow as climate change escalates.
“Never ending record heat in the Gulf of Guinea, years of breaking records non-stop.
“Cape Town sounds alarm as dam levels plummet after heatwave.
“More than 100 people die after torrential rain and flooding in South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
“Farmers in war-torn Yemen fighting the climate crisis against the odds…
“US offers to mediate revived talks on Nile River water dispute.
“Silent extinction: Iraq’s wildlife fades as water runs out.
“How ‘day zero’ water shortages in Iran are fuelling protests…
“Climate change leads to human-bear clashes in the Himalayas.
“Unusually warm January in China continues, with 40 stations broke or tied January warmest records today, and another 55 broke or tied mid-January warmest records! 
“Russia: successive snowstorms engulf far eastern region of Kamchatka.
“Extreme Snowfall: An Effect of Global Warming.
“Record heat in Japan and Korea:
“Indonesia sues six companies over environmental harm in flood zones.
“HISTORIC HEAT IN INDONESIA:
“Wildfires occur in three provinces despite rainy season: BNPB [Indonesia].
“Australian insurance association declares bushfires ‘catastrophe’.
“‘Great balls of ice!’ Hail storm smashes windscreens and properties [NSW].
“What we know about the flash flooding along the Great Ocean Road.
“MOST EXTREME HEAT WAVE IN OCEANIA HISTORY outside Australia going on…
“Wildfires continue in Argentine Patagonia; ten provinces on alert.
“Power providers in Buenos Aires restored electricity in Argentina’s capital Thursday, after massive blackouts hit at least 1 million customers amid an extreme heat wave…
“Incredible, never-before-seen footage and images of the world’s biggest uncontacted tribe have surfaced, with spear-wielding Amazonian hunters shown interacting with Western explorers. 
“‘We’re in danger of extinction’: can Bolivia’s ‘water people’ survive a rising tide of salt and migration?
“Can Costa Rica’s cloud forests cope with climate change?
“EXTRAORDINARY HEAT IN THE CARIBBEAN:
“The Cross-Border Fight for Water in the Rio Grande Valley.
“Small farms fight for survival in a warming Midwest.
“Much of the West is having its warmest winter on record — and it’s fueling a snow drought…
“Lake Mead’s projected record low gets even lower.
“Angry oceans set records on West Coast.
“Upper-ocean heat content data for December showed that the West Pacific Warm Pool remained fifth warmest on record, despite some of its heat already being discharged eastward.
“An additional dataset in showing that global ocean heat content (0-2000 m depth) is surging off the charts after another new record in 2025.
“Mining the Deep Sea: How the US is Unlocking the Ocean’s Critical Minerals.
“Pollution leaves its mark deep inside seabirds’ cells.