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“My new State of the Climate report at Carbon Brief finds that 2025 had the:
“Warmest ocean heat content “Tied as second warmest surface temps “Second warmest troposphere “Record high sea level and GHGs “Record low winter Arctic ice.” [Zeke Hausfather]
“Reaching net zero won’t be enough to limit global temperatures to 1.5°C, according to research from the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries and the University of Exeter.
“The latest paper by the two organisations claims that the planet is more sensitive to the level of greenhouse gases being emitted than the accepted science suggests.”
“Before we’re even done with this current La Niña episode, we’re already seeing some signs of El Niño developing in a few months… The latest ENSO outlook from the Climate Prediction Center suggests a likely shift to ENSO Neutral by the end of this winter or early in the spring.”
“NASA reports record heat but omits reference to climate change.
“Global temperatures soared in 2025, but a NASA statement published Wednesday alongside its latest benchmark annual report makes no reference to climate change, in line with President Donald Trump’s push to deny the reality of planetary heating as a result of human activities.”
““[Trump’s] fixation on Greenland is an admission that climate change is real,” said John Conger, a former Pentagon official in the Obama administration who is now an adviser to the Center for Climate and Security, a research institute.”
“Storm Goretti was one of the most impactful storms to hit Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly in the last 30 to 35 years, according to the Met Office.
“Met Office climate expert Professor Elizabeth Kendon said the strong winds during Goretti could have been due to a meteorological feature known as a sting jet – which are very rare in the UK…”
“‘People don’t even know if help is coming’: Cornish villagers frustrated by lack of help after Storm Goretti…
“Almost a week on, trees still block roads and scores of people remain without power, water or phone connections. The feeling is growing that Cornwall has been left to cope on its own, leading an increasing number of people to call for the UK government to step in to help.”
“Europe’s crop droughts to worsen despite rising rainfall, study shows.
“Recent research indicates that rising temperatures will intensify severe crop droughts in Europe and western North America, even as annual rainfall increases, thereby posing a threat to food security.”
““Ecocide” Project: Biodiversity in Tunisia Falls Victim to European Oil Companies.
“Data from the “Ecocide” project show that more than 3,100 oil and gas licenses overlap with over 7,000 protected areas in 99 countries worldwide, covering a total overlapping area of 690,000 square kilometers, despite existing laws and ongoing efforts to protect key biodiversity areas.”
“Wildfires threaten wildlife in South Africa’s Western Cape.
“The fires have had severe consequences for wildlife across the province. Media reports said a wildfire devastated Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary near Stanford in the Western Cape, forcing the relocation of 18 predators to other facilities.”
“Severe flooding in Kruger National Park forces closures, relocations.
“Heavy rainfall in Limpopo and Mpumalanga has caused flooding, leading to the closure of several gates and roads in the Kruger National Park. Guests have been urged to revise travel plans. SANParks has relocated campers, and is actively rescheduling arrivals to ensure safety.”
“Landslide in eastern Congo kills at least 13, leaves over 30 missing.
“The landslide occurred at around 1 a.m. in the village of Burutsi in North Kivu province. Witnesses say that the landslide followed several hours of intense rainfall and has cut off the main road between the major city of Goma and the provincial capital, Walikale.”
“Six dead as Gaza’s displaced struggle to hold ground in torrential rain.
“A rainstorm swept across the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, flooding hundreds of tents, collapsing homes sheltering families displaced by two years of war and killing at least six people, local health officials said.”
“Istanbul sets all-time water use record as water stress increases.
“Istanbul is consuming water at a pace never before recorded, setting a historic annual usage record in 2025 as climate pressures, rapid urban growth and structural supply vulnerabilities converge to push Türkiye toward internationally defined water-poverty conditions.”
“The Middle East is not running out of slogans. It is running out of water. And while pundits remain hypnotized by manifestos, missiles, and terrorist groups the region’s real balance of power is being rewritten quietly, mechanically, and without drama—behind concrete dams, desiccated riverbeds, and rationed taps.”
“Kazakhstan Warns of Severe Water Shortages as Syr Darya Levels Drop…
“Equally alarming for Kazakhstan, Nurzhigitov noted that in the mountains of upstream neighboring countries, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, where the Syr Darya originates, officials are also reporting low levels in reservoirs.”
“Uttarakhand faces snow drought and forest fires as lack of rain hits crops.
“Uttarakhand and the wider Central Himalayan region are experiencing an unusually dry winter marked by a near absence of rain and snowfall, triggering crop losses, forest fires and concerns about long-term impacts on glaciers.”
“Search for single-tusked elephant after 22 killed in India rampage…
“The rampage comes as deadly human-elephant conflict is on the rise in India, attributed to rising deforestation, food and water scarcity and increased residential encroachment in areas that were once elephant corridors.”
“EXTRAORDINARY EVENT – WORLD CLIMATIC HISTORY REWRITTEN. Records brutalized with world record margins all over Asia.
“Insane records in MONGOLIA, locally broken by 8C+: 7.5 Bulgan, 5.7 Bogd, 5.0 Ekhingool, 4.4 Gurvanbulag, 4.1 Bayantoorai… Temperatures in The Erdeni Region of Mongolia reached almost +5C at 2500m asl in MID JANUARY.”
“Temperatures in China have soared today, with 46 stations breaking &tying their January warmest records, and 19 stations breaking their January highest Tmin records!
“Tomorrow, the range of record-breaking activity in China will continue to expand!”
“The region, known for its active volcanoes and extreme weather, has received several months’ worth of snowfall within days… The relentless snowfall has brought the city to a standstill, with layers of white covering the landscape.”
“Heavy Flood Hits Sekotong West Lombok, One Resident Dies [Indonesia]…
“Floods were recorded submerging dozens of villages in several villages. In Buwun Mas Village, Kemanuk Village was submerged in water up to the knees, while Bengkang Village became the worst area with puddles reaching the chest of adults.”
“‘Nothing Left’: Bushfires Tear Through Victoria’s Wine Regions.
“Bushfires in Australia’s state of Victoria have swept through multiple wine-producing areas, inflicting severe damage on local wineries. At one estate, flames destroyed not only the vineyard but also the owner’s family home, while a warehouse storing wine was also burned down.”
“‘We’ve lost everything, you can see caravans floating away’: flash flooding hits Victoria’s Great Ocean Road.
“Hundreds of people have evacuated a major camping ground after a severe thunderstorm caused flash flooding at Wye River, closed a major scenic tourism road and washed cars out to sea.”
“As global warming melts glaciers, a novel sanctuary in Antarctica is opening to preserve ice samples.
“Scientists on Wednesday inaugurated the first global repository of mountain ice cores, preserving the history of the Earth’s atmosphere in an Antarctic vault for future generations to study as global warming melts glaciers around the world.”
“We experienced the warming of the Antarctic Peninsula…
“The Antarctic Peninsula continues to be one of the regions of the Earth most strongly affected by global warming. Along its west coast, temperatures are rising significantly faster than the global average. Measurement data show an increase of up to 0.45 degrees Celsius per decade; overall, the region has warmed by more than three degrees since the 1950s…”
“Javier Milei’s budget cuts criticized after Patagonia fires.
“In just eight days, nearly 15,000 hectares of land on southern Argentina have been destroyed by flames, including 12,000 in Chubut Province. Environmental advocacy groups have condemned drastic budget cuts to the Federal Fire Management System.”
“After 20 Years, A Deal to Protect Amazon Forests is Falling Apart.
“Nearly 20 years ago, a Brazilian lobbying group for soy trading and processing companies signed on to a historic conservation deal known as the Amazon soy moratorium. The voluntary agreement prohibits members from buying soybeans grown on lands deforested after July, 2008.”
“Chaos in Tarapoto due to rains: Indeci activates alert in 17 regions due to risk of new flooding [Peru].
“The city of Tarapoto , in the San Martín region , experienced hours of tension once again after torrential rain fell during the afternoon and evening, causing flooding , overflowing ravines, and a sudden rise in the Cumbaza River , one of the main tributaries that crosses this area of the Peruvian Amazon.”
“California, Oregon, Washington, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico just experienced their hottest December in recorded history.” [Colin McCarthy]
“Shark Attacks Reach Record-Breaking High in California.
“Shark attacks are extremely rare; however, following multiple encounters in Northern California, the Golden State hit record highs for shark incidents in 2025… And just two weeks into 2026, a surfer was attacked by a shark in Northern California.”~
“Minimums in North Dakota and Canada. Some stations broke by 10/12F the record of warmest January night.
“Mins up to 53 in South Dakota TYPICAL OF JUNE. One of the most extreme events ever seen in North America. ND: 41 Beach B.Bowman, 39 Bismarck, Hattinger, Kilder, Mandam 38 Grand Forks.”
“Record-heat to continue with highs in southern Alberta in the mid-teens Wednesday.
“A dominant ridge of high-pressure has been parked over the west – in part due to an anchoring trough situated over central Canada. This has allowed warmer air to funnel into communities as far north as Grande Prairie and as far east as Lloydminster this week.”
“A 3,000-year high: Alaska’s Arctic is entering a dangerous new fire era.
“For thousands of years, wildfires on Alaska’s North Slope were rare. That changed sharply in the 20th century, when warming temperatures dried soils and fueled the spread of shrubs, setting the stage for intense fires. Peat cores and satellite data reveal that fire activity since the 1950s has reached record levels.”
“Mapped: how the world is losing its forests to wildfires.
“Every single day in 2024, wildfires consumed more than 360 square kilometres of forest – an area larger than Malta. By the end of 2024, more than 134,000 square kilometres of forest had gone up in flames – an area greater than England.”
“Wildfires Transform Safe Soil Minerals Into Toxins…
“New research from the University of Oregon breaks down how chromium converts from a benign form in rocks and soil to a carcinogenic one in the presence of extreme heat during wildfires… The location of soil – a summit or valley, for instance – influenced what temperature caused the most conversion.”
“Climate Change May Be Making Pain Harder To Manage…
“Reporting from Inside Climate News connects these extremes to more frequent pain flares. It also warns that dehydration can worsen gout as regions get hotter and drier. Penn Medicine notes that rising heat and extreme weather stress can trigger headaches and migraines.”
“Mosquitoes’ thirst for human blood has increased as biodiversity loss worsens.
“In an ecosystem that’s losing much of its biodiversity, mosquitoes might be shifting to a new food source. Researchers analyzed blood meals of mosquitoes captured in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and found most meals contained human blood.”
“Climate and nature crises still ‘biggest’ long-term global risks, despite growing threat of conflict…
“While risks related to climate and nature are low on the near-term radar, with experts notably less concerned about the risks of pollution and biodiversity loss than last year, there is a growing acknowledgement that long-term risks here are being baked in.“
“The Earth energy data just came in from CERES for October, 2025, and guess what? Right. A new record low for the 36-month running average for Earth albedo, now down to 28.689%.
“The Climate 8-Ball says, “fewer clouds, less ice, more tequila.”” [Prof Eliot Jacobson]
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“How is 2026 doing so far? Hotter than expected.
“The global mean surface temperature anomaly for January 1-8, 2026, was 1.60°C above the 1850-1900 IPCC pre-industrial baseline.”
“This metric is critical because among other roles it plays in Earth’s climate, snow reflects energy from the planet’s surface back into space… the new analysis by Chereque and her colleagues shows snow cover actually decreased by half a million square kilometers per decade, about half the size of Canada’s most populous province.”
“While most of the Arctic Ocean is predominately ice covered in January, the edges reveal warming at the ocean surface. Warming trends are particularly large in the North Atlantic and Davis Strait/Labrador Sea.
“Data from OISSTv2.1. For more info: arctic NOAA.” [Zack Labe]
“‘The sea always wins’: Distress as coastal erosion tears away at homes [East Anglia, UK].
“Homes in Thorpeness that were deemed safe just before Christmas have now found themselves at threat, with a third demolition having taken place. The surge on January 2 had washed away the frontage of properties to the south of the village and had created a three metre drop.”
“Tens of thousands of people across South East England are without water, as Kent County Council (KCC) declared a major incident.
“South East Water (SEW) blamed the outages on Storm Goretti and cold weather causing burst pipes and power cuts.” [Thousands of homes also still without power and water in Cornwall].
“‘Thousands of trees lost’ in Storm Goretti [Guernsey].
“Islanders are counting the cost after Storm Goretti brought wind speeds of 95mph (154km/h) on Thursday night. Andy McCutcheon, technical officer from Guernsey Trees for life (GTFL), said he estimated the number of trees lost in the storm was in the low thousands.”
“Mallorca sea hits record-high temperatures in 2024–2025.
“The Mediterranean Sea has experienced surface temperatures consistently above the 1991–2020 average throughout 2024 and 2025, according to the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (Aemet). This prolonged period of elevated sea temperatures reflects widespread trends across European waters…”
“Water crisis hits Türkiye’s capital as drought, infrastructure issues deepen.
“Ankara is facing an ongoing water crisis as severe drought and crumbling infrastructure trigger daily outages across Türkiye’s capital, fueling widespread criticism of the city’s management. Dam reservoir levels have dropped to 1.12 percent and taps are being shut off for several hours a day…”
“At least 5.7 million people in Chad are facing malnutrition — including 3.6 million who are severely food insecure — in a context exacerbated by conflict, displacement, climate shocks and economic deterioration. This situation follows successive nutritional crises that particularly affect children.”
“Mangrove loss is making the Niger Delta more vulnerable…
“The Niger Delta region is also the heart of the country’s oil and gas industry. Decades of oil exploration and production have altered its landscape. Pipeline construction, dredging (when sand is dug out of the ground), oil spills and gas flaring (burning) have degraded mangrove habitats.”
“123rd consecutive months when ZA breaks monthly heat records. After max. Temperatures up to 46C [114.8F], very hot nights followed. Last night Riversdale had by far its hottest night in history with a Minimum temperature of 24.5C.”
“Wildfires ravage parts of South Africa, damaging buildings and displacing thousands.
“South Africa’s Western Cape was still grappling with several wildfires across the province on Sunday, with some blazes remaining out of control while others had been extinguished.”
Exceptionally hot night (and humid): minimum temperatures up to 28.0C [82.4F] at Beira, which is the hottest night ever recorded in the town in climate history.”
“Gaza: Storms worsen already dire humanitarian situation, UN warns.
“Briefing correspondents in New York, Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric reported that ongoing rainstorms are damaging and destroying fragile shelters, leaving large numbers of displaced people exposed to the cold.”
“Jordan braces for extreme weather and flash floods.
“Strong winds may create dust storms in desert regions before rainfall and significantly reduce horizontal visibility. Authorities advised residents to avoid flood channels, secure loose objects, use heating safely, and exercise extreme caution while driving in mountainous areas.”
Exceptional warmth spreads and intensifies in Central Asia with temperatures typical of May and around 20C [68F] above average. Today temperatures reached up to +19C in KAZAKHSTAN at 1000m asl! Esenguly [Turkmenistan] had a minimum of 13.6C, almost 3C above the record of January hottest night (>1 century of data).”
“Climate Crises Erode Pakistan’s Land and People’s Resilience.
“Along the winding road to Babusar Top, a favourite summer tourist spot in northern Pakistan, there was once a thick forest that shielded the slopes and cooled the air. Today, these hillsides are bare, stripped of trees that took a century to mature.”
“Himalayas bare and rocky after reduced winter snowfall, scientists warn.
“Much less winter snow is falling on the Himalayas, leaving the mountains bare and rocky in many parts of the region in a season when they should be snow-clad, meteorologists have said… Rising temperature also means what little snow falls melts very quickly…”
“Kashmir’s Chillai Kalan Loses Its Bite To Climate Change.
“The valley’s defining 40-day winter is becoming warmer and unpredictable, threatening water, crops, and a way of life woven around the cold. What was once a period of reliable, deep cold is now unpredictable, signalling profound shifts in the Himalayas and the lives they sustain.”
“Himachal Weather Update: Severe Rain Deficit, ‘Snow Drought’ Deepens Crisis as Crops and Water Sources Face Growing Stress.
“Himachal Pradesh is witnessing an alarming winter weather pattern, with a sharp fall in rainfall and snowfall pushing large parts of the state towards drought-like conditions. Meteorological data show that the state has received around 88 percent less rainfall than normal this winter…”
“Nellore farmers switch from chickpea to sorghum after repeated climate setbacks [SE India].
“After three consecutive years of climate-induced setbacks to the Rabi chickpea crop, farmers in Nellore district are increasingly turning to sorghum as a more resilient and economically viable option. Erratic rainfall, including excess rains and prolonged dry spells, has severely affected chickpea cultivation…”
“HISTORIC HEAT WAVE IN ASIA. Record heat from Middle East to Japan. In CHINA records are already falling: 23.1C [73.6F] Changyang, January hottest day ever.
“Next days several thousands of records will fall all over Asia…”
“Heavy rain lashed Indonesia’s capital Jakarta on Monday, triggering floods that inundated dozens of neighborhoods and major roads, local media reported.
“The Jakarta Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) reported that flooding affected 22 neighborhood units in South Jakarta, North Jakarta and East Jakarta, while 33 roads across the city were submerged, according to state-run news agency Antara.”
“Floods Hit Several Indonesian Regions Over Past Two Days.
“The Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) stated that several regions in Indonesia were hit by floods over the past two days. The Center for Operation Control (Pusdalops) report shows that hydrometeorological disasters occurred in Sumatra, West Nusa Tenggara, Kalimantan, and Java.”
“A serious amount of rain’: central Queensland flooding could isolate some communities for months…
“More than a year’s rain fell in one week in some places, with stranded communities facing months of isolation… Clermont itself was cut off… Dotted across the state, other towns are being marooned by flood waters and landslips.”
“More than 500 structures destroyed in Victoria’s bushfires as 12 major blazes continue to burn…
“The State Control Centre (SCC) on Tuesday morning confirmed that while there were 12 major bushfires active across Victoria, many of which are expected to burn for days or weeks.”
“Thousands of flying foxes have perished in the heatwave that scorched south-east Australia last week, the largest mass mortality event for flying foxes since black summer.
“Extreme temperatures resulted in deaths in camps across South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales.”
“Harsh heat in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Temperatures >40C [104F] in most of the city, up to 41.0C at Seropedica Agro. More heat waves also keep sweeping Chile and Argentina Pampa and Patagonia, where wildfires are raging in a huge area.”
“Wildfires scorch up to 52,000 acres in Argentina’s Patagonia.
“Uncontrolled wildfires have burned between 37,000 and 52,000 acres of native forest in Argentina’s Patagonia, according to the Servicio Meteorológico Nacional and the Servicio Nacional de Manejo del Fuego. The fires have forced mass evacuations…”
“A rare meteotsunami triggered a sudden giant wave in Argentina’s coastal towns, killing one person and injuring at least 35…
“He stressed the phenomenon is highly unusual for the region, calling it a kind of “mini tsunami” driven not by an earthquake, but by sudden changes in atmospheric pressure and strong winds.”
“A rare tornado swept through Greater Curitiba with winds of up to 180 km/h, destroying approximately 350 homes in São José dos Pinhais [Brazil]…
“Tornadoes are considered rare in the region, and this particular event drew attention for combining high intensity, widespread damage, and a well-defined trajectory within the metropolitan area.”
“Fierce heat in Mexico, Central America and Caribbean. Andrecord again in the US Virgin Islands: 89F/31.7C Charlotte Amalie AP (St Thomas) tied The Highest temperature ever recorded in the USVI in January.”
“Minnesota woman dies after shark attack in US Virgin Islands [Warmer water temperatures increase sharks’ metabolism, leading them to process food faster and get hungry more often]…
“A shark recently killed a Minnesota woman by biting her arm off as she swam off the coast of the US Virgin Islands while on vacation, according to authorities and media reports.”
“Historic event, one of the most extreme in North America history kicks off. Absolutely mind blowing MINIMUMS Temperatures in the 50s in The Dakotas, Montana and parts of Canada next days, typical of June.”
“Portland’s record-breaking warm winter isn’t cooling down yet…
“Last December was the warmest on record for Portland, and as January marches on, the forecast calls for more days at well above normal temperatures. December’s average daily temperature was 47.4 degrees, nearly six degrees warmer than average.”
“Expect lots of snow melting, including at high elevations between British Columbia, Alberta, Montana.
“Rains + snow melting with the freezing line rising to absurd levels for winter (>3000m) can cause dangerous floods in British Columbia.” [Extreme Temps]
“Avalanche Tumbles Above Juneau As Residents Evacuate.
“A small avalanche was seen tumbling down from above Juneau, Alaska, on Friday. Residents had been warned to evacuate when temperatures began to warm and rain began to fall after record snowfall.”
“In a sane world, this would be front page news everywhere. But it will hardly be covered anywhere.
“The North Pacific Ocean surface warmed over twice as much over the past 15 years than it did over the preceding 156 years. That’s an increase in warming rate of >2000%!”
“The upcoming westerly wind burst is forecast to break records in the West Pacific.
“Highly anomalous in both intensity and extent, it will send lots of very warm water eastward. This warmth will surface in the eastern Pacific in Feb. and March as the ocean races toward El Niño.” [Ben Noll]
“Drop in ocean’s iron spells danger for seals, penguins, and whales.
“Global warming is changing ocean circulation, reducing the amount of iron delivered to the sea. This could hinder phytoplankton’s ability to grow, photosynthesise, ultimately reducing the food-supply for animals like krill, whales and seals according to new research.”
“Oil Residues Can Travel Over 5,000 Miles on Ocean Debris.
“When oily plastic and glass, as well as rubber, washed onto Florida beaches in 2020, a community group shared the mystery online, attracting scientists’ attention. Working together, they linked the black residue-coated debris to a 2019 oil slick along Brazil’s coastline.”
“About 40% of Australian women without kids say they are hesitant to have children because of climate change. Guardian Australia’s climate, environment and science assistant editor, Donna Lu, is among them. Reged Ahmad speaks to Donna about her anxiety – shared by many – about starting a family as global temperatures rise.” [podcast]
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.
Dear fellow reality watchers, I am half way through my fundraiser. Please help me keep the momentum going. And many thanks to the generosity of those who have donated so far!
“Ocean Temperatures Just Hit a Dire New Record.
“The world’s ocean absorbed more heat in 2025 than in any other year on record… In 2025 the upper 2,000 meters of the ocean absorbed a record-setting 23 zettajoules more energy than in 2024. This amount is some 37 times as much as the word’s energy consumption in 2023…”
“December’s data just came in and “Global Total Column Precipitable Water” once again set a new record high for the 36-month running average. In other words, when it rains, it pours!” [Prof Eliot Jacobson]
“2025 observed the lowest Arctic sea-ice extent AND the lowest sea-ice volume for their yearly average values. This comes as no surprise to me as the polar environment continues to change. The consequences are far-reaching.
“More graphics & stats already on my website:” [Zack Labe]
“As the Arctic warms up, the race to control the region is growing ever hotter…
“The Arctic has fragmented into Russo-Asian and Euro-American segments. Western scientists are no longer able to access and work with Russian scientists, and circumpolar collaboration is suspended.”
“Today, Svalbard is the warmest place in Norway. On January 8, the only place in Norway that recorded temperatures above zero °C was the far northern archipelago of Svalbard…
“The weather abnormality notwithstanding, the general trend is a dramatic warming in the region. The year 2025 was the warmest year on record in the Nordic country.”
“Snow tunnels, frozen Baltic Sea: How are winters changing in Lithuania?
“…“We haven’t had a truly cold winter for 15 years. The Baltic Sea is essentially a very good indicator. And now the coast often complains that they have neither snow nor cold.”
“Storm Goretti sweeps United Kingdom, France with winds over 120 mph…
“A weather station at Padstow NCI in Cornwall recorded a wind gust of 123 mph (198 km/h)… Off the southwest shore, a peak gust of 99 mph (159 km/h) was reported at St. Mary’s on the Isles of Scilly, the highest there since 1991, the Met Office said.”
“Europe battles deadly winter weather as floods and snow paralyze regions.
“In southern Albania, flooding submerged dozens of homes in the village of Ferras, leaving at least one person dead. Heavy rain and freezing conditions also hit Montenegro and Serbia, cutting electricity and heating in parts of eastern Serbia.”
“Storm batters Istanbul, disrupts transport across western Türkiye.
“Following warnings from the Turkish State Meteorological Service, gale-force winds began sweeping through Istanbul in the morning hours, intensifying over the Bosphorus and the Marmara Sea.”
“Tunisia is currently grappling with a profound drinking water crisis that leaves an estimated 300,000 citizens without a regular supply, according to recent data from regional non-governmental organizations.”
“West Coast shellfish die-off raises health concerns from paralytic toxins [South Africa]…
“The department said the deaths are likely linked to a harmful algal bloom (HAB)… Officials confirmed that monitoring efforts are ongoing to determine the extent of the red tide and associated mass mortalities along the West Coast.”
“Western Cape faces mounting water crisis as consumption spikes and municipalities across the province sound alarm [South Africa]…
“The City of Cape Town has raised concern that without an urgent reduction in consumption, the current situation could deteriorate rapidly. Lower annual rainfall has resulted in reduced inflows to major dams, placing increased pressure on the metro’s water supply system at a time when usage remains well above recommended targets.”
“Residents ‘praying for rain’ as wildfires tear through Overstrand.
“Wildfires continued to spread in areas of the Western Cape late on Friday, with the South African Weather Services (Saws) warning that the blazes will likely continue in the province, as well as the Eastern Cape and Northern Cape, on Saturday.”
“Dundee records exceptional rainfall as 2025 sets new annual record. [KZN; also record rainfall in Mpumulanga province].
“Gordon also confirmed that Dundee has set a new annual rainfall record. Between January 1 and December 31, 2025, the town received a total of 1,567mm of rain. “This is the highest annual rainfall recorded in 124 years,” said Gordon.”
“The heat wave moves from Mediterranean to Caucasus and Central Asia.
“It’s like May in RUSSIA: 21C [69.8F] Buynasks 450m asl, 18.6 Vladikavkaz 702m asl, 17.5 Akthy 1016m asl, 14.1 Gunib 1420m asl… In Turkmenistan 24.0C on the Caspian Sea but it will get hotter. LOTS of records coming.”
“Iran’s Water Crisis Highlights the ‘Day After’ Problem for Regime Change…
“…at the center of that wreckage sits a power structure too many analysts still dismiss as a punchline: the “water mafia.” They are not joke but, rather, steer major slices of the national budget into megaprojects—often with minimal oversight—funneling billions into entrenched patronage systems, including entities linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.”
“Drinking water crisis blows up in India after deadly disease outbreaks.
“Alarm intensified last month after 18 people died in Indore, declared by the federal government as the nation’s “cleanest city”, and at least 133 were hospitalised in the western state of Gujarat following a typhoid outbreak.”
“Climate, pests and pollution fuel crop losses across India.
“Unseasonal rains, pests and land degradation are driving crop loss in India. Toxins, poor grain quality and delayed harvests threaten health and incomes… Delayed harvesting, spoilage and contamination lowered grain quality, reduced incomes and, in some cases, rendered crops unsafe for consumption.”
“Scientists detect hidden plastic clouds hovering over Chinese cities.
“Chinese scientists have detected plastic particle clouds hovering in the air over two large cities indicating that these potentially toxic particles are far more abundant than previously thought… These tiny plastic particles have now been detected in soils, life forms, and even in the atmosphere in almost all parts of the world, including in the Arctic and Antarctic.”
“Hong Kong just had its driest January day. But how does that impact your health?
“Hong Kong experienced its driest January day on record earlier this week, bucking its reputation for high temperatures and humidity. Relative humidity in the city plunged to 17 per cent on Thursday, the lowest for the month since records started in 1984.”
“Hat Yai still struggling a month after floods, SMEs hit hard [Thailand]…
“Hat Yai remains deeply battered, with losses running into the hundreds of billions; one month after the floodwaters receded, recovery is still sluggish… Hat Yai is also facing what operators describe as “capital flowing out, new capital not coming in”, driven by fears of repeated flooding.”
“Over 140 residents told to evacuate as crews struggle to contain wildfire in Yamanashi [Japan].
“A forest fire that started Thursday in the city of Uenohara, Yamanashi Prefecture, continued to spread Friday as firefighters and the Self-Defense Forces conducted aerial and ground firefighting operations.”
“Never ending record heat in The Philippines with already 1000+ consecutive days breaking heat records every single day. Today it was the January warmest night on record at Maasin with a Minimum of 25.7C [78.3F]. Previous record was set in 2025 and before in 2024.”
“At least two dead as garbage landslide buries dozens in central Philippines…
“Jason Morata, a city assistant public information officer, told AFP the trash mountain “must be four storeys high”. Aerial photos released by police showed what appeared to be multiple structures crushed under the weight of the garbage.”
“Flash Floods Hit Tourism Village in Central Java’s Jepara Regency.
“Floods and landslides have struck Tempur Village in the Keling District of Central Java’s Jepara Regency on late Friday, January 9, 2026, cutting off access to a tourism village on the slopes of Mount Muria and prompting a power blackout.”
“Cyclone threat looms off the Queensland coast as rain-weary residents prepare for a fresh deluge.
“In the northwest, major flooding that has already heavily affected Gulf Country communities – where livestock losses are projected to be significant – continues on the Flinders River. Major flood warnings have also been issued for the Herbert, Haughton and Tully rivers.”
“‘State of disaster’ declared as Australia battles bushfires during extreme heatwave.
“Part of Australia’s Victoria state has been declared a disaster zone after dozens of fires tore through 300,000 hectares, destroying homes, during an extreme heatwave. The state’s premier, Jacinta Allan, said that around 30,000 homes and businesses are also currently without power.”
“As a climate scientist, I know heatwaves in Australia will only get worse. We need to start preparing now…
“In short: we know climate change drives heatwaves, and we know we will see more of them in the future. And while it is too early to know the explicit influence of climate change on this particular heatwave, my guess is it will be very substantial.”
“Yes, forest trees die of old age. But the warming climate is killing them faster.
“Across Australia, forests are quietly changing. Trees that once stood for decades or centuries are now dying at an accelerating rate. And this is not because of fire, storms, or logging. The chronic stress of a warming climate is killing them.”
“Fire risk with temperatures set to soar amid strong wind, scorching heat [NZ].
“Fifteen new heat alerts have been issued for towns and cities across the country – including several holiday hot spots – as already roasting temperatures turn furnace-like. The hottest weather of the multi-day heat-streak affecting much of the country is expected tomorrow, with Hastings forecast to fry at 38C [100.4F]…”
“Extreme situation due to fires in Chubut [Patagonia, Argentina]: “It is the worst environmental tragedy in 20 years,” authorities say.
“The fire in the far north of Chubut is spreading uncontrollably . Extreme weather conditions, with a historic drought, high temperatures, and wind , are hampering efforts to fight the flames as they advance toward populated areas.”
“The fire in Chubut is just a sample of what can happen in the rest of the country, as at least 16 provinces are under maximum alert for extreme risk of forest fires, including Buenos Aires…
“Faced with the “extreme” level, the SNMF has warned that the situation should be considered potentially explosive or extremely critical, due to the difficulties in controlling the fire.”
“Heavy rains cause flooding and damage in several regions of Santa Catarina [Brazil].
“Heavy rains that hit Santa Catarina on Thursday afternoon (8) caused a series of problems in municipalities in the Itajaí Valley and the North of the state. According to information from G1 SC, several cities recorded flooding, roof damage, fallen trees and damage to public and private structures.”
“Indigenous people slam Peru government for unrestrained deforestation of Amazon.
“The report cites large-scale investments in agribusiness including palm oil, logging, mining, dams, oil and gas and roads as the reason for massive deforestation of the Amazon forests. It goes on to explain that the region thus degraded by oil, gas and logging operations would emit a greater amount of carbon than from deforestation itself in these areas.”
“Venezuela Has the Most Methane-Intensive Oil in the World.
“The Trump administration wants American companies to modernize oil production in Venezuela. There are many roadblocks to that happening, though, including the country’s huge methane problem. The issue is so big, it’s visible from space.”
“The Northern Sargasso Sea Has Lost Much of Its Namesake Algae.
“There’s less than a tenth as much Sargassum as there was a few years ago, a shift that may be linked to increasing sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico. Since 2015, the amount of Sargassum in the northern Sargasso Sea has decreased by more than 90%…”
“What to make of the record warmth this winter in Houston.
“What we’ve experienced in Houston over the past two months has been remarkable. December brought six record high temperatures, and January has already added four more, three of them on consecutive days. We could extend that streak to four in a row if temperatures reach 80° on Friday, before a cold front moves through.”
“Dozens of January high Temperature records broken or tied in several States including New Orleans. LA: 85 Gonzalez and 83 New Orleans; GA: 84 Moody, 83 Homerville, 83 Claxton; AL: 83 Ft Rucker, 83 Cairns and dozens more.”
“The western US is in a snow drought, raising fears for summer water supplies…
“Riesenberg, who is an owner at Backcountry Snowmobiling in Park City, Utah, said customers have been canceling their tours due to a lack of snow. Snowmobiling requires a thick snowpack at lower elevations in order to be viable, Riesenberg pointed out.”
“California is free of all drought, dryness for first time in 25 years. Inside the remarkable turnaround…
“Currently, 14 of the state’s 17 major water reservoirs are at 70% capacity or higher and wildfire risk is minimal. Despite the welcome relief, climate change is expected to intensify weather swings from heavy rainfall to extreme dryness in a cycle that can fuel catastrophic wildfires.”
“Folks living near the East Coast may be wondering: where are all the nor’easters?
“These snow-producing coastal storms have so far been absent this winter and their frequency has decreased by 23 percent since 2020 compared to the previous 80 years.” [Ben Noll]
“Record January rainfall floods Chicago streets, residents step in to clear drains.
“Chicago saw nearly two inches of rain in just hours, breaking a 50-year January rainfall record and causing widespread flooding across the city. In Lincoln Square, blocked storm drains filled with leaves, mud, and debris turned streets into “lakes…””
“Central Nebraska saw the warmest December on record in 2025 with an average temperature for each day running in mid-30s…
“This one-month stretch averaged 7.4 degrees above normal, high temperatures reached at least 50 degrees on 16 days and at least 60 on nine days. Temperatures even reached 70 degrees on Dec. 26.”
“Sweltering 2025: Last year was the warmest on record in Okanagan [British Columbia].
“From a sweltering extended summer to a mild start to winter, 2025 was a record-breaking year for warmth for much of the Okanagan. It was the warmest year on record for Vernon and Kelowna, and the fourth-warmest year for Penticton.”
“Western Canada glaciers suffered 2nd-greatest ice loss on record in 2025…
“”We have to understand that it’s not a question of if the glaciers are going to disappear, they are going to disappear,” said Brian Menounos, a professor of earth sciences at the University of Northern British Columbia…”
“In the depths of La Nina the planet is still breaking temperature records: January 6th was the hottest on record for the date …at 1.65°C over the 1850-1900 pre-industrial baseline. The next El Nino is going to be interesting. [Prof Eliot Jacobson]
“La Niña Collapse Begins: How a Major Pacific Flip will Reshape the 2026 Weather Patterns.
“La Niña has begun to break down rapidly across the tropical Pacific Ocean. Cold anomalies are now weakening from the west… A transition into a new El Niño event is forecast by Fall, completely altering the weather patterns for the 2026/2027 Winter season.”
“Most people believe climate change primarily affects others.
“Research conducted by researchers at the University of Gothenburg shows that people tend to rate their own risk of being affected by climate change as lower than that of others. This perception may reduce individuals’ willingness to act and slow down necessary climate measures.”
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“The latest CO2 data just came in from Mauna Loa and the 3-year rate of CO2 growth just hit a new record high, now growing at a rate of 7.97 ppm per 3 years.
“(That dip in the mid-1990’s is Mt. Pinatubo. Google is your friend.)” [Prof Eliot Jacobson]
“Oceans struggle to absorb Earth’s carbon dioxide as microplastics invade their waters…
“”Climate disruption and plastic pollution are two major environmental challenges that intersect in complex ways. MPs (microplastics) influence biogeochemical processes, disrupt oceanic carbon pumps, and contribute directly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions,” they write in a study…”
“Marine geoscientists link warming with ancient ocean ‘salty blob’…
“The findings, the researchers said, are evidence of the crucial role the Southern Ocean plays in planetary climate. This is because it is one of the few places that truly deep waters—with their high load of carbon dioxide—surface and “exhale” the gas back into the atmosphere.”
“ABSOLUTE INSANITY GOING ON IN THE ARCTIC – Mind blowing MINIMUM +4.4C [39.9F] Grise Fiord [Arctic Canada] – HOTTEST NIGHT EVER RECORDED IN THE NOVEMBER – APRIL SEMESTER.
“+1.8C at Alert 82N considered the northernmost inhabited station (but by researchers, not native indigenous) – the first time it rises above freezing in the first quarter of the year. 30C above average.”
“Specieswatch: tough times for reindeer as rain increases in warming Arctic.
“When rain falls on snow, the snow melts and refreezes, creating layers of ice that make it more difficult for reindeer to scrape through to the fodder below. Climate records going back to 1960 show that warmer winters have resulted in more rain-on-snow events in Arctic regions.”
“Norway recorded its hottest year ever in 2025, following a strong summer heatwave and an unusually mild winter that started late in the year, the Norwegian Meteorological Institute said on Wednesday.”
“2025 warmest year on record in North Sea according to German maritime agency.
“Germany’s Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) has reported that the North Sea endured its warmest year ever in 2025, with average surface temperatures hitting 11.6°C – the highest since records began in 1969.”
“Italy’s scenic Amalfi Coast was cut in two by a landslide as heavy rains and snow continued to sweep the country Wednesday…
“Elsewhere flights from major airports to Albania were diverted to Brindisi whence travellers took ferries. Schools were closed due to the extreme weather in Trieste…”
“‘It’s a disaster’: Kosovo battles floods, blackouts as heavy rains lash country.
“Heavy rains caused severe flooding and power outages in Kosovo this week, prompting emergency services to respond to incidents across the country. “Water has entered up to two meters into the house. It is very dangerous, there is a huge amount of water (from the rain), and even the river is unable to take all this water.”
“Heavy Rains Cause Evacuations and Discontent in Albania.
“Several towns and villages have been seriously affected by the heavy rain that started on Tuesday in Albania… The Ministry of Defence has not yet published a report on the damage done so far, since the situation is ongoing, but it appears dramatic in several towns.”
“Warmest January spell ever in Europe. Hundreds of records of winter warm nights keep falling in Greece, Turkey, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Albania, Russia, Ukraine…
“Update: We are witnessing the most insane unbelievable event in European climatic history. Greeks from Crete sleeping with AC in January with temperatures up to 26C [78.8F] in the middle of the night. It’s like August.”
“4.4 Million at Risk: Action Against Hunger Responds to Somalia’s Worsening Drought…
“Somalia is facing a catastrophic drought emergency, with millions of people at risk of hunger, malnutrition, and preventable death. Consecutive poor rainy seasons have left communities struggling to access food and water, pushing the country into one of its most severe humanitarian crises in recent years.”
“Muddy water, repeated cuts disrupt daily life in Ankara, Turkey.
“Ankara’s water crisis is worsening, with frequent outages and poor water quality disrupting daily life across the capital. Infrastructure failures and falling network pressure have left many districts without regular access to water, prompting mounting public anger…”
“Iyad Al-Talibi, head of the Iraqi Fish Producers Association, told Shafaq News that the Ministry of Water Resources ordered the shutdown of all licensed earthen fish farms from November 2025, citing severe water shortages. The measure was later postponed allowing producers to sell existing stock.”
“Drought and Water Mismanagement Leave Thousands of Iranian Villages Deserted.
“Iran faces a rural collapse with 31,000 villages deserted due to drought and water mismanagement. Officials report a massive demographic shift as drying wetlands force millions into cities.”
“People are leaving cities to escape toxic air [India].
“There is a growing trend of productive people leaving polluted metros for smaller cities, leaving behind growth prospects and their roots for cleaner air… The ability to exit, however, is unequal. The affluent can afford to distance themselves from pollution, while poor households remain disproportionately exposed.”
“Drought-hit Barind sees agricultural shift as farmers turn to fruit cultivation [Bangladesh].
“Once heavily dependent on water-intensive crops such as rice, jute and wheat, farmers are now increasingly turning to fruits and vegetables like tomato, guava, dragon fruit, malta and orange as profitable alternatives amid declining irrigation facilities and rising production costs.”
“Indonesia’s illegal gold boom leaves a toxic legacy of mercury pollution.
“A nearly 70% rise in global gold prices has accelerated illegal gold mining across Indonesia, including in Bukit Gajah Berani, a forest buffer next to Kerinci Seblat National Park, threatening critical tiger habitat and protected forests nationwide.”
“22 villages in Aceh vanish after Cyclone Senyar, dozens remain isolated…
“Mr Murthalamuddin, spokesman for the Aceh Hydrometeorological Disaster Response Post, said Gayo Lues regency is hit hardest, with eight villages – Kuning Kurnia, Tetingi, Seneren, Remukut, Agusen, Pasir, Uyem Beriring and Pungke – completely swept away by floods and landslides.”
“Death toll from flash floods in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi rises to 16.
“Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency said late Tuesday that at least 22 people were injured and 682 others displaced after flooding hit the Siau Tagulandang Biaro Islands Regency on Monday. In a statement, the agency said authorities declared a state of emergency for 14 days…”
“Records are being smashed all over the tropics. PHILIPPINES has been breaking heat records for almost 1000 consecutive days EVERY SINGLE DAY. Today Min 25.5 [77.9F] Dagupan Monthly record… Also MALDIVES had its hottest January night on record.”
“Western Australia’s current heatwave is breaking records, with parts of the state almost reaching temperatures of 50 degrees.
“The remote town of Paraburdoo recorded a minimum temperature of 35.8 degrees [96.4F] yesterday morning, the highest ever recorded in the state, according to Weatherzone.”
“As Australia bakes through an extreme heat wave, even insects aren’t immune to its impact…
“Adding rocks to birdbaths can provide somewhere for flying insects to land and drink. This is a simple way to help them beat the heat—but don’t forget to regularly clean the bird baths to prevent mosquitoes.”
“‘The most dangerous day’: bushfires break out in Victoria as BoM warns of catastrophic conditions to come.
“Victoria’s Hume Highway was closed on Thursday and regional trains were cancelled as firefighters from at least two states fought bushfires in the worst heatwave to descend on Australia since 2019-20.”
“More than 3,000 tourists evacuated as Patagonia battles wildfires.
“Thousands of hectares of forest have been devoured by fire since Monday in a part of Argentina still recovering a year on from its worst wildfires in three decades. Hundreds of firefighters with backup from helicopters and six water-bombing planes were working to contain the flames whipped up by high temperatures, strong winds and severe drought conditions.”
“Another regional record broken in CHILE the day before yesterday: 37.7C [99.9F] Chile Chico hottest day ever recorded in The Aysen Region. (Chile Chico is also a long term station).
“In total 3 regions of Chile had their hottest days in history.”
“Tiny patches of deforestation drive [majority of] tropical carbon loss…
“Most of these small patches are not the result of dramatic clear-cutting or catastrophic fires, but rather the cumulative effect of modest human actions – expanding croplands, creating pasture, building roads and establishing settlements.”
“Urban sprawl and illegal mining reshape a fragile Amazon frontier [Colombia]…
“The Amazonian forests, rivers and Indigenous communities who surround Mitú are impacted by urbanization, the overexploitation of natural resources, cattle ranching, illegal mining and timber extraction which have caused deforestation, soil degradation and water pollution.”
“Heavy rains cause flooding and waterlogging on main roads in Bogotá.
““Due to heavy rains, flooding is beginning to occur on the Autopista Norte and Carrera 7. The Bogotá Mayor’s Office is conducting ongoing monitoring with units on the ground. Motorists are advised to drive with caution and pay attention to information from Transit Bogotá.””
“America’s tornado hot spots are shifting. Experts say this might be why…
“The findings build on previous observations showing “Tornado Alley” – the Plains-centered region that has long been known as tornado central – has moved eastward in recent decades due to regional climate change…”
“How is drought in New England affecting water levels and the environment?
“Recent reports of wells drying up in New Hampshire reflect a pattern we’re increasingly seeing across New England: extended dry periods and below-normal precipitation are stressing shallow groundwater systems that many homeowners depend on.”
“Nova Scotia wild blueberry crop reduced 55% after drought…
“Wild blueberry growers in Nova Scotia are reviewing prospects for the coming season following severe drought conditions during the summer of 2025. Janette McDonald, Executive Director of the Wild Blueberry Producers Association of Nova Scotia, said the prolonged dry period resulted in a reduction of around 55 per cent…
“Climate change shifts the North Pacific storm track polewards…
“Our analysis further reveals that climate models underestimate the polewards shift of the storm track in recent decades, suggesting that the future human-induced impacts on both the North Pacific ecosystem and western North America might be larger than in current predictions.”
“New ECMWF guidance aggressively predicts the development of a planet-warming El Niño this year, with changes in Pacific wind patterns signaling that a transition is underway.
“While possible impacts vary by region, El Niño would play a key role in shaping global weather patterns.” [Ben Noll]
“Trump moves to pull US out of bedrock global climate treaty, becoming first country to do so.
“The Trump administration is pulling the United States out of the bedrock treaty that underpins international cooperation on climate change, along with dozens of other global bodies, according to a memorandum released by the White House Wednesday evening and an accompanying social media post.”
“Can recycling urine help combat the climate crisis?
“…the phosphorus required for fertilizer is getting harder and harder to source. Currently, all phosphorus used in synthetic fertilizers comes from mining. When it’s gone, it’s gone (aside from the nuclear waste it leaves behind). Without phosphorus, we have far less access to fertilizers. Without fertilizer, we have no food.”
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“There are many indications that the global warming rate has more than doubled. It’s the rate of global warming that poses such a threat.
“New, high-definition Global Warming Stripes graph using NASA GISS temperature data. The 2- and 3-year averages are now +1.5°C, while the 2025 annual value was only a little bit lower, due to La Niña.”
“+7.1C Qaanaaq at 76N pulverized its January record. Dozens of records have been smashed in pieces all over Greenland every days for the past several weeks… almost +12C [53.6F] in Paamiut. Paamiut hasn’t frozen this 2026 yet, not even for 1 minute.”
“Northern Greenland ice dome melted before and could melt again.
“An ice dome in northern Greenland once melted completely at temperatures the region could experience again this century, a finding that will begin to paint a more accurate picture of how fast the melting Greenland ice sheet could raise global sea levels.”
“Scotland to become ‘coolcation’ holiday hotspot as Mediterranean temperatures soar.
“A senior researcher at Glasgow Caledonian University has claimed that more and more travellers will move their vacations “from Tuscany to the Trossachs”. Looking ahead to tourism trends in Scotland, Chris Greenwood says that the “coolcation” is becoming a necessity for many.”
“Last year was the second warmest year on record in Ireland, according to data released by Met Éireann.
“Only 2023 was warmer than 2025, according to the meteorological service’s provisional figures… The impact of climate change has become apparent this decade, with four of the last five years being ranked in the top five on record for temperatures.”
“Walkers have been advised to beware of unexploded bombs if they go hiking across Yorkshire moorlands.
“North York Moors National Park Authority urged people to “remain vigilant” after wartime devices exploded during wildfires on Langdale Moor, North Yorkshire… That summer also saw major fires on Marsden Moor, West Yorkshire, and Scotland’s largest wildfires on record in the Cairngorms.”
“Storm Francis wreaks havoc on the Costa del Sol as rivers burst and homes flood.
“The Costa del Sol has been left reeling after Storm Francis wreaked havoc over the weekend, dumping up to 200mm of rain in some areas. Aemet, the state weather service, even issued a rare red weather warning on Sunday afternoon, triggering an emergency alert sent to residents’ mobile phones.”
“Water bomb hits the Brindisi area: accidents, fallen trees and inconveniences [Italy]…
“The situation was also critical in the neighboring municipalities, with the local police mobilized to deal with emergencies. The level crossing of via Osanna, a vulnerable point during heavy rainfall, was completely flooded.”
“Hundreds of High minimums records smashed with extreme margins in Greece, Turkey, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Albania and North Africa: mins up to 19C [66.2F]!
“Next days we might see TROPICAL NIGHTS in Greece. It’s one of the most extreme events in European history. 0 cold records in Central Europe.”
“The climate crisis, aid cuts and deepening poverty are combining to drive a crisis in Madagascar…
““We are in a very worrying situation, with an escalating humanitarian crisis that has been driven by multiple climate shocks, as well as a funding picture that has been completely devastated this year,” Rakotoson, head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Madagascar.”
“Water shortages and rising temperatures test Tanzania’s climate resilience.
“Prisca Ntaula, the mother of a seven-year-old boy, has not slept properly for weeks. A resident of Temboni on the outskirts of Tanzania’s commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, she now spends most of her days and nights thinking about where to find water.”
“Wajir livestock farmers andtraders are grappling with a livelihood crisis as a prolonged dry spell has devastated the sector, pushing households to the brink of survival. The calamity has been caused by the failure of three consecutive rainfall seasons.”
“Baghdad Choked by Toxic Air as Pollution Levels Reach Alarming Highs…
“The Green Iraq Observatory said it has repeatedly warned the government and relevant authorities about worsening air quality not only in Baghdad but also in several southern and central Iraqi provinces, calling for urgent and sustained action to address the environmental crisis.”
“Today, climate change, particularly a sharp decline in annual precipitation, along with other environmental changes such as the drying up of wetlands, land degradation, sand and dust storms, and desertification, has caused numerous environmental problems.”
“Endless rains to El Nino: How climate has stopped being Seasonal [India].
“As greenhouse gases trap increasing amounts of heat, temperatures rise more rapidly throughout the year, causing summer-like conditions to arrive earlier in spring and persist well into autumn. Winters are becoming shorter and less distinct, while seasonal transitions are growing increasingly erratic.”
“Elephant deaths gone up after Ditwah Cyclone: Minister [Sri Lanka].
“The elephant deaths due to human-elephant conflicts have increased after the Ditwah Cyclone as most of the habitats of the elephants have been destroyed, resulting in change of their movement, Minister of Environment Dammika Patabendi said yesterday.”
“New Mining Threatens the World’s Rarest Orangutans With Extinction [Sumatra]…
“Tapanuli orangutans are the rarest great apes on Earth, with only around 800 individuals left. They are also the oldest orangutan species, tracing their lineage back nearly three million years in Sumatra. Yet despite their importance, a mining company is pushing to extract gold directly inside their last remaining habitat in Indonesia…”
“In Pictures – Deadly floods devastate Indonesia, leaving families displaced and homeless…
“The devastating floods in December killed at least 1,170 people across North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh provinces. Weeks after the disaster, numerous displaced victims continue to shelter in temporary tents. Aceh province suffered the most severe impact…”
“Flash Floods Kill 14 in Sitaro Islands, Emergency Declared [Sulawesi].
“Authorities in Siau Tagulandang Biaro (Sitaro) Islands Regency in North Sulawesi have declared a hydrometeorological disaster emergency following flash floods on Monday that killed at least 14 people, with six others still missing.”
“Farmers in north-west Queensland are bracing for significant livestock losses once they can fully assess the damage caused by severe flooding, and the federal and state governments have committed $38 million to support affected communities.”
“Outskirts of Australian cities at risk of catastrophic fires on scale of deadly LA blazes, study finds.
“Many Australian cities share common traits that made the deadly 2025 Los Angeles fires so destructive, according to analysis into whether a similar disaster could occur here in future.”
“Worst heatwave since black summer forecast for more than half of Australia…
“In South Australia, temperatures were forecast to reach as high as 47C by Thursday in the coastal city of Port Augusta and Tarcoola in the far north… The heat band had been building across Western Australia for days and would extend into South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria from Tuesday.”
“Australian heatwave set to cook Hawke’s Bay [NZ].
“Hawke’s Bay could be heading into some of its hottest weather on record, with the temperature in Hastings forecast to hit 36C on Sunday… The forecast was confirmed on Tuesday by MetService meteorologist Ngaire Wotherspoon, who said the winds were coming from Australia…”
“EXTRAORDINARY UNBELIEVABLE EVENT. WORLD CLIMATIC HISTORY REWRITTEN – 42.4C [108.3F] in Chilean Patagonia.
“Dozens of records smashed by unbelievable margins… For Los Rios province it’s the first 40, 41, 42C Temperature in provincial climatic history. For Los Lagos province it’s the first 38, 39, 40C temperature in provincial climatic history.”
“Uruguay under alert: water crisis worsens due to lack of rainfall and high temperatures.
“Given the shortage of rainfall projected for the beginning of 2026, the government activates emergency protocols and urges the population to rationalize the consumption of drinking water in the face of the water crisis in Uruguay.”
“A lobby group for Brazilian grain traders, Abiove, and its major members, including ADM, Bunge, and Cargill, are formally quitting the Amazon Soy Moratorium, a nearly 20-year-old conservation pact that helped curb deforestation in the Amazon.”
“Heavy rain causes flooding in Irecê, in the north of Bahia [Brazil].
“Streets and avenues were covered by water, cars were partially submerged or isolated, motorcycles were swept away by the flood and commercial establishments had their interiors invaded. There were also records of fallen trees, unroofed houses and traffic difficulties.”
“The heavy rains that have fallen in this province since early morning have caused flooding in different parts of the municipality of Cabecera and the municipality of Sosúa. [Dominican Republic]
“The flooding of the streets in this area has prevented the passage of several vehicles, causing them to have to return and take a more viable route.”
“Minimums Temperatures still >26C in The ABC Islands and Colombia. Record January maxes in DR Republic and USVI – 89f/31.7C in St Thomas is US VIRGIN ISLANDS HOTTEST JANUARY DAY.”
“Farmers face devastating water cuts as Colorado River disappears.
“The Colorado River is in crisis. With deadlines looming, discussions about water rights in the nation’s capital are said to be contentious. Gina Dockstader, who farms organic citrus and dates in California’s Imperial Valley with her family, understands the implications.”
“These numbers tell the story of the Los Angeles wildfires, one year later…
“A year after twin infernos tore across opposite ends of Los Angeles County, the scars are still visible. Thousands of homes were reduced to rubble, with rebuilding slow, and the death toll showed how a wildfire under extreme weather conditions can turn catastrophic.”
“Los Angeles has seen nearly 8,000% more rainfall this water year than last year, with 12.96 inches since October compared to just 0.16 inches at this time last year.
“Los Angeles has never seen a bigger year-to-year swing in precipitation from October 1 to January 1 since records began in 1878. Unbelievable.” [Colin McCarthy]
“Flooding forces hundreds to flee homeless shelter in San Diego.
“For the third time in seven years, hundreds of people had to flee a homeless shelter in downtown San Diego this week after a heavy storm dropped a month’s worth of rain, causing floods.”
“Staggering amount of homeowners want to move due to extreme weather.
“A survey by Kin Insurance reveals that 49% of American homeowners are considering relocating by 2026 due to extreme weather events and rising homeownership costs… Among those considering a move, 60% intend to relocate outside their current city or community…”
“Heat is on the rise once again, with more than 240 million Americans facing temperatures 20 to 30 degrees above average this week.
“A strong ridge of high pressure over the Plains is expected to challenge more than 60 record-high temperatures as it pushes heat from the Southern Plains into the Southeast, Great Lakes and Mid-Atlantic by Friday.”
“A deadly new wave of ‘whiplash weather’ is set to hit our biggest cities. Are we ready?
“For the last decade or so, extreme drought was the order of the day across much of southern California. But then the weather flipped, bringing exceptionally heavy rainfall in 2022 and 2023, which resulted in an explosion of growth across forest, brush and grassland. Then, in 2024, conditions flipped back again, bringing California’s hottest summer on record.”
“While not a single cold record is falling in the NW, heat records fall no-stop in NE Canada. Crazy +8.1C [46.6F] Pangnirtung – NUNAVUT HOTTEST JANUARY DAY EVER tied.”
“Hotter weather thickens the blood of wild mammals: We traced this in African striped mice.
“Large wild mammals—from elephants to antelopes—are already struggling to cope with global warming. Now new research shows that even the small creatures adapted to harsh, arid landscapes may be reaching their limits.”
“How plant poachers are driving rare species to extinction.
“While discussing the global plant poaching trade David Whitehead, a science officer at Kew Gardens, took a moment to apologise for getting emotional. “To be dug up and sold online, and to probably die on somebody’s windowsill — it’s just a terribly sad fate for an individual plant,” he said.”
“Why nature should be the new bottom line for business in 2026…
“Business must hold the line on ambition and act together with clarity and consistency. Companies that invested in meeting the spirit of ambitious legislation must protect the integrity of those commitments. This means moving beyond box-ticking toward genuine accountability for nature impacts…”
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.
“Just an unbelievable amount of pollution’: how big a threat is AI to the climate?
“…“It was jaw-dropping,” said Wilson, a former oil and gas worker from Texas who has documented methane releases for more than a decade and estimates xAI’s Colossus datacentre was spewing more of the planet-heating gas than a large power plant. “Just an unbelievable amount of pollution.””
“Another no-freezing night for several stations in GREENLAND.
“It’s possible that some stations pass a whole week without dropping below freezing.That’s crazy in January, when no-freezing nights are rare and hardly ever more than 2 in a row.”
“According to the Finnish Meteorological Institute, the country’s average annual temperature reached 4.5 degrees Celsius (40.1 degrees Fahrenheit), which is approximately 1.6C higher than the long-term average for the 1991-2020 reference period.”
“Double record-breaking year for UK as 2025 confirmed as warmest and sunniest on record.
“Provisional calculations show that with an average temperature of 10.09C, this exceeds the previous record of 10.03C set in 2022. It means that 2025 joins 2022 and 2023 in the top three warmest years and it’s only the second year where the mean annual temperature has exceeded 10C.”
“Winter blooming of hundreds of plants in UK ‘visible signal’ of climate breakdown.
“A Met Office analysis of data from the annual new year’s plant hunt over the past nine years found an extra 2.5 species in bloom during the new year period for every 1C rise in temperature at a given location during the previous November and December.”
“Like many farmers across the country, Oliver’s farm was impacted by the drought and record high temperatures in 2025. His summer crops were poor – and failed to turn a profit. The fair weather recently has been good for the winter crops, but he says the prices being offered for wheat by grain traders are still not covering the cost of production.”
“Marmaraereğlisi Mayor Onur Bozkurter said the water level has dropped below a critical threshold because of severe drought and water shortages. Calling on residents to conserve water to avoid further hardship, Bozkurter said the situation highlights the scale of the crisis.”
“AFRICA HEAT WAVE – another day >40C [104F] in Cameroon and Nigeria with many more to come.
“Starting from tomorrow the record heat will spread from the Sahel to the Sahara (35C coming to Algeria and Libya) and than the Mediterranean, including Greece and South Balkans. Ready for history?”
“Africa faces a silent mental health crisis as extreme weather intensifies…
“Across the continent, catastrophic weather-related events are not only destroying communities and disrupting livelihoods and businesses, but they are also inflicting a hidden, often overlooked toll: the mental health of those affected.”
“How the climate crisis is changing an ancient way of life in Ethiopia…
““Climate change is a huge issue here in Afar, driving two extremes: drought when there is not enough rain, and flooding, which erodes the soil and degrades the performance of land,” says Habtamu Ebrie, who leads the work by the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) on livelihoods and resilience in Afar.”
“Doctors fear ‘swamp fever’ spreading in flood-hit Gaza.
“Health authorities are warning of yet another potential health threat in Gaza: leptospirosis. Dr. Bassam Zaqout says widespread flooding and lack of basic sanitation make the devastated strip a perfect breeding ground for the bacterial disease also known as swamp or rat fever.”
“‘These trees may not survive’: Jordan’s ancient olive harvest wilts under record-breaking heat…
“The country is facing its weakest olive oil season in four decades, with production down as much as 70% compared with last year. In a typical year, the olive-picking season begins in late September, and mills start processing by mid-October. This year, the harvest did not begin until early November.”
“Record rainfall helps Jordan hit 90% annual average in January.
“Official ministry data shows that cumulative rainfall across various regions has touched 90% of the long-term annual average. It stands in contrast to last year, when total precipitation struggled to reach the 40% threshold at the same time last year.”
“Water Shortages Disrupt Hydropower Production in Uzbekistan.
“Uzbek Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamahmudov informed lawmakers during a recent session of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis that electricity generation at Uzbekistan’s hydropower plants has significantly decreased due to water shortages.”
“Russia Ready to Supply Water to Iran Amid Drought Crisis [a gesture of solidarity; not a feasible solution]
“According to Efimov, Moscow would be willing to examine the technical, logistical and economic challenges associated with such cooperation if a concrete request is presented. Iran has faced mounting water stress in recent years due to declining rainfall, over-extraction of groundwater, inefficient water management and rising temperatures.”
“At least 17 dead as heavy rains trigger flash floods in Afghanistan.
“Most of the casualties have occurred since Monday in districts hit by flooding, and the severe weather also disrupted daily life across central, northern, southern, and western regions, according to Mohammad Yousaf Hammad, a spokesman for the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority.”
“Pakistan’s invisible climate casualties. Poor data masks the true human toll of climate disasters…
“Vulnerable communities are hit hardest by climate-linked disasters and remain exposed long after the headlines fade. In Pakistan, deaths recorded immediately after major disasters receive attention, while the far greater toll in the months that follow goes largely unacknowledged.”
“Abnormal seasons and the impact on rural life in Telangana [India].
“This winter, parts of Telangana, including Hyderabad, experienced dense morning fog reducing visibility to mere metres, followed by unexpectedly warm afternoons pushing temperatures well above seasonal norms. This wide diurnal swing highlights the growing abnormality in seasonal patterns amid climate change.”
“Extreme heat and dengue: Bangladesh’s twin public health crises.
“…dengue has transformed from a seasonal outbreak into a year-round public health threat. Once largely confined to the monsoon season, dengue cases are now being reported earlier in the year and persisting for longer.”
“In the final weeks of 2025, rain has become the new normal across China’s dry north — so frequent, and at times so violent, that it is rewriting local records and stretching the very notion of a “flood season.” In Inner Mongolia’s capital, Hohhot, annual precipitation was closing in on 800 millimeters (31.5 inches).”
“In 2025, China’s average temperature reached 11.0℃ (+1.1℃), breaking the 2024 record of 10.9℃ and setting a new historical high.
“Temperature across most of China were more than 0.5℃ above average, with 16 provinces setting a new historical high! The top five warmest years are all concentrated in the past five years!” [Jim Yang]
“Research ties China’s smog clean-up to hotter and drier conditions in Australia.
“Such has been the success of China’s air-cleaning effort since the 2010s that researchers have now linked it to changes in weather far beyond its borders, including in Australia. Researchers have also tied it to global temperature rises as the aerosols’ masking effect on global warming is diminished.”
“‘Burst of heat’: Millions to swelter in heatwave as temperatures tip past 40C [104F].
“Millions are set for a sweltering week as hot air smashes most of the country, and the mercury tipping past 40C in multiple major cities. A hot air mass is currently moving over Western Australia, bringing a band of scorching heat from Perth all the way to parts of Victoria and NSW.”
“Mystery pink slime on secluded Tasmanian beach prompts fears of potential algal bloom…
“The pink-tinged sludge appeared along a stretch of Randalls Bay about 60km south of Hobart on Friday morning. A similar sludge has also been recorded on sections of Little Roaring Beach in Tasmania’s D’Entrecasteaux Channel and Little Taylors Bay.”
“Exceptional +8.1C [46.6F] at the Zucchelli Base at latitude 74S; -12.2C at Concordia at 3400m on the Plateau, a new monthly record and 2nd highest in history. ALL TIME RECORD +10.8C [51.4F] Mirnyj. Record heat is in every Continent, like never before.”
“Powerful Hailstorm Batters Argentina’s Cordoba Province on New Year’s Day.
“Argentina’s Cordoba province experienced intense weather conditions on January 1, with strong winds up to 70 km/h (43 mph), substantial rain, and hail. Footage by X user CachiPonio shows large hailstones falling in a residential neighborhood.”
“‘The source of all life is here’: plan to mine lithium in Chilean salt flat sparks fears of water scarcity…
“The project will pose a direct threat to the Colla Indigenous people living here, says Lesley Muñoz Rivera, secretary of the Copiapó Indigenous community. “The Maricunga salt flat is the source of all life here. Hydrological studies suggest that it is the source of our water. It’s a sacred place for us.””
“Historic heat in COLOMBIA – the famous coastal city of Cartagena recorded a Minimum of 26.9C [80.4F], its hottest January night in history… BRAZIL January records in Minas Gerais (Mantena) and Rio de Janeiro State.
“All tropical countries keep smashing records continuously, much worse than during the last Nino.”
“Mexico Opens Dam Floodgates To Release Rio Grande Water After Trump Tariff Threats.
“Mexico has recently begun releasing some water from its largest reservoirs to catch up on obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty with America, but only after sustained pressure and tariff threats from the Trump administration.”
“HISTORIC HEAT WAVE IN TEXAS. Once again, while US meteorologists failed again (0 cold records, nowhere even close), your author was the only one to see this coming:
“93F in Texas, 100F in NW Mexico and widespread records including 89F San Antonio which tied its January record.”
“2025 Las Vegas weather wrapped: The hottest December, record rain and more…
“…we’re about to wrap up the warmest December Las Vegas has ever seen, with an average temperature of 55.1 degrees. During several days in December, afternoon highs soared 10 to 15 degrees above normal, even though it got colder toward the end.”
“Southern California winter rains break records, with another storm on the way [should be dry with La Nina].
“California’s already wet winter is breaking rainfall records, with another powerful storm moving in this weekend along with the threat of new flooding and mudslides. After a remarkable dry streak in 2024 that helped fuel last January’s firestorms, this winter is making up for it…”
“A dying culture: Indigenous elder in Alaska passes down hunting traditions…
“Record rainfall battered Northwest Alaska this year, flooding Schaeffer’s backyard twice this fall alone. He worries about the toll on wildlife and whether his grandchildren will be able to live in Kotzebue as the changes accelerate. “It’s kind of scary to think about what’s going to happen,” he said.”
“Category 6 hurricanes? Deep ocean heat is fueling stronger storms…
“It’s not just a naming exercise. Clear thresholds shape risk communication, building codes, and preparedness plans. If more storms are pushing into this ultra-intense territory, communities need to know that and plan for it.”
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You can read the previous “Climate” thread here. I’ll be back on Monday with an “Economic” thread.
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“With the inundation of so much depressing news, Justin Panopticon presents it in a succinct format that one can quickly go thru and see the big picture of climate and economics/politics to stay current and if a particle topic is of interest one can delve into the details… I try never to miss any of his posts…I am a Patreon of his work.”
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Weekday updates on both climate change and the global economy. Stay current with what’s happening around the world with a quick scan of top news.