“Extraordinary Antarctica heatwave, 70 degrees above normal, would likely set a world record…
““It appears to have set a new World Record for the largest temperature excess above normal … ever measured at an established weather station,” Robert Rohde, the lead scientist at Berkeley Earth, tweeted Monday.”
“Antarctic ice shelves are shattering. How fast will seas rise?
“Despite Conger’s collapse, the most pressing concern is still the ice shelves fringing West Antarctica, where Pettit works. Their December 2021 discovery suggested the Thwaites ice shelf could disintegrate within the decade…”
“Without Russia, climate scientists worry how they’ll keep track of Arctic warming.
“Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine is causing a swift and broad decaying of relationships and projects that bound together Moscow and the West. Post-Cold War bridge-building through science is unraveling…”
“Severity and sweep of Prairie droughts could spiral as climate changes…
“While we will likely see more precipitation overall, the nature of the precipitation will differ, with more of it falling in winter or spring or in short bursts with bigger storms, according to Canada in a Changing Climate: Regional Perspectives Report.”
“Data shows driest January, February & March in CA history despite recent Bay Area rain…
“Here in Northern California, we saw rain on and off Sunday and Monday. While that is promising, experts in California are still very much concerned over our drought. Monday, Governor Gavin Newsom called on water suppliers to move to level 2 of their water shortage contingency plans.”
“Texas Wildfire Rapidly Expanding as Dry Weather Fans Flames…
“The Crittenburg Complex blaze about 70 miles (115 kilometers) north of the state capital Austin already has burned more than 50 square miles of brush, a 92% increase from earlier Monday.”
“Thousands evacuated as wildfires again threaten Colorado.
“Thousands of Colorado residents were issued evacuation orders over the weekend as wildfires again swept the Boulder area, just months after blazes destroyed almost entire neighbourhoods less than 20 miles from Denver.”
“Colorado records most West Nile deaths in 18 years as climate change pushes U.S. toward “Goldilocks zone” for virus…
“The rise in cases may be a sign of what’s to come: As climate change brings more drought and pushes temperatures toward what is termed the “Goldilocks zone” for mosquitoes — not too hot, not too cold — scientists expect West Nile transmission to increase across the country.”
“Heat shatters records on one side of the US, shuns the other side…
“Las Vegas [broke] its all-time March record of 92 degrees, set on March 21, 2004… Death Valley’s recorded 104 degrees Saturday broke the 34-year-old record of 100 degrees reached on March 26, also breaking the monthly record high of 103, set on March 31, 2015.”
“A sharp southward shift in the US jet stream is making its presence known in New York City and the rest of the Northeast throughout March’s final week – with the unseasonable cold snap set to break record-low temperatures for the month that will reach levels similar to the heart of winter.
“An arctic cold front coming from Canada over the weekend is sending a wave of freezing winds over the city, according to AccuWeather meteorologists.”
“2021 was the Gulf of Maine’s warmest year on record, scientists report.
“Last year was the warmest on record for the Gulf of Maine, with average sea surface temperatures shattering the previous high mark set during a massive “ocean heat wave” in 2012 that triggered green crab invasions, the starvation of puffin chicks and an early lobster shed.”
“‘Apocalyptic’ wildfire engulfs entire Scottish island used for anthrax experiments…
“Gruinard Island was uninhabited when the government commissioned scientists to find a way to weaponise anthrax to counter a potential biological weapon developed by the Nazis in the Second World War.”
“Drought: worries about thousands of trees on Strabrechtse Heide [Netherlands]…
“Not a drop of rain has fallen for many weeks.According to Staatsbosbeer (The Forestry Commission), this can be disastrous for many plants during this period. Last winter, for example, between 20,000 and 30,000 trees were planted on the Strabrechtse Heide.”
“More than 10,000 hectares of forest burning in Chernobyl exclusion zone, Ukraine says…
“Lyudmila Denisova, commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for Human Rights said the fires have led to an increased level of radioactive air pollution with a threat to neighbouring European countries.”
“A German military half-track vehicle from World War II – which experts have searched for decades – has re-emerged from the River Po in Northern Italy which has suffered severe drought…
“The vehicle has been found and recovered in Sermide, in the province of Mantua. It was pushed into the river by the retreating German troops in April 1945…”
“Senegal’s water-stressed capital faces difficult future.
“Many residents of the Senegalese metropolis Dakar get up in the middle of the night hoping to collect water from their taps, which mostly run dry. “We wake up at 4 or 5 am to get water, says Sidy Fall, 44, in her kitchen in a working-class neighbourhood, filled with large bottles of stored water.”
“Uncontrolled locust infestations in W Cape [South Africa] poses severe threat to food security…
“Swarms of locusts continue to wreak havoc in parts of the province some of which are experiencing severe drought. Experts called for an urgent intervention to control the outbreak to protect the hard-earned gains made by easing Covid-19 regulations and to avoid further increasing food prices.”
“Drought kills 92,000 livestock in Simanjiro [Tanzania]…
“A total of 92,047 livestock have died due to climate change that has led to drought in Simanjiro in Manyara region. The situation that has also led to drying up of water sources has claimed lives of 46, 028 cows, 21,046 sheep, 21,070 goats and 2003 donkeys.”
“India and Pakistan have been under a relentless heat wave for weeks. Here are some March records in main stations:
“Kandla 42.7C on 28th March; Jammu 37.3C and Ganganagar 41.7C on 27th March; Nawabshah 45.5C [113.9F] on 27th and 28th March – national Pakistan March record tied.”
“Odisha: Forest Fire Rages In Similipal, Firefighting Stepped Up.
“Forest fires that erupted around Similipal wildlife sanctuary in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha have raised a concern over threat to biodiversity. Efforts are underway by the forest officials and fire services department to control the fire before being spread to large part of the forest…”
“Exceptional warmth in Tibet. Some temperatures recorded on 28th March: Lhasa (3650m) 23.7C [74.7F]; Xigaze (Shigatse-3837m) 23.6C new monthly record (dew point dropped to -30C); Tingri (4302m) 19.3C new monthly record; Base Camp Everest (5315m) +9.8C; Camp II Everest (6464m) -1.2C.”
“Flash flood warning for 8 Southern Thailand provinces…
“The situation is likely to be severe in some areasand the department assures the public that strict incident response plans are in place. The department is asking people situated in these eight provinces to closely monitor the weather forecast…”
“Melting faster than ever, Indonesia’s little-known glacier may disappear by 2025…
“The tropical glacier, one of a handful left in the world, lies on a mountain near Puncak Jaya in Indonesia’s easternmost province of Papua. It has undergone a rapid loss of ice coverage and thickness in the past two decades…”
“Flash floods on Gold Coast [Australia] after record March rain, waterways swell in northern NSW…
“Rainfall totals between 200 to 350 millimetres since 9am on Monday exceeded predications around the Gold Coast. Coplicks Bridge, in Tallebudgera, received 348mm [13.7 inches] in 24 hours. Felim Hannify from the Bureau of Meteorology said the 292mm deluge at the Gold Coast Seaway set “an all-time March record” for the area.”
“Sydney residents have good reason to be sick and tired of rain. The NSW capital is set to break its 80-year record for rainfall in March, Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Jonathan How says.”
“More heavy rain forecast for flood-hit Tairāwhiti region [New Zealand.
“More heavy rain is expected in flood-hit Gisborne and the Wairoa District… Tairāwhiti was hit by about 48 hours of heavy rain last week, with flood waters inundating some homes and damaging key routes, such as State Highway 35.”
“Anglo Looks to the Sea as Water Scarcity Hits Chile Copper Mines…
“At a cost of $500 million to $1 billion, the desalination project probably wouldn’t be ready for another four or five years. For now, Los Bronces is shifting away from freshwater by recycling from tailings dams and using local industrial water.”
“Hello heatwave. Temperatures of 45C [113F] are forecast for Mexico.
“Many were complaining every time a new cold front entered the country and asked that spring please arrive; Well, here it is: The National Meteorological Service (SMN) released its forecast this week with a heat wave that will cause maximum temperatures of up to 45ºC in several states of Mexico.”
“Climate groups say a change in coding can reduce bitcoin energy consumption by 99%.
“Bitcoin mining already uses as much energy as Sweden, according to some reports, and its booming popularity is revitalizing failing fossil fuel enterprises in the US. But all that could change with a simple switch in the way it is coded, according to a campaign launched on Tuesday.”
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“Satellite data shows entire Conger ice shelf has collapsed in Antarctica. An ice shelf about the size of Rome has completely collapsed in East Antarctica within days of record high temperatures.
“The Conger ice shelf, which had an approximate surface area of 1,200 sq km, collapsed around 15 March, scientists said on Friday.”
“‘Shocking’ and ‘bonkers’: Antarctica heat is a warning for higher food prices…
“…widespread failure of the global maize harvest was deemed almost impossible without human-caused warming. But that could happen every one in 14 years if temperatures rise only a little further.”
“Scots firefighters have spent hours tackling a huge wildfire on the Isle of Skye. Fire crews from across the Highlands were dispatched to fight the raging flames on Thursday.
“Crews sent to tackle the wildfire have been sharing dramatic pictures of the flames. Meanwhile, nearby residents have commented that they have “never seen it like this” before.”
“Today is the 17th sunny day this month in the Netherlands. The total number of sunshine hours reached 211 hours this afternoon. With that, the previous record for sunniest March on record – 208 hours of sunshine in 2014 – is officially broken, Weer. nl reports.”
“Record of Highest Daily Temperature Variation in Hungary Broken…
“According to the OMSZ, the lowest temperature in Szécsény was -7.5 degrees in the morning and reached 23.6 degrees in the afternoon. These high daily temperature fluctuations are due to the extremely dry air that prevails in the region.”
“Thousands of Wildfires in Hungary So Far This Year.
“This year 5,600 wildfires have broken out in Hungary, affecting 11,500 hectares… A nationwide ban on lighting fires has been in place since March 10 as Hungary has had very little rainfall in the past few months.”
“Dams overflow after nine days of rain [Valencia, Spain – on course for its wettest March on record].
“Authorities in the Valencia region have been forced to drain eight dams after nine days of continuous rain that has caused major flooding, rock falls, landslides and the closure of ports. Forecasts as at Friday March 25 indicate that more rain is on the way…”
“Deforestation on the rise as poverty soars in Nigeria.
“Akure-Ofosu Forest Reserve was established to help protect what is now one of largest remaining tracts of rainforest in Nigeria, and is home to many species. But fire and logging is rampant in the reserve, with satellite data showing it lost 44% of its primary forest cover in just two decades…”
“Hunger forces thousands to cross from Angola into Namibia – in pictures…
“The worst drought in 40 years has devastated crops and killed livestock across southern Angola, sending food prices soaring. The threat of famine is forcing people to migrate south to seek help across the border.”
“Photos: Drought in Somalia worsened by funding gap, Ukraine war.
“Across the Horn of Africa, millions of people are facing severe hunger as a result of the worst drought in the region in 40 years. As the situation deteriorates, aid agencies fear that a focus on the Ukraine crisis is likely to overwhelm the agenda and donors at a critical time…”
“The island of Madagascar, just off the east coast of Africa, has been hit by five natural disasters in less than two months, including two major cyclones. More than 200 people have died and 460,000 have been left without shelter. The eastern city of Mananjary has been practically wiped off the map.”
“Indian Ocean hit by six heatwaves in 2021, temp rising by 0.15 degrees Celsius per decade.
“With the effects of climate change becoming more and more visible, the marine world is set to face the brunt of ocean warming. The Indian Ocean witnessed six marine heatwaves in 2021 over a period of 52 days. The situation was grim in the Bay of Bengal…”
“Much of North Korea’s wheat and barley crops has died due to extreme winter drought.
“According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, only 13.3mm of precipitation fell nationwide in South Korea between December of last year and February of this year.”
“Flash flooding hits Sydney suburbs as rain bomb hammers the city – and it’s going to rain until next month up and down Australia’s east coast.
“Parts of Sydney are underwater as severe thunderstorms and heavy rain hit the city and continued north towards towns devastated by late February’s once-in a century floods.”
“NIWA meteorologists say the 103 mm [4.1 inches] of rain from 4am-5am recorded at Maungatapere near Whangārei [NZ] on Monday 21 March is a new national hourly rainfall record for a low elevation station.
“The previous record was set 56 years ago on 16 February 1966 at Whenuapai in northwestern Auckland with 100.6 mm.”
“Torrential rain and thunderstorms, which have caused flooding across the North Island this week, have not stopped two peat fires which have been burning for months in the Far North.
“The heavy rain hit Northland on Sunday night and Monday morning, causing flash flooding, road closures and slips in parts of the region.”
“While Auckland and Wellington have been swept by severe thunderstorms, the South Island witnessed a return of summer with 28.1C [82.6F] at Invercargill, unprecedented heat for end of March.”
“Tasmania’s forests are burning more as climate change dries them out. Our old tools can’t fight these new fires.
“The summer of 2021-22 will be remembered for the extraordinarily destructive flooding across eastern Australia. At the same time, however, western Tasmania was experiencing extreme drought, with some areas receiving their lowest rainfall on record.”
“Giving up’: Amazon is losing its resilience under human pressure, study show.
“Researchers found that three-quarters of the Amazon has lost some resilience, or ability to regain biomass after disturbance. This loss of resilience is especially high in regions close to human activity and with less rainfall.”
“Paraguay’s meager output of soybeans this year will prevent it from capitalizing on soaring international prices, it was reported in Asunción. Due to the drought, Paraguay’s production is expected barely reach 2.97 million tons, 68% less than in 2020/21…”
“More than 4,200 hectares are burning in 33 forest fires across Mexico.
“There are currently 33 forest fires burning across the country as of Thursday. Mexico’s National Forestry Commission (Conafor), along with National Civil Protection Coordination (CNPC), said in a press conference that more than 1,500 forest fire fighters are battling those burning blazes.”
“Fire danger for the Northern Plains and Western record-breaking heat through the weekend [US].
“Gusty winds and low relative humidity lead to a fire risk for the Northern Plains while record-breaking temperatures set up for the Western United States.”
“Three bodies were found Thursday in a submerged vehicle, authorities said, after a powerful storm dumped record rain amounts in Alabama.
“The bodies of a 72-year-old man along with two women ages 53 and 42 were recovered from an SUV in Holt, Alabama, after stormwater receded, the Tuscaloosa Police Department said in a statement.”
“As Climate Fears Mount, Some in U.S. Are Deciding to Relocate.
“As wildfires worsen and sea levels rise, a small but growing number of Americans are choosing to move to places such as New England or the Appalachian Mountains that are seen as safe havens from climate change. Researchers say this phenomenon will intensify in the coming decades.”
“Chief of British Columbia First Nation struck by wildfires, floods says moving may be safest bet…
“Chief Arnie Lampreau of the Shackan Indian Band told B.C. Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth and Transportation Minister Rob Fleming during their visit on Thursday that the threat of extreme weather is a constant concern.”
“Canadian farmers face drought threat as global wheat, canola prices soar.
“Canada’s farmers may face another drought this year, just as the world counts on the breadbasket nation to grow bigger wheat and canola crops to ease food inflation fuelled by the Russia-Ukraine war.”
“Researchers first to sample permafrost CO2 emissions during fall and winter…
“[The research] dispels hopes that the fall and winter months might offer a reprieve from Arctic permafrost emissions; and with climate change making the winter less harsh, emissions from Arctic latitudes only stand to amplify as the years unfold.”
“Climate crisis causing birds to lay eggs up to a month earlier than 100 years ago…
“Bird species nesting in northern parts of the US have moved their egg-laying up by an average of 25 days, according to a study using eggs gathered by collectors over the last century, along with the detailed notes, including exact dates they were taken.”
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“Shifts in El Niño May Be Driving Climates Extremes in Both Hemispheres.
“Global warming is shifting cyclical temperature swings in the Pacific Ocean, and that affects floods in Australia, fires in South America and even temperature in the polar regions.”
“How simultaneous record-smashing heatwaves hitting Antarctica and the Arctic will impact wildlife…
“If the warm conditions cause sea ice to break up earlier than normal, it could have dire impacts for many animals. For example, sea ice is a crucial habitat for polar bears, enabling them to hunt seals and travel long distances.”
“New study says an earlier spring could jeopardize the Arctic tundra’s ability to store carbon.
“Because of climate change… the snowmelt now occurs earlier each year. This results in a longer growing season for tough tundra plants like shrubs and sedges: the so-called “greening” of the Arctic.”
“How the Inuit are reshaping Arctic climate science…
“…2021 has been too wet and warm. All through October, Baffin Island languished beneath a heat dome. Children wore spring jackets with their Halloween costumes instead of parkas. The water stayed open around Pond Inlet. By mid-November people still can’t hunt or travel on the ice…”
“Permafrost thawing faster than expected due to extreme summer rainfall…
“As extreme rainfall events become more frequent thanks to a warmer climate, the permafrost may thaw even faster than under the influence of rising temperatures alone… An important finding was that the effect of an extremely wet summer lasted for several years.”
“Firefighters spend second day at scene of Ben Lomond wildfire [Scotland]…
“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was first alerted to the blaze at 2.15pm on Tuesday, March 22. Emergency services last night said they would return to the scene during daylight hours as firefighters has been working in “difficult terrain to extinguish the fire”.”
“Huge wildfire spreads [Caernarfon, N Wales] and sees fire services urge people to close windows and doors…
“The North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is urging residents in Y Fron, Rhosgadfan and Rhostryfan to keep windows and doors closed. A spokesperson said: “We’re monitoring the fire but there remains considerable smoke in these areas”.”
“Alpes-Maritimes [France] already on drought warning after unusually dry winter.
“Farmers are calling for authorities to take action, with one union boss saying: ‘We either continue to water roundabouts to please tourists or we prioritise the agriculture which feeds us’.”
More on this alarming situation: “Forest fires have erupted in the vicinity of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor, with Ukraine claiming that Russian control of the abandoned power plant is hampering efforts to control the flames.
“At least seven fires have been spotted within Chernobyl’s exclusion zone via satellite imagery taken by the European Space Agency…”
“Heavy rain causes flooding and dramatic rescues in Spain’s Valencia area…
“The Magro River overflowed in Algemessi and Guadassuar; the Palencia River in Sangut; the Belcaire River in Moncofa; and the Barranc del Carraixet in Alboraira, where 15 people had to be evacuated.”
“Among rolling hills around the southern tip of majestic Lake Kivu, huge layers of plastic waste ride the water and block the turbines of the largest hydroelectric plant in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The Ruzizi dam is polluted by thousands of bottles, cans and other objects…”
“Kenya is living its harshest drought in its historywith multiple crop failures and loss of livestock. Up to 3.5 million Kenyans might face food shortage in the coming months.
“Temperatures are constantly at record high levels: Nakuru at 1900m above sea level rose to 32.5C [90.5F] yesterday.”
“At least seven people died due to flash flooding in the southern part of Ethiopia, local government officials have said.
“The incident happened in Halaba Kulito town in southern Ethiopia on Tuesday night as victims were returning back from the market and caught up by the flash flood…”
“Cholera, cyclones and flooding: Malawi faces cholera emergency amidst severe climate events.
“Cyclone Gombe has battered southern Malawi, bringing heavy rains to the districts of Machinga and Mangochi and prompting a cholera emergency. Currently, 19 cholera cases and 1 death have been reported.”
“The U.N. refugee agency and partners are working with Mozambique’s government to aid thousands of families devastated by Cyclone Gombe, which struck the island nation earlier this month.”
“Very warm conditions in the Southern Indian Ocean islands. On 23rd March the Dzoudzi Int. Airport of Mayotte (French territory) rose to 33.8C, a new record high for March.
“In Agalega Island (territory of Mauritius) 34.7C [92.8F], near the Mauritian March record of 35.4C.”
“UN Assistance Mission warns that water is ‘dangerously’ scarce in Iraq…
“The head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq has said that water is dangerously scarce in Iraq… Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert emphasised the dangers of water scarcity in the country as a “risk multiplier”, stating she had witnessed “the many challenges Iraq is facing… first hand”.”
“Middle East increasingly reliant on desalination plants as water shortages loom…
“While desalination is being used ever more widely – there are more than 19,000 desalination plants around the world – it requires large amounts of energy. This typically translates into carbon emissions, with the vast desalination and power plant at Jebel Ali, for example, being largely gas powered.”
“March heat breaks 52-year record in Ludhiana [Punjab, India]…
“Punjab Agricultural University data shows that the average temperature recorded in March this year is the highest since 1970, when the university first started maintaining a record of temperature and rainfall.”
“China Faces Worst Crop Conditions Ever Due to Climate Change.
“More extreme weather caused by rising global temperatures — compounded by geopolitical turmoil and the pandemic — is hindering China’s effort to ensure food supplies for its 1.4 billion population.”
“Domestic violence spike expected in flood-ravaged northern NSW.
“As floodwaters threatened the NSW Northern Rivers region, domestic violence survivors were faced with the reality that they may come face-to-face with their perpetrators at evacuation centres.”
“Australia’s carbon credit scheme ‘largely a sham’, says whistleblower who tried to rein it in.
“A whistleblower who spent years working on the integrity of the Australian government’s carbon credit system has launched an extraordinary attack on the scheme, describing it as a fraud that is hurting the environment and has wasted more than $1bn in taxpayer funding.”
“Some of the rainfall figures have exceeded the one in 100 year levels, with Te Puia having 236mm [9.3 inches] between 6pm and midnight. The Upper Hikuwai River experienced 234mm over the past 24 hours, with Mata, at the headwaters of the Waiapu receiving 234mm…”
“Chilean women lead the fight against water scarcity.
“Chile, with 76% of its territory affected by water shortages, is suffering from the most severe water crisis in the entire western hemisphere, according to Greenpeace. Experts blame the scarcity of rainfall – 2021 was the fourth driest year ever recorded – but also on the water ownership regime.”
“Drought threatens fertile fields of South America’s Southern Cone.
“With the war in Ukraine disrupting exports of wheat, the world looks to the agricultural powerhouses of South America’s Southern Cone as an alternative source of food, but the region’s farmers and ranchers are struggling under a drought that some fear could become permanent due to climate change.”
“Heavy rains and floods in the Paraguayan capital force to suspend the Asunciónico Festival…
“In a statement, festival organizers announced their decision to cancel the first day of concerts “due to severe weather conditions and to preserve the safety” of the public, performers and their team. Machine Gun Kelly, decided to provide an impromptu show for his fans, in front of his hotel in Asunción.”
“Heat wave causes temperatures above 40 degrees in Yucatan and Oaxaca.
“The municipality of Peto, in Yucatan, reported the highest temperature so far this year with 42 degrees [107.6F]… The National Water Commission warned of rainfall records well below average and even a drought of 20% throughout the territory.”
“California’s record-dry start to the year is converging with record-high temperatures as an early spring heat wave settles over large swaths of the state.
“Multiple temperature records were shattered Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service, including some that were nearly a century old.”
“As of Monday, wildfire potential continued to increase for large, difficult-to-control wildfires in Southwest Texas, specifically for areas near Del Rio, San Angelo, San Antonio and Laredo. State, local and federal first responders have been increasingly busy with recent response efforts.”
“At least one person dead as giant tornado tears through New Orleans…
“New Orleans, no stranger to natural disasters, was stunned by the more unusual occurrence of a tornado as the giant dark funnel cloud loomed over the city, illuminated by urban lights. Guy McInnes, president of St Bernard parish, said that the area was more used to hurricanes than tornadoes.”
“Severe thunderstorms bring large hailstones to Florida…
“…the National Weather Service issued only the second warning for large hail in the state since 2002. Golf ball to tennis ball-sized hail was reported in a number of locations around the densely populated Orlando metro area.”
“The world’s forests do more than just store carbon, new research finds.
“Researchers from the US and Colombia found that overall forests keep the planet at least half of a degree Celsius cooler when biophysical effects – from chemical compounds to turbulence and the reflection of light – are combined with carbon dioxide.”
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“Fresh floods caused by torrential rains in Petropolis, Brazil have killed at least five people, authorities said on Monday. A further four people have been reported missing since Sunday…
“A month’s worth of rain [526mm / 20.7 inches at Sao Sebastiao] fell in a matter of hours on Sunday on the tourist town, emergency officials said.”
“The areas that registered levels of abnormal dryness to extreme drought increased 14.49 percentage points in the national territory during the first two months of 2022.”
“As it enters a third year, California’s drought is strangling the farming industry…
“The hard truth here, the one that fundamentally shapes the lives of those in the valley, is that water is disappearing. So is a way of life, a core of California economic culture, and a place that provides a nation struggling under the rising rate of inflation with a quarter of its food.”
“US drought pushes cotton prices to ten-year high.
“Rainfall has been exceptionally low since early January in the northwest part of Texas — which produces about 40 percent of all US cotton production… Many are already comparing the current weather conditions to 2011, when US cotton producers experienced their worst drought ever…”
“A series of wildfires ravaging Texas since late last week have destroyed 86 homes, with one of the blazes reducing nearly an entire town to ash.
“Four fires in Eastland County, about 120 miles west of Dallas, have burned 54,000 acres over the weekend and killed a sheriff’s deputy who was helping people evacuate.”
“‘Volatile’ tornado outbreak ruins buildings, grounds flights and shuts highways in Texas and Oklahoma.
“A gathering tornado outbreak in Texas and Oklahoma is sowing chaos across Texas and Oklahoma, wrecking homes and shutting down highways and airports… he tornado risk would continue until at least Wednesday…”
“Firefighters tackle 20 wildfires in one weekend [NW UK].
“North West Fire Control said it had been “very busy across the region”. Dave Swallow, from the National Fire Chiefs Council, said: “So far in 2022, there have been 48 significant wildfires reported across England and Wales – 20 this weekend alone.””
“Swedish towns set record for warmest March weekend… For Delsbo 16.7C [62.1F] is the highest temperature recorded in March since records began in 1898. The cities of Kiruna and Umeå, and the harbour town of Örskär, where records began in 1898, 1858, and 1937 respectively, also all set new March records.”
“Fires at Chernobyl NPP threaten further deterioration of radiation situation, impossible to extinguish them.
“…the regulator emphasizes that extinguishing fires is impossible as a result of the occupation of the exclusion zone by Russian troops… forest fires could lead to the almost complete burnout of radioactively contaminated forests in the exclusion zone and, respectively, to a significant deterioration of the radiation situation in Ukraine and throughout Europe.”
“Soils have not been able to replenish due to lack of winter precipitation, and are drying out due to increasing rainfall deficits. Significant, nationwide precipitation is still not expected, with mostly sunny, dry and warm weather forecast, increasing water scarcity and posing a serious problem for the development of the autumn crops.”
“Albania dims lights as drought, price spike spark energy crisis.
“Albania has ordered all cities to turn off lights in public buildings and on streets when necessary as it tackles an energy crisis caused by drought and power price spikes… All Albania’s domestic electricity generation depends on hydro power…”
“Barcelona’s beaches washed away in a storm, and now it needs sand to remake them.
“One of the most attractive holiday destinations in Spain for its miles of golden beaches and cultural highlights, Barcelona could be left high and dry without enough sand, just as Spain hopes to restore its tourism industry which was badly damaged by the pandemic.”
“20th March was another historic day in Cyprus with a low of -11.6C [11.1F] on the Trodos Square Mt. Station (1725m asl), the coldest on records in Cyprus in March…
“…while in the village of Kyperounta (1140m) the temperature dropped to -7.6C, same value like Prodromos earlier this month.”
“Flash floods caused by heavy rain claimed two lives and destroyed hundreds of hectares of farmlands in Lal Pur district of Afghanistan’s eastern Nangarhar province on Saturday…
“Two persons including a woman lost their lives and a girl sustained injury. Hundreds of hectares of farmlands, mostly wheat farms, were badly damaged or utterly destroyed…”
“Climate Impact From China’s Coal Push Visible From Space.
“China’s increased reliance on coal to combat an energy shortage was never going to bode well for its ambitions to cut planet-warming emissions… satellite data has laid bare a bleak history of dozens of invisible, sustained [methane] leaks…”
“The price of vegetables is set to skyrocket across Australia as the supply chain crisis worsens – with some products to jump as much as 75 per cent.
“The devastating floods that have hit large parts of the country’s east coast combined with the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine has seen shortages in a variety of industries, with consumers set to feel the pinch.”
“Flood-affected Lismore residents with nowhere to go return to homes deemed uninhabitable.
“Residents in Lismore have been left with no choice but to move back into their houses that have been deemed uninhabitable, with some sleeping on swags in mouldy rooms without electricity…”
“‘It’s not supposed to be white’: one of the Great Barrier Reef’s healthiest reefs succumbs to bleaching…
“Coral bleaching across thousands of kilometres of the world’s biggest reef system is just one of Australia’s battles with the climate emergency. Bushfires, flooding, shifting rainfall, heatwaves and extreme weather are all being super-charged by rising greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere.”
“Auckland weather station [NZ] sees second-wettest hour ever as torrential rain hits.
“More than one month’s worth of rain was recorded in 10 hours, with 109 millimetres [4.3 inches] of rainfall in Albany, North Shore. The monthly average is 85-90mm. More than 4000 lightning strikes were also recorded across Auckland…”
“South Orkney Sunshine glacier shrunk one seventh in 20 years, HMS Protector confirms.
“The Royal Navy’s polar research ship HMS Protector found an enormous Antarctic glacier vanishing at an alarming rate. The mighty Sunshine Glacier has shrunk by one-seventh in 20 years – an area the size of more than 130 football pitches has melted away.”
“Extremes of 40C above normal: what’s causing ‘extraordinary’ heating in polar regions?
“…“Both of these weather events are related to the poleward transport of heat and moisture,” said Dr Zachary Labe, a climate scientist at Colorado State University, on Twitter.”
“UN scientists are likely to weigh up technology to remove CO2 from the atmosphere, as they gather to finalise a key report… Scientists say that the situation is now so serious that carbon dioxide removal will be needed in addition to massive cuts in emissions and not as a substitute for them.”
You can read the previous ‘Climate’ thread here. I’ll be back tomorrow with an ‘Economic’ thread.
If you found value in this content, please help me continue this work by becoming a patron of my work via Patreon. And if you are already a subscriber or have donated – thank you! It is a huge help, especially as the cost of living crisis is biting here in the UK.
“It’s 70 degrees warmer than normal in eastern Antarctica. Scientists are flabbergasted. ‘This event is completely unprecedented and upended our expectations about the Antarctic climate system,’ one expert said…
““Antarctic climatology has been rewritten,” tweeted Stefano Di Battista, a researcher who has published studies on Antarctic temperatures. He added that such temperature anomalies would have been considered “impossible” and “unthinkable” before they actually occurred.”
“Sea ice over Antarctica just shrank to its smallest on record…
“This year’s low concentration was probably partly the result of a long, strong low-pressure system that formed in late 2021 near the inner peninsula area, which created winds and warm air that helped to quickly erode ice in those areas.”
“Chilean drought: Santiago faces water rationing in second half of 2022.
“Chilean president Gabriel Boric has called on Metropolitan Santiago residents to make rational use of drinking water, since the situation is extremely serious, following several years of drought and or insufficient rainfall.”
“California slashes supplies to water agencies amid record drought.
“California water officials on Friday said they are slashing State Water Project allocations from 15% to 5% of normal for certain urban water consumers and farmers, as the state grapples with a third consecutive year of drought.”
“Drought in U.S. Is Expected to Persist, and Spread, Through the Spring…
“Lake Powell, one of two huge reservoirs on the Colorado River, fell this week to its lowest level since it was created more than 50 years ago with the construction of Glen Canyon Dam. It is getting closer to a threshold that would shut down hydropower production at the dam.”
“Winds and dry conditions fuel multiple Texas wildfires as hundreds evacuate…
“Fueled by strong winds through dangerously dry brush and grass fields, the wildfires merged to form what fire officials call a “complex” that was burning near Eastland, about 120 miles (195 km) west of Dallas.”
“Wildfires have become four times larger, three times more frequent since 2000 in US, study warns…
“Research, published on Wednesday in the journal Science Advances, found that large fires in the US have not only become more common but are also spreading into new areas, impacting land that previously did not burn, due to the ongoing climate crisis.”
“6 Injured as Powerful Storms Tear Through the South…
““It looked like all the trailers just exploded,” Sheriff Jackson said of the scene. “The roofs were completely gone. The walls were gone. The mobile homes just mostly had the frames left, and half of those were turned upside down or bent in half.””
“Record Cold with 40 °F below normal Temperatures to impact Southeast U.S. on Sunday, some areas even colder than Alaska…
“Storm Quinlan will then explosively deepen into the next Nor’Easter storm, thanks to the Polar Vortex lobe clashing the Arctic air into the tropical airmass, leading this bomb cyclone to bottom out at 930 mbar low over the Labrador Sea on Monday.”
“77% of Portugal is experiencing a severe or extreme drought.
“The situation has the authorities worried. The Government has put in place several measures to mitigate the effects, such as a credit line for farmers and restrictions on energy production.”
“Driest winter on record in Mallorca coming to an end…
“This winter was the driest on all of the islands since records began… Also, the temperatures varied a great deal. Maximum temperatures were higher than usual while the minimum tempertaures were lower than normal dropping below freezing more than expected.”
“Climate Crisis: [Italy’s River] Po hit by severe drought after 100 days without rain.
“The Po River has been hit by a severe drought after 100 days without rain, the river basin authority said Thursday… The water crisis observatory said “it will already be problematic to start the irrigation season in Piedmont”.”
“Throughout the 2010s, the lakes rose slowly, and tens of thousands of people were forced to move from their homes. Then, at the start of 2020, after a particularly vicious period of rain in Kenya’s highlands, the lakes’ expansion accelerated.”
“Mozambique: Cyclone Gombe death toll rises to 53.
“In the past few years, Southern Africa has suffered repeated devastating cyclones of the type that used to be relatively rare, and scientists believe climate change is fuelling their intensity via warming of the Indian Ocean.”
“Beira in Mozambique Hit By Flooding After Cyclone Gombe…
“More than 400 millimeters [15.7 inches] of rain fell on the city over the two days, Beira mayor Albano Carige said Friday. “We used to record that amount in a year,” he said. “But this time we only recorded it in two days,” he added.”
“Four years of drought, along with deforestation caused by people burning or cutting to make charcoal or to open up land for farming, have transformed the once lush ecosystem into a dust bowl. “There’s nothing to harvest. That’s why we have nothing to eat and we’re starving,” said mother-of-seven Tarira.”
“16th March was an extreme day in Iran, with the NW affected by a cold spell and its SE under a record heat wave.
“The result was an incredible temperature difference of more than 60C on the same day between -21.2C at Ardebil AP and +39.2C at Rask. 17th March saw >60C difference again.”
“Iran calls, China answers: China is also split between a harsh cold spell in the NE and record hot conditions in the South.
“Today 18 March the temperature plummeted to -32.9C [-27.2F] at Xinlin (Heilongjiang) and rose to +37.9C [100.2F] at Ganluo (Sichuan),more than 70C difference in the same day.”
“March temperatures set new all-time highest record in Jammu & Kashmir [India].
“Hot weather conditions continued across J&K on Thursday with Katra, Bhaderwah, Batote recording new highest March temperatures. The second highest March temperature of last several years was also recorded in Pahalgam, Qazigund, Kupwara.”
“A massive forest fire broke out in Ajas wild life range of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Thursday, an official said. Quoting the official, news agency GNS reported that the fire erupted in the afternoon in block Rangnaar of Bandipora.”
“An Ancient Himalayan Village Empties As Glaciers Vanish.
“In India’s ancient villages at the foot of the Hindu-Kush Himalayas, people are abandoning their ancestral homes as water scarcity, caused by disappearing glaciers, poses a question on their survival.”
“Perth [Australia] residents count the cost of record summer temperatures — and the price is too high for many…
“Perth experienced a record of 13 days with temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius this summer, six of which were consecutive. The city also experienced a record number of days above 35C.”
“We saw drought and fire ravage koalas but thought they could climb free of floodwaters …until now…
“In these floods all the ground-dwelling mammals, marsupials, reptiles and insects wouldn’t have stood a chance against rapidly rising floodwaters. When landslides are added to the mix, all the tree-dwelling critters like koalas wouldn’t have stood a chance either.”
“Longer, more intense allergy seasons could result from climate change.
“Allergy seasons are likely to become longer and grow more intense as a result of increasing temperatures caused by humanmade climate change, according to new research from the University of Michigan.”
You can read the previous ‘Climate’ thread here. I’ll be back on Monday with an ‘Economic’ thread.
If you found value in this content, please help me continue this work by becoming a patron of my work via Patreon. And if you are already a subscriber or have donated – thank you! It is a huge help, especially as the cost of living crisis is biting here in the UK.
“Arctic areas have been warming abnormally this March. Two more [monthly] records fell in the Polar regions of Norway in the Svalbard archipelago:
“Hopen Island with +3.9C [39F] and Ny Alesund Base with +5.5C [41.9F]. In Greenland Plateau, very high temperatures up to -20C at 3200m in the Summit Camp.”
“Microplastics from European rivers spreading to Arctic seas, research shows…
“A new study in Scientific Reports, led by Mats Huserbråten from the Institute of Marine Research, in Bergen, Norway, suggests particles in the Arctic Ocean, the Nordic Seas and Baffin Bay have spread from Europe.”
“Global warming is pushing frozen peatlands in northern Europe and Siberia to the brink of a tipping point which could release 39 billion tonnes of carbon, researchers have warned.
“”Even with the strongest efforts” to slash global carbon emissions and limit rising temperature, by 2040 the climates of northern Europe will no longer be cold and dry enough to sustain peat permafrost.”
“Latvia saw second-wettest winter in history… Total precipitation in Latvia 2021/2022 winter was 197.2 millimeters (mm), 36% above the norm of the season… In Pāvilosta, February’s total precipitation was 134.9 mm, which is the largest quantity of February precipitation ever recorded in Latvia.”
“Maharashtra’s Akola and Rajasthan’s Barmer Districts [India] Record Daytime Temperatures of 42.9°C [109.2F]…
“Hoshangabad in Madhya Pradesh recorded a maximum temperature of 42.3°C, the second-highest value for this month for that station… Jaisalmer in Rajasthan recorded the maximum temperature of 42°C, the second-highest value for this month for the station as well.”
“16th March was a historic day for the Southern Hemisphere:
“Roebourne AP, Western Australia rose to 47.1C [116.8F], highest temp. ever in the Hemisphere in the 2nd half of March; Telfer Min. temperature 33.3C [91.9F], highest minimum temperature ever in the Hemisphere in the 2nd half of March.”
“How lightning killed nine Queensland cattle in one strike – and what it has to do with climate change…
“…with global warming the lightning bolts are shifting further away from the equator… Cameron Clark, professor of Livestock Production and Welfare at the University of Sydney, agreed this was an unusual occurrence but could become more frequent as extreme climate events occur.”
“‘Streets were flowing’: Broken Hill [NSW] reeling after record rainfall and deadly flash flooding.
“The State Emergency Service was called to several flood rescues after up to 140mm [5.5 inches – a lot for a desert area like this] of rain fell on parts of the city on Tuesday afternoon.”
“NSW floods kill millions of bees, apiarists warn of flow-on effects to horticulture industry.
“Floodwaters rose two metres in just four hours at Steve Smith’s New South Wales home, and while he escaped by boat, nearby, millions of his bees were not so lucky. “We might find a few of the [bee] boxes but I’d say they’re just gone,” Mr Smith said.”
“Great Barrier Reef hit by sixth mass bleaching event, leading coral scientist says.
“Prof Terry Hughes, a leading expert on coal bleaching at James Cook University, said he had received a “flood of reports from the field” of bleached corals in the last two weeks… Hughes told the Guardian he believes a sixth mass bleaching event is now unfolding, and that it was not mild or local.”
“Concern as coastal areas [Southland, NZ] driest on record…
“Environment Southland integration manager Nick Perham said coastal areas are recording the driest summer since Environment Southland’s records began in 1970, with only 60% of the normal rainfall recorded from December through until the end of February.”
“Rescuers in Peru are searching for survivors after a devastating landslide buried up to 80 homes, officials say.
“The landslide happened in in the La Libertad region in northern Peru after heavy rains soaked the area, with at least 15 people still missing, according to authorities.”
“Thousands of animal carcasses are counted after the fires in Corrientes [Argentina]…
“”There was mortality of thousands of specimens. Mostly reptiles such as lizards and snakes; small and medium-sized mammals, which are animals that are less likely to escape. We also found some medium and large mammals dead as capybaras, “said the biologist…”
“‘Pretty brutal’: Hiring woes plague Biden effort to contain wildfires.
“The U.S. Forest Service has had chronic staffing shortages for over a decade. But amid rising wages and a fierce competition for labor across the U.S. economy, the agency faces a particularly bleak hiring picture, even as it looks to add an untold number of forest management staff…”
“As drought deepens, Californians are saving less water.
“California will end winter in a perilous position as record-shattering dryness converges with lagging water conservation efforts in nearly every part of the state, officials said Tuesday.”
“Wild flash floods see scores of Alabama motorists rescued from high waters…
“Heavy rain storms in Alabama caused flash floods that saw emergency services rescue a string of motorists stuck in high water… “I’ve never seen this much water on the ground,’’ one Birmingham police officer said over the radio, according to AL.com.”
“The rate at which carbon escaped from the deforestation of tropical forests more than doubled in the first two decades of the 21st century, according to new research…
“At the same time, members of the team had previously documented the worrisome expansion of deforestation into mountainous forests in Southeast Asia. Their analyses showed these higher-elevation forests had a “massive carbon stock.””
You can read the previous ‘Climate’ thread here. I’ll be back tomorrow with an ‘Economic’ thread.
If you found value in this content, please help me continue this work by becoming a patron of my work via Patreon. And if you are already a subscriber or have donated – thank you! It is a huge help, especially as the cost of living crisis is biting here in the UK.
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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.
“Extraordinary Antarctica heatwave, 70 degrees above normal, would likely set a world record…
“Antarctic ice shelves are shattering. How fast will seas rise?
“Without Russia, climate scientists worry how they’ll keep track of Arctic warming.
“Severity and sweep of Prairie droughts could spiral as climate changes…
“Data shows driest January, February & March in CA history despite recent Bay Area rain…
“Texas Wildfire Rapidly Expanding as Dry Weather Fans Flames…
“Thousands evacuated as wildfires again threaten Colorado.
“Colorado records most West Nile deaths in 18 years as climate change pushes U.S. toward “Goldilocks zone” for virus…
“Heat shatters records on one side of the US, shuns the other side…
“A sharp southward shift in the US jet stream is making its presence known in New York City and the rest of the Northeast throughout March’s final week – with the unseasonable cold snap set to break record-low temperatures for the month that will reach levels similar to the heart of winter.
“2021 was the Gulf of Maine’s warmest year on record, scientists report.
“‘Apocalyptic’ wildfire engulfs entire Scottish island used for anthrax experiments…
“Drought: worries about thousands of trees on Strabrechtse Heide [Netherlands]…
“More than 10,000 hectares of forest burning in Chernobyl exclusion zone, Ukraine says…
“A German military half-track vehicle from World War II – which experts have searched for decades – has re-emerged from the River Po in Northern Italy which has suffered severe drought…
“Senegal’s water-stressed capital faces difficult future.
“Uncontrolled locust infestations in W Cape [South Africa] poses severe threat to food security…
“Drought kills 92,000 livestock in Simanjiro [Tanzania]…
“India and Pakistan have been under a relentless heat wave for weeks. Here are some March records in main stations:
“Odisha: Forest Fire Rages In Similipal, Firefighting Stepped Up.
“Flash flood warning for 8 Southern Thailand provinces…
“Melting faster than ever, Indonesia’s little-known glacier may disappear by 2025…
“Flash floods on Gold Coast [Australia] after record March rain, waterways swell in northern NSW…
“Sydney to break March rainfall record.
“More heavy rain forecast for flood-hit Tairāwhiti region [New Zealand.
“Anglo Looks to the Sea as Water Scarcity Hits Chile Copper Mines…
“Hello heatwave. Temperatures of 45C [113F] are forecast for Mexico.
“Climate groups say a change in coding can reduce bitcoin energy consumption by 99%.
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