Huge thanks to this month’s sponsor, Kimberley Hare, Facilitator of ‘The Edge’ Retreat, and Author of “At the Edge: What is Mine to Do, and Who Can I do it With?” She was kind enough to interview me for this book.
“Antarctica’s tipping points threaten global climate stability…
“…these tipping points are interconnected, creating a risk of cascading effects. Melting ice sheets, for example, not only contribute to sea-level rise but also disrupt ocean circulation, which is crucial for transporting heat, carbon, and nutrients around the globe. Such disruptions threaten marine ecosystems, global fisheries, and food security.”
“Record-low Antarctic sea ice in 2023 increased ocean heat loss and storms…
“Our results reveal that the 2023 Antarctic sea-ice loss has substantially modified air–sea interaction in the Southern Ocean and motivate in-depth analysis of the wider climate-system impacts.”
“Trouble in Arctic town [Churchill, Canada] as polar bears and people face warming world.
“The decline, external is tied to the amount of time the bay is now ice-free, a period that is getting longer as the climate warms. No sea ice means no frozen seal-hunting platform.”
“The difference between the lowest and highest temperature in Norway Wednesday was 51.5C [92.7F]!
“Cuovddatmohkki in northern Norway observed the lowest temperature so far in Norway this winter with -38.1C. Wednesday night the temperature in Tafjord climbed to +13.4C”
“Flat landscapes, endless views, screeching seabirds in the blue sky. Cows graze on the salt marshes, and all around: the sea. A snapshot of life on the northern German ‘hallig’ or island of Oland. But the idyllic scene isn’t immune to the impact of climate change.”
“Flood warnings and alerts in place across Wales as heavy rain batters country again.
“Wales has recently been battered by inclement weather brought about by Storm Bert and Storm Darragh. While the weather has been drier in recent days, heavy rain has fallen in several areas on Tuesday and Wednesday.”
“PERILS raises storm Storm Boris European flood industry loss estimate 10% to €2.08bn.
“Catastrophe data aggregator PERILS has now raised its insurance industry loss estimate for the severe flooding experienced across parts of Central Europe in September 2024 due to storm Boris, increasing the total by 10% to €2.08 billion.”
“Storm Triggers Flooding in Southern Russia’s Sochi.
“Heavy rain caused a river to overflow in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi, causing widespread floods in residential areas, media reported Wednesday… Meteorologists said one month’s worth of precipitation fell in Sochi over the past day.”
“EU watchdogs call for disaster-relief fund in wake of Valencia floods.
“The EU should create a taxpayer-funded disaster relief fund and a publicly-backed reinsurance scheme to fill the growing gap for insuring against natural catastrophes such as floods and wildfires, regulators have said.”
“Alicante bakes through the hottest and driest year on record [Spain]…
“…unlike the other three regions that are on track to record 2024 as their hottest year – Valencia, Albacete and San Javier in Murcia – Alicante has not surpassed its all-time temperature record in any one month. Rather, it’s remained consistently hot throughout the year.”
“Air quality is “extremely unfavourable” in the Canary Islands due to a supercalima.
“The Canary Islands are experiencing a “supercalima,” or severe Saharan dust storm, as the region continues to feel the lingering effects of the recent storm Dorothea.”
“Another December record in the Gulf of Guinea area was set yesterday in GUINEA ‘s largest city (by area): Kankan with 37.4C [99/1F],which beat the record of 37.3C which was set just last December 2023.”
“Cyclone Chido deaths rise in south-east Africa as Mayotte toll remains unclear…
“Southern Africa was already reeling from a drought this year that had left millions of people battling hunger… The French president is due to travel to Mayotte on Thursday, with plans to visit a hospital and a destroyed neighbourhood.”
“With rising global temperatures, sea surface temperatures have reached all-time recorded highs. Chido was fed by ocean temperatures near 29 Celsius [84.2F].”
“More than 1,300 Hajj pilgrims died this year when humidity and heat pushed past survivable limits. It’s just the start.
“Our new research shows the upper limits of human heat tolerance were breached for a total of 43 hours over the six days of Hajj. During these periods, heat and humidity passed beyond the point at which our bodies are able to cool down.”
“Hindu Kush Himalaya faces increased risks amid record glacier melting.
“Due to rising temperatures, record glacier melting has occurred in 2023 globally, including in Asia, according to the State of the Cryosphere 2024 report. How does cryosphere loss in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region exacerbate catastrophic hazards?”
“Climate change sees Nepalese farmers return to indigenous crops…
“Farmers like Adhikari are shifting to millet farming and preserving indigenous crop varieties in a local seed bank. It is because the production of high-yielding crops like rice and wheat is frequently disrupted by bad weather…”
“Can China Shield the Biggest Uninsured Economy From Floods?
“Authorities are taking out citywide insurance policies to protect tens of millions of people from increasingly violent weather, but the program risks leaving many with inadequate coverage.”
“Vietnam likely to face potential for extreme heat in 2025…
“In 2024, Vietnam endured increasingly intense and prolonged heatwaves due to the combined effects of climate change and rising global temperatures. First heatwaves in early April caused temperatures rise sharply to a record high of 42.2°C in the northern mountainous province of Son La.”
“EXCEPTIONAL RECORD HEAT IN SE ASIA/OCEANIA – tropics are with unprecedented heat smashing record after record.
“Another brutally hot night with High TMINS: 28.6 [83.5F] Kolaka INDONESIA Hottest night in history. 27.7 San Jose PHILIPPINES and 29.0 Barrow Island AUSTRALIA hottest December nights.”
“A critically endangered elephant living at a zoo on the Indonesian resort island of Bali was found dead in a river Tuesday after being swept away by strong currents following days of torrential rain, officials said.
“Molly, a 45-year-old female elephant, was found lifeless in a rocky river on Tuesday morning…”
“Perth to extend record for most 40C [104F] days in one year…
“Prior to this bout of heat, Perth had already registered 10 days over 40°C so far this year. This is the highest number of 40°C on record for a single year, beating nine days from 2007. This record could be extended to 11 or 12 days after next Monday.”
“One of the world’s largest frogs lived with dinosaurs – it now faces extinction from humans…
“A giant frog species that hopped alongside dinosaurs and is considered a “living fossil” is now losing ground in its native Chile as climate change and human intervention damage its habitat.”
“The proliferation of illegal fires in Trinidad in Tobago is affecting the country’s food security, with over 3,000 bushfires reported… during the 2024 dry season…
“Combined with global warming and human activity and the chance of dry spells, Adams said this suggests a worsening trend in bushfire occurrences throughout the country.”
“Wild temperature swings are coming the rest of the year [US]. Here’s what to expect.
“Periodic blasts of bitterly cold Arctic air have plunged into the northern and eastern US this December in stark contrast to the warmest fall on record it followed. But this seasonally appropriate air has been interrupted by periods of fall-like warmth…”
“Weather whiplash in the Sierra-Cascade and the need to accelerate resilience…
“Winter began in earnest when an atmospheric river drenched Northern California with record breaking rainfall totals and dropped a thick blanket of snow on the Sierra-Cascade at the end of November 2024. This historic storm followed another record-breaking weather event in 2024—California’s hottest summer ever recorded.”
“Ranchers face long recovery after record-breaking Oregon wildfires.
“Many of the wildfires that blackened a record 1.9 million acres in Oregon this year raced across the high desert east of the Cascades, leaving ranchers wondering how they’ll recover after the grasses their cows graze on went up in smoke.”
“Climate takes its toll on the ‘cherry capital of the world’.
“The erratic weather adding to the troubles of Michigan’s cherry growers is impacting farmers everywhere… By the time the season came to a close over the summer, as much as 75 percent of the state’s sweet cherry crop was lost.”
“Coffee prices are higher than ever. Here’s what it means for your cup…
“”My friend Sergio texted me and was like, ‘Hey, when you’ve got time for a call, we have to talk about next year,'” said Phillips, who sources beans for Anthem Coffee Imports in Kansas City, Mo. “There’s definite concerns.””
“Cocoa prices climb to new record high, prompting fresh warnings about extreme volatility…
“The benchmark contract, which hit an all-time intraday high of $11,925 in the previous session, is up over 180% year-to-date. It comes amid renewed concerns about adverse weather conditions and supply tightness in West Africa…”
“As climate change threatens Christmas trees, the farming industry tries to evolve…
“”The Earth’s climate is changing to a warmer one. And like most of society and the environment, Christmas trees are not adapting fast enough to these changes,” according to the National Centers for Environmental Information website.”
“Weather Derivatives Are Booming in an Unpredictable Climate…
“As the world’s climate becomes increasingly volatile, businesses that depend on predictable weather are turning to financial products that compensate them when there’s a heat wave, a drought or an unusually persistent bout of rain.”
“In case anyone asks you at the water-cooler today, the answer is: “Yes, the 2-year running mean for the global surface temperature anomaly is now 1.53°C above the 1850-1900 IPCC pre-industrial baseline, according to Copernicus data.””
“Aerosols could be weakening summertime circulation in the Northern Hemisphere…
“They found that aerosols play just as big a role as greenhouse gases in the slowdown of wind patterns and atmospheric flow during the summer months. Changes in aerosol emissions can influence the strength of the weather systems by altering the flow of energy between land and ocean.”
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 and heartfelt thank you to those who do subscribe or donate.
You can read the previous “Climate” thread here. I’ll be back tomorrow with an “Economic” thread.
Huge thanks to this month’s sponsor, Kimberley Hare, Facilitator of ‘The Edge’ Retreat, and Author of “At the Edge: What is Mine to Do, and Who Can I do it With?” She was kind enough to interview me for this book.
“Global warming is worse than IPCC’s worst case from 2014.
“And it’s even worse regionally. The North Atlantic region was 0.55°C warmer the past year:”
“Flooding risk will affect 1 in 4 English properties by mid-century, says report…
“Flooding from rivers, the sea or surface water already puts 6.3mn properties in danger and higher global temperatures are set to push that total to 8mn by 2050, based on the Environment Agency’s latest assessment released on Tuesday.”
“With an average of 1,016 millimeters of rainfall recorded nationwide, 2024 has officially become one of the wettest years in Dutch history, according to weather service Weeronline.
“This marks the second consecutive year of extreme rainfall, following the record-breaking 1,151 millimeters in 2023. So far, 2024 ranks as the third-wettest…
“Disaster Insurance Set to Test Italy’s Business Backbone in 2025.
“Italian companies are preparing to comply with a requirement to take out natural disaster insurance from next April, although some fear it will be hard to enforce and too costly… Italy’s northern region of Emilia-Romagna has recently been particularly hard hit by floods, with four since May 2023.”
“After a scorching drought emptied one of Bosnia’s largest lakes, the Balkan country is set to mark its hottest year on record in 2024…
“”This year will definitely be the hottest since this data was officially collected,” meteorologist Dzenan Zulum told AFP, saying the country has broken its annual heat record for the past three years in a row.”
“Athens is reviving a 2,000-year-old aqueduct to combat water scarcity exacerbated by climate change.
“The ancient structure, known as the Hadrian Aqueduct and commissioned by Roman Emperor Hadrian in 140 CE, is being reactivated by the Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Region of Attica.”
“Water highway from Alqueva to Algarve ‘under consideration’ [Portugal]…
““The Algarve has very serious problems, it needs a lot of water for agriculture, tourism and human consumption. We can’t let it become arid because that would be very bad for the economy and for quality of life.”
“One of the most insane weather events in the whole climatic history just took place:
“>31 [87.8F] AT NIGHT IN THE CANARY ISLANDS and… OVERNIGHT MINUMUM 29.6 Puerto de La Cruz is HOTTEST DECEMBER NIGHT EVER RECORDED IN THE WHOLE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE (it beat Bangkok).”
“The Canary Islands remain under maximum alert today (Monday) as extreme winds continue to batter El Hierro, La Gomera, and Tenerife…
“The powerful gusts, forecast to reach speeds of up to 130 km/h [80mph] in some areas, have prompted the regional government to maintain heightened precautions.”
“Exceptional heat all over Central Africa from Senegal to Gabon. 39.4C [102.9F] at Dakar, Senegal: It’s one of its hottest day ever (for any month!), thanks to rare hot dry wind from inland.
“Monthly records in Ghana, Gabon (34.3 Franceville), Cameroon (36.0 Douala), Nigeria, etc..”
“Hailstorm hits Bulawayo [Zimbabwe] as Cyclone Chido looms.
“Bulawayo was battered by a fierce hailstorm yesterday evening, with strong winds, lightning, and balls of ice carpeting the streets and open spaces… The intensity of the storm caused significant damage in some areas, with reports indicating that strong winds blew off roofs…”
“Thousands are feared dead after a devastating 100-year cyclone ripped across the French archipelago of Mayotte on Saturday, inflicting destruction that one resident likened to an atomic bomb.
““The situation is catastrophic, apocalyptic,” Bruno Garcia, owner of Hotel Caribou in Mamoudzou, Mayotte’s capital, told CNN-affiliate BFMTV.”
“Kenya’s devastating drought is the worst in 40 years…
“Drought in Kenya has reached dramatic levels, with millions of people affected by the lack of water and food. This phenomenon, which until a few years ago followed predictable seasonal cycles, has become increasingly frequent and intense.”
“A sand and dust storm hit southwestern Iran on Sunday, resulting in the closure of schools and public buildings and the cancellation of flights due to poor visibility, state media reported.
“A thick yellow fog shrouded the oil-rich provinces of Khuzestan and Bushehr, which border Iraq…”
“Up to 90 million hectares (222 million acres) of Kazakh territory is classified as eroded or erosion-prone land, according to the latest national development plan. More than 75 percent of agricultural land is subject to degradation…”
“Heatwaves in Ziro: Climate change hitting Arunachal [NE India] hard, and locals are worried…
“Speaking to Dr A. Sandeep, Scientist-D and Head of the Meteorological Centre in Itanagar, he explained that Arunachal Pradesh is experiencing more frequent and intense rainfall during the monsoon season, followed by prolonged dry spells.”
“Flooding continued in five southern provinces on Monday, affecting at least 128,000 families, the Thai Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported…
“So far this southern wet season, flooding has struck 11 southern provinces, killed 35 people in total and affected 737,091 households…”
“Floods in southern Thailand cause Buddhist temple to collapse.
“This is the dramatic moment part of a Buddhist temple collapsed during heavy rain and severe floods in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand on December 16. The structure was used as accommodation for monks.”
“EXTRAORDINARY HEAT IN SOUTHEAST ASIA – records destroyed all over every single day. Insane MINIMUM 27.8C [82F] at Kudat is MALAYSIA’S HOTTEST DECEMBER NIGHT IN HISTORY
“In Indonesia hottest December day at Putussibau (Borneo): 36.2C. All tropics keep warming despite months of failed Nina calls.”
“Queensland braces for more flash flooding as Sydney swelters and Victoria battles bushfires.
“Flood releases at south-east Queensland’s biggest dam, Wivenhoe, have begun as the state braces for more severe thunderstorms after a 127mm overnight deluge. Brisbane, Mackay and Townsville are preparing …downpours of up to 250mm…”
“Farming has always been gambling with dirt – but the odds are getting longer [Australia]…
“The thing about the climate crisis that messes with your head is its incremental nature. The summer storms are still there but it is as though someone has turned up the contrast dial. We get harder, faster falls coming out of nowhere.”
“Strong marine heatwave conditions which have formed around northern coasts [NZ] are set to crank up air temperatures this summer, while making for muggy days and nights…
“That unusual ocean warmth, ranging from 1-3C above normal, was expected to intensify over the next few days…”
“Dozens of luxury condos, hotels in Miami sinking at ‘unexpected’ rates, new study reveals…
““Almost all the buildings at the coast itself, they’re subsiding,” Falk Amelung, a geophysicist at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science and the study’s senior author, told the Miami Herald. “It’s a lot.””
“Florida workers died in the heat. Their deaths were kept from authorities…
“As the shift wore on, coworkers noticed Ramirez seemed unwell. He skipped lunch but kept working — until he couldn’t any longer. His co-workers discovered him on his knees in a wooded area behind the complex around 4:40 p.m. He appeared to be seizing.”
“The rule, which takes effect Jan. 2, allows insurance providers to compute policy rates by using catastrophe models that incorporate the growing risk of climate change as well as mitigation efforts, instead of relying solely on historical disaster data…”
“San Francisco was hit with its first-ever tornado warning after a devastating storm tore through northern California, flipping cars and leaving multiple people injured.
“Around one million people woke up to an alert urging them to ‘take shelter’ early Saturday, after the warning was extended into parts of neighboring San Mateo County.”
“Why it has essentially stopped snowing in D.C. during December…
“The prospect for a snowless December this year follows the District’s warmest November on record and comes during what is expected to be the warmest year on record for the planet and probably for the District as well.”
“The number of days at or below 0C (32F) is dwindling in the Northern Hemisphere, according to the non-profit Climate Central.
“More than one third of countries analyzed lost one week’s worth of freezing days — on average — over the past decade, including the vast majority of European nations and more than half of the states in the US.”
“…with sea ice weakening at an alarming pace in Canada’s Far North because of climate change, Angnatok is part of a larger effort to combine traditional Inuit practices with modern tools and technologies, such as relying on sea ice sensors and satellite imagery.”
“Some of the world’s biggest cities are so polluted they’re warming slower…
“The researchers found that the large quantity of aerosol particles in the air of highly polluted cities reflect sunlight back out into space and, at least in the short term, can have a net cooling effect on populations. “It’s a brain-twister,” said Edith de Guzman…”
““The La Niña prediction has been completely off this year globally. The climate models couldn’t capture it well. It is worrisome because the ENSO forecasts have generally been accurate over the years,” said senior marine scientist SC Shenoi…”
I rely on donations and tips from my readers to to keep the site running. Every little bit helps. Can you chip in even a dollar? Buy me a coffeeor become a Patreon supporter. A huge and heartfelt thank you to those who do subscribe or donate.
You can read the previous “Climate” thread here. I’ll be back tomorrow with an “Economic” thread.
Huge thanks to this month’s sponsor, Kimberley Hare, Facilitator of ‘The Edge’ Retreat, and Author of “At the Edge: What is Mine to Do, and Who Can I do it With?” She was kind enough to interview me for this book.
“Breaking News! Code Yikes!
“In addition to record low Arctic sea-ice extent (which is now 350,000 km² below the previous daily record), as of the latest data (December 11th), global mean surface temperatures are once again at a record high for the day, at 1.68°C above the pre-industrial average.”
“The world’s oceans have continuously been running above pre-2023 daily temperatures for 638 days now.
“As far as I can determine, this has never happened before in the NOAA OISST V2.1 dataset. Will this streak soon end, with colder tropical Pacific temperatures?”
“Is it clouds, shipping or a volcano? Scientists present potential reasons for record heat…
““We weren’t expecting 2023 to be so exceptional,” acknowledged Robert Rohde, a climate scientist at Berkeley Earth… The elevated heat has continued throughout much of 2024, with scientists still waiting to see if the unexpected warming will die down. This year is certain to be the hottest on record…”
“A controversial plan to refreeze the Arctic is seeing promising results. But scientists warn of big risks…
“Real Ice’s plan for protecting this icy ocean landscape involves inserting electric-powered, submersible pumps under sea ice to pump seawater onto the surface. The water freezes as it pools across the ice like a huge puddle, creating an extra layer of ice.”
“One of world’s largest glacier floods triggered in Greenland.
“For the first time, scientists have observed the release of a massive glacial lake outburst in East Greenland, where more than 3,000 billion liters of meltwater were unleashed in just weeks.”
“Stay away, forest visitors told after storm damage [Wales]…
“Natural Resources Wales released photos of damaged forests near Llandovery in Carmarthenshire and Crickhowell in Powys, showing dozens of felled trees. Gavin Bown of NRW said Storm Darragh took a significant toll on the land and with widespread fall of trees, the destruction could take years to overcome.”
“How climate change and red tape could be jeopardising UK access to affordable food.
“For decades, this country’s level of food security has been more or less constant… But farmers warn that given all the pressures they’re facing, that critical buffer could be about to be removed, with domestic production falling and dependence on imported food rising.2
“In Valencia, after the floods, the scourge of mud.
“Residents of flood-stricken areas in the south of the city are struggling to rid themselves of the sometimes-polluted mud that clogs sewers, generates toxic dust and continues to saturate garages. There are fears of disease outbreaks.”
“‘The water war’: how drought threatens survival of Sicily’s towns…
“When authorities decreed that the little water left in their dam should be shared with the villages of another province, the inhabitants of Troina took action, and, on 30 November, occupied the distribution centre of the reservoir, blocking access.”
“Cyprus to rely more on desalination plants as arid winters leave dams dry.
“Cyprus will depend more on desalination plants to meet its water needs as a string of dry winters has reduced amounts in 108 dams to just a quarter of their capacity, the country’s agriculture and environment minister said Wednesday.”
“Climate change intensifies extreme weather events in Namibia…
“Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism spokesperson Romeo Muyunda says the effects of climate change can be felt not only in the heat but in the change in weather patterns as well. “That includes the insufficient rain leading up to the drought, the shift in seasons, the rainy season starting late, the winter season being shorter, and now, the heat.””
“Namibia will slaughter 700 elephants, hippos, zebras and other animals due to drought.
“The drought is the worst in a century, and officials see no other choice. They say this step might relieve pressure on local resources at a time when close to half the country’s population is struggling with extreme food shortages.”
“South Africa’s record heatwaves, extreme weather: ‘We weren’t expecting this for another 50 years,’ says expert.
“South Africa is experiencing record-high temperatures, breaking several long-standing maximum and minimum records… A critical situation is emerging in South Africa’s water reserves as well, as water sources are drying up. As a result, animals are traveling considerable distances…”
“ZIMBABWE AGAIN – 44.7 [112.5F] yesterday at Beitbridge is HOTTEST DECEMBER DAY IN ZIMBABWE’S HISTORY.
“Many records from Namibia (40.4 Gobabis) to South Africa (40C up to 1800m asl ! Only Bolivia ever recorded 40C at such high elevations in Southern Hemisphere), Mozambique.”
“Zimbabwe at risk of another dry season after El Nino drought, says WFP.
“”We are worried. You can see the ground in front of us is bone dry,” said World Food Programme country director Barbara Clemens during a food distribution event in Chivi, southern Zimbabwe. Families in the district are already skipping meals to preserve the little food they have.”
“France’s Mayotte on highest alert as Cyclone Chido nears…
““This is serious. Mayotte has never known a situation like it,” council chief Ben Issa Ousseni said Friday… “We’re really scared,” said Fatima, a resident of Majicavo-Koropa village on the eastern coast. “I’ve stocked up on water bottles, food, candles,” the 57-year-old told AFP.”
“Flood alert issued as Tamil Nadu’s Poondi reservoir nears full capacity.
“Heavy rain in Chennai and surrounding districts has filled reservoirs to their maximum levels, prompting authorities to issue a flood alert. The Water Resources Department (WRD) has released 1,000 cusecs of water from the Poondi reservoir…”
“Why Arunachal’s indigenous people refuse to give up fight against Siang dam [India]… “We will become completely landless if the dam is constructed, as all our subsistence land will be submerged.”
“…Arunachal Pradesh Hydro Power Advisor Ninong Ering told EastMojo that the proposed 12,500 MW Siang Dam [will] counter China’s stands to attempt to divert the Siang River in its territory. He commented that Adis must think of their future.”
“China’s Hydropower Ambitions and the Human Cost of Water Control in Tibet…
“…the Motok project is likely to degrade water quality during its estimated five-year construction period and potentially enable China to exercise unprecedented control over critical water resources that sustain millions of people across South and Southeast Asia.”
“Record-breaking Philippines typhoon season was ‘supercharged’ by climate change.
“This year’s record-breaking typhoon season in the Philippines – which saw six consecutive storm systems hit the country in under a month – was “supercharged” by climate change, according to a rapid attribution study.”
“An oppressive heatwave stretching across half of Australia from Darwin to Victoria will send temperatures soaring up to 15 degrees Celsius above average during the coming days…
“The severe heat follows Australia’s warmest spring on record and is likely to be followed by additional bursts of hot weather through the Christmas and New Year period.”
“81mm [3.2 inches] in an hour: Streets closed, flash flooding across Brisbane.
“Cars across Brisbane have been inundated by flash flooding and more than 50 streets are closed in SEQ after a massive downpour from a slow moving thunderstorm. More than 50 streets across southeast Queensland have been closed after a thunderstorm caused widespread flash flooding.”
“Asuncion [Paraguay] reports the fall of almost 50 trees due to storms.
“In Asunción alone, nearly 50 trees were reported to have fallen during the storm that occurred between Thursday night and Friday. Vehicles and homes were affected.”
“SOUTH AMERICA HEAT WAVE – after hot and humid days, a very hot night followed between Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay.
“In particular, the Minimum temperature of 27.8C [82F] at San Jose de Chiquitos BOLIVIA is a new record of Highest minimum for December, beating that of Dec 2023.”
“Brazil farmer lobby asks to lift soybean ban from deforested Amazon rainforest.
“A farmers’ lobby in Brazil is seeking to end a two-decade-long agreement that forbids grain traders from buying soybeans from farms on deforested land in the Amazon rainforest, claiming the deal has created an uneven playing field.”
“Vibrio bacteria sickened dozens of people following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and the microbes’ range appears to be increasing up the East Coast as climate change warms coastal waters…
“Experts predict that by 2041 illnesses caused by V. vulnificus will be common around New York…”
“Record Warm Water Temperatures in the Great lakes; How it Effects Us.
“The Great Lakes have been experiencing record warm temperatures once again this year, causing major snowfall events already across the area. However, they may not be the only ones affected this year.”
“A new December wind gust record was set in Fredericton, N.B., on Thursday as a powerful weather bomb blew threw Atlantic Canada…
“A rapidly intensifying low-pressure system—tracked from the Eastern United States into northern Quebec on Wednesday brought heavy rain, mild temperatures, and record-breaking wind gusts to the Maritimes.”
“HISTORIC WARMTH IN ALASKA AND CANADA – many December records broken.
“ALASKA: Kotzebue 39F/3.9c; Nome 44F/6.7c; CANADA Up to 18.1 [64.6F] at Daniel Harbour. Records: 15.0c Winterland; 14.1c Cartwright, new December record for Labrador!”
“A Single [Marine] Heatwave Killed Half of Alaska’s Common Murres, a Shocking New Study Reveals…
“As time went on, the event became regarded as the largest known die-off of a single bird species. Scientists determined the cause of death to be starvation, triggered by a massive two-year marine heatwave dubbed “the blob”…”
“Endocrine Disruption in Marine Species: Unraveling Pollution and Climate Change Effects…
“These stressors introduce a myriad of toxic chemicals into marine environments through industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and plastic debris, which interfere with endocrine signaling pathways and hormone regulation. Climate change compounds these issues…”
“For Wild Animals, the Bird Flu Disaster Is Already Here…
“The virus has already decimated avian populations around the globe, with body counts that can sometimes be staggering: an estimated 24,000 Cape cormorants killed in South Africa, more than 57,000 pelicans reported dead in Peru. “The scale of the mortalities is truly unprecedented…””
“Landmark climate hearings conclude at world’s top court…
“In 2023, the UN, led by Vanuatu, specifically requested the international court adjudicate on climate responsibility, having expressed “profound alarm” that greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise despite vows to cut them drastically.”
“US supreme court to hear fuel firms’ challenge to California’s emission limits.
“The US supreme court agreed on Friday to hear a bid by fuel producers to challenge California’s standards for vehicle emissions and electric cars under a federal air-pollution law in a major case testing the Democrat-governed state’s power to fight greenhouse gases.”
“UN talks fail to reach agreement on dealing with rising risk of global drought…
“Despite two weeks of U.N.-sponsored talks in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh, the participating 197 nations failed to agree early Saturday on a plan to deal with global droughts, made longer and more severe by a warming climate.”
“Global political instability overtakes extreme weather as biggest risk concern.
“Shifting alliances and growing divisions within the geopolitical landscape have contributed to 96% of those responding to the survey revealing their belief that the world is a more dangerous place.”
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 and heartfelt thank you to those who do subscribe or donate.
You can read the previous “Climate” thread here. I’ll be back on Monday with an “Economic” thread.
Huge thanks to this month’s sponsor, Kimberley Hare, Facilitator of ‘The Edge’ Retreat, and Author of “At the Edge: What is Mine to Do, and Who Can I do it With?” She was kind enough to interview me for this book.
“Breaking news! Code UFB!!!
“On December 10th, Arctic sea-ice extent hit a new modern daily low, beating the previous record daily low set in 2016 by over 155,000 square kilometres.
“2024 Arctic Report Card: Arctic has second-warmest year on record in 2024.
““This is the 11th consecutive year in which Arctic regional temperature departures exceeded those of the Earth as a whole. This past decade has been the Arctic’s warmest, and has been characterized by several new annual and seasonal records.””
“The Arctic Is Lighting Up – and It’s Not the Northern Lights…
“Using night-time satellite data, an international team of researchers found that between 1992 and 2013, the Arctic became 5% brighter per year…. “…most of the artificial light is due to industrial activities rather than urban or residential development,” said Zhuosen Wang, a member of the research team.”
“Norway’s Vaar Energi finds more oil near Arctic Goliat field…
“”The potential to unlock significant additional resources is considerable, with the opportunity of being turned into high value barrels by utilising available production capacity at the Goliat facility,” Vaar CEO Torger Roed said in the statement.”
“Arctic tundra is now emitting more carbon than it absorbs, US agency says.
“The Arctic tundra is undergoing a dramatic transformation, driven by frequent wildfires that are turning it into a net source of carbon dioxide emissions after millennia of acting as a carbon sink, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa) said on Tuesday.”
“Study finds Arctic warming tied to severe cold spells in UK, Europe…
“A disrupted jet stream can generate certain conditions called “blocking” that can lead to pockets of cold Arctic air plunging much farther south than usual.”
“Food insecurity rising in UK because of climate breakdown, Defra report finds…
“Numbers of hungry and malnourished households in the UK are on the rise because of climate breakdown and inflation, government figures show, with poorer, younger and disabled people hit hardest.”
“Mountain permafrost is warming across Europe, study shows.
“Permafrost temperatures in Europe’s mountain regions are rising steadily, in some cases by more than 1°C over the last decade. The results of a new study show larger and faster changes than before.”
“Greece faced 9,500 forest fires this year, says minister…
“Wildfires are common in the eastern Mediterranean country, but hotter, drier and windier weather that scientists link to the effects of fossil fuel-driven climate change has increased their frequency and intensity.”
“Last month was the warmest November on Lanzarote since records began…
“Despite the cooler weather experienced on the island over the last few days, 2024 is also promising to be one of the hottest years the island has ever recorded.”
Temperatures still hovering the 40C [104F] and more records of Highest December temperatures including 37.5C at Koforidua in GHANA. This station has beaten the records of all previous months and the previous records were set in 2023.”
“Mokopane breaks temperature records during heatwave.
“Mokopane, much like the rest of Limpopo and South Africa, has been at the center of unprecedented temperature extremes since last week… On Wednesday, Mokopane’s maximum temperature reached 39.2°C [102.6F], surpassing its previous high of 39.1°C set on December 26, 2019.”
“EXCEPTIONAL HEAT IN THE INDIAN OCEAN – brutally hot and humid nights persist in the French Southern Territories.
“JUAN DE NOVA ISLAND Min. 29.2 [84.6F] today and 29.1 yesterday; these are the highest minimums ever recorded anywhere in the Territory (formed by several islands).”
“Record Levels of Flooding in Africa Compounds Stress on Fragile Countries…
“27 countries in Africa’s tropical zone experienced unusually heavy rainfall in 2024 compared to their historical norms. These increases in the quantity and intensity of rainfall in Africa mirror patterns seen elsewhere around the globe.”
“Mosquito genetics may explain why Zika virus outbreaks are rare in Africa: Climate change could shift the balance…
“Climate is considered one of the primary drivers for the distribution of other diseases spread by the same mosquito species, such as dengue and yellow fever, because it influences many factors important for transmission…”
““Massive” fires broke out in a date palm plantation in Merowe locality in Sudan’s Northern State over the weekend, reportedly burning hundreds of palm trees…
“Fires were also reported in Du Makan on the eastern bank of the Nile, Duwaim Wad Haj, and Abu Dom. He attributed the recurrence of palm tree fires to farmers’ poor treatment of the soil. They reportedly set random fires which spread due to the winds.”
“Africa Turns to a Precarious Form of Insurance as Climate Aid Dries Up… How Drought Insurance Can Leave Millions Without Food…
“African countries are buying parametric coverage to help with disaster recovery. But it doesn’t always pay out — and it’s no substitute for climate compensation from the rich world.”
“Flash flood displaces over 100 families in Tagum City [Philippines]…
“The local government continues to provide assistance to evacuees while assessing the extent of damage caused by the flash flood. Residents are urged to stay alert and heed official advisories to ensure their safety.”
“Thousands of records have fallen, beaten and rebeaten, every single day since early 2023. Today Belitung Island had by far its hottest night in history with a minimum temperature of 26.8C [80.2F], first time it has a Tmin >26C.”
“As marine heatwaves intensify, Bali’s fishers hunt far and wide…
“”There are fewer and fewer fish coming here,” said Sulistiono, who earns about 2,000,000 Indonesian rupiah ($126) a month, less than half of what he made five years ago. “And it’s not uncommon for ships to come home with no fish…””
“Warming waters could endanger all fish in tropical & subtropical regions, warns UNESCO…
“Rising global temperatures could have devastating consequences for marine ecosystems, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions… Researchers predict that up to all fish species in these areas may surpass their thermal tolerance limits under the most severe climate change scenario.”
“Geochemical analysis reveals origins of red dust that blanketed New Zealand’s Southern Alps…
“…ash from Australia’s bushfires was blamed. But researchers studying the event now say the real culprit was desert dust storms that sent massive amounts of red dust across the Tasman Sea. These storms are likely to occur more often as the climate warms.”
“Antarctic ice sheet patterns point to rapid melting risks…
““From our research, we can see that the Antarctic ice sheet is more unstable than previously thought. We demonstrate how sensitive the geologically early Antarctic ice sheet was to changes in Earth’s orbit and axis,” explained Dr. Tim van Peer from the University of Leicester.”
“‘Making Argentina great again’? What a year under a climate-change denying president has done for the country…
“The push towards mining is just one of the impacts of Milei’s first year in office. In November, Argentina withdrew its negotiators from the Cop29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan.”
“A new study found that Andean tropical glaciers have reached their lowest levels in 11,700 years, with drastic consequences for the Amazon due to the overlap of the two ecosystems. The findings come to light as record droughts in the Amazon in 2023 and 2024…”
“How the Amazon’s ‘Boiling River’ [in Peru] foreshadows a warmer world…
“Higher temperatures in the Amazon could threaten the very functioning of many plants there, says Rodolfo Nóbrega at the University of Bristol – and the Boiling River illustrates this perfectly.”
“Dengue fever cases reach record-high in the Americas amid climate change.
“The Caribbean and the Americas are being hit hard by dengue fever, with a record 12.6 million suspected cases of the mosquito-borne virus reported this year, according to regional health officials. That’s nearly triple the number of cases reported in 2023.”
“Celebrities among thousands fleeing Malibu wildfire.
“Actor Dick Van Dyke and musician Cher are among thousands of residents who have been told to leave their homes in the city of Malibu after a fast-moving wildfire broke out and burned acres of the wealthy enclave near Los Angeles.”
“Bighorn sheep face increasing avalanche dangers as the climate warms.
“An ominous forecast awaits bighorn sheep in the the Sierra Nevada mountains. There are likely to be more frequent avalanches as the world continues to warm… Additionally, recovering wolf and mountain lion populations could pose increased threats to the wild sheep.”
“Thawing permafrost poses a threat to northern runways, says a new Senate report looking at how climate change is impacting critical infrastructure across the country [Canada]…
““Most northern airports have gravel runways that were built on permafrost during the Cold War and have received few upgrades since then,” reads the report.”
“Atlantic circulation collapse? New clues on the fate of a crucial conveyor belt…
“We …know that the AMOC has collapsed to a near-halt multiple times over the past 2 million years, most recently from about 12,000 to about 11,000 years ago. These epic “off” phases can have profound impacts on large parts of the globe.”
““Even in the absence of El Nino or La Nina conditions since May, we have witnessed an extraordinary series of extreme weather events, including record-breaking rainfall and flooding which have unfortunately become the new norm in our changing climate,” said Saulo.”
“AI predicts Earth’s peak warming: Hottest years will likely shatter recent records…
“”Our results suggest that even if all the effort and investment in decarbonization is as successful as possible, there is a real risk that, without commensurate investments in adaptation, people and ecosystems will be exposed to climate conditions that are much more extreme than what they are currently prepared for,” Diffenbaugh said.”
“Extreme heat may rapidly sap the ocean’s ability to absorb CO2…
“The ocean currently absorbs a quarter of the world’s CO2 emissions from the atmosphere each year. However, warming temperatures are expected to weaken this natural carbon sink and observations from 2023 suggest this process may be happening even faster than anticipated.”
“To fix the world’s problems, we need both optimism and pessimism…
“COP30, which is due to be held in Belém, Brazil, next November, offers an opportunity for an attitude reset… As for next year, raise a glass… and hope that the uncertainty thrown up by this year’s climate news can, and will, be a catalyst for change.”
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 and heartfelt thank you to those who do subscribe or donate.
You can read the previous “Climate” thread here. I’ll be back tomorrow with an “Economic” thread.
Huge thanks to this month’s sponsor, Kimberley Hare, Facilitator of ‘The Edge’ Retreat, and Author of “At the Edge: What is Mine to Do, and Who Can I do it With?” She was kind enough to interview me for this book.
“Global Temperature Set to Surpass 1.5C Threshold in Hottest Year on Record…
“The average global temperature reached 1.62C above pre-industrial levels in November, according to the EU-funded Copernicus Climate Change Service, surpassing the symbolic 1.5C level…”
“Drylands now make up 40% of land on Earth, excluding Antarctica, study says…
“An area of land nearly a third larger than India has turned from humid conditions to dryland – arid areas where agriculture is difficult – in the past three decades, research has found.”
“Poleward freshwater fish are outperforming their equatorial counterparts amid climate change, study finds.
“Freshwater fish populations that dwell nearer the poles are outperforming their equatorial counterparts, researchers have found. Large-bodied migratory species such as Atlantic salmon are thriving as warming temperatures open up new habitats at the poleward edge of their ranges.”
“How climate change is already affecting the Barents Sea…
“”Svalbard is melting as we watch,” says Eldevik. “This is because Svalbard is fixed geographically, while the climate zone is shifting northeastward toward the Arctic Ocean.””
“Tesla lobbied UK to strengthen rules on carbon emissions from cars and lorries…
“Tesla argued that “continued progress and further strengthening of the zero-emission vehicle mandate is needed” because quicker sales of new electric cars will mean the used electric car market will develop at a faster pace.”
“Storm Darragh leaves UK’s biggest solar farm in pieces.
“Hundreds of panels at the giant 190-acre Porth Wen solar farm in Anglesey, North Wales – only built two years ago – were blown off their mountings, some ripped to shreds.”
“[UK] mince pie prices jump 40 per cent after poor sultana harvest…
“It comes after two consecutive years of bad harvests in Turkey, the largest producer of sultanas, which is a key ingredient in a mince pie, along with other dried fruits and spices.”
“Climate change: How Alpine ski resorts are adapting to the end of the ‘white gold’ era.
“As a result of climate change, low- and medium altitude ski resorts are becoming less attractive in winter. With the help of ten pilot areas, BeyondSnow is preparing them for ‘after the snow’.”
“Glacier melt leads to redrawing of the Italian-Swiss border…
“The fear of losing snow highlights the underlying issue behind redrawing this border: mountain environments on both sides are becoming more hazardous due to climate change. In both Switzerland and Italy, melting permafrost is leading to rockslides that threaten communities and more frequent extreme floods.”
“South Africa’s climate battle: mining district exposes gaps in emissions control…
“One official said, “We just don’t have the resources to deal with these problems.” There was no specific mention in the available documents of a formal request to the National Treasury for funds specifically to implement a climate project.”
“Pretoria braces for another week of heatwave conditions…
“According to Vox Weather, the heatwave continues to grip parts of North West, Limpopo, the Free State, the Eastern Cape, and the Northern Cape this Monday and is expected to return to Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and the rest of Limpopo from Tuesday.”
“43.0 [109.4F] at Mababe BOTSWANA HOTTEST DECEMBER DAY IN HISTORY.
“Incredible Minimums 27/30C in the highlands at 1000m+ above sea level… Hundreds of records coming next 2 weeks in a dozen countries… Hottest day in history at Omaruru, NAMIBIA; 41.9C at an altitude of 1220m asl…”
“Kenya Growth Forecast Lowered Due to Floods, Protests.
“The East African nation’s 2024 economic growth outlook was trimmed to 4.7% from a 5% forecast back in June. Floods and anti-government protests are weighing on output, along with the government’s push for fiscal consolidation through tighter spending.”
“Climate-change-battered Seychelles takes part in Hague case.
“The Seychelles, a small island nation off the east coast of Africa, is among the countries participating in a climate change hearing taking place through December 13 at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands.”
“Small island nations face climate-induced ‘catastrophe’, warn experts.
“The 65 million people living in the world’s small island nations face “catastrophe” from the health impacts of climate breakdown, say experts behind a Lancet Countdown report.”
“What Made Cyclone Fengal So Devastating [SE India and Sri Lanka] Despite Its Low Intensity?
“…The main reason for Fengal’s destructive impact was its movement. The cyclone moved at a slow pace, at times travelling at less than 6 km/h while still over the sea. After landfall, it remained stationary for nearly 12 hours, which is highly unusual for cyclones.”
“Urgent action required to tackle ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar after Typhoon Yagi.
“Myanmar is facing a deepening humanitarian crisis as it struggles to recover from the devastating impact of Typhoon Yagi in September, which caused severe flooding and landslides affecting over 1.1 million people across 70 townships.”
“Nepal is bearing brunt of climate change impacts in disproportionate manner: Foreign Minister Deuba…
““We are having to bear the brunt of the impacts of climate change in a disproportionate manner. In fact, we are paying for a bad ‘karma’ we did not create,” Deuba stressed.”
“Over 140 evacuated as forest fire rages in SW China’s Sichuan.
“More than 140 people were evacuated after a forest fire broke out Monday afternoon in a village in Yajiang county, Southwest China’s Sichuan province, local authorities said Tuesday. Over 300 rescue personnel are trying to put out the fire, according to local firefighters.”
“Study: Global warming fueled fatal downpour in Ishikawa [Noto, Japan].
“The amount of rain that fell on Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, over a 24-hour period on that day was 412 millimeters [16.2 inches], a record level that far exceeded the previous high… The team believes the rise in air and sea surface temperatures increased the amount of rain.”
“Up to 500mm [20 inches of] rain forecast to hit central Vietnam in coming days.
“Torrential rains with precipitation of up to 500mm are predicted to smash parts of central Vietnam for several days from Tuesday, while the northern region may see a cold spell…”
“An expansive study conducted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) examining garment manufacturing hubs in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Vietnam has raised significant concerns about the rising exposure of workers to extreme heat and wet-bulb conditions.”
“The pillar mandarin orange sector on South Korea’s Jeju island is facing mounting challenges as climate change disrupts traditional cultivation practices, with prolonged tropical nights and rising temperatures delaying harvests and impacting fruit quality…”
“Wettest November on record: What’s behind the rainy weather in Singapore?
“With a total rainfall of 419mm, November surpassed the previous record of 390.1mm set in the same month in 1992, the agency said. This represents an increase of 47.4 per cent from the average November rainfall of 284.3mm in previous years.”
“Deadly landslides, flash floods hit Indonesia’s Java island…
“Torrential rains since last week caused rivers to burst their banks, tearing through more than 170 villages in the Sukabumi district of West Java province, as mud, rocks and trees tumbled down mountainside hamlets…”
“Hottest night in history at Gorontalo (Borneo) with a min of 26.4C [79.5F]. Hottest December night at Tanjung Selor min. 25.6C. Double record at Singekp (Riau Islands) min. 26.8 max. 34.2: Both are records high for December.”
“Brisbane’s warmest pair of December nights on record.
“With a Monday morning minimum of 25.3°C followed by 25.1°C this Tuesday, Brisbane just sweated through its warmest pair of December nights on record.”
“Up to three insect species become extinct in Australia every week, report says…
“More than 9,000 invertebrate species have disappeared since European colonisation, with another 39 to 148 species predicted to become extinct in 2024 despite the Australian government’s pledge to prevent all extinctions.”
“Heavy rains cause damage in 25 municipalities in Santa Catarina [Brazil].
“The heavy rains that hit Santa Catarina have caused flooding and flash floods in several regions of the state. The number of affected municipalities has risen to 25, with more than 1,300 people impacted by flooding and landslides.”
“Volcafe Slashes Brazil Arabica Coffee Outlook on Severe Drought…
“Brazil “had the potential of moving the global supply and demand equilibrium back into a much-needed surplus,” Volcafe said. “However, the results of our crop tour indicate significantly high levels of blossom failure.””
“Stifling hot nights with unprecedented record for December: Highest Tmins for 26.6 ST MAARTEN and 26.1 ANGUILLA. 33.4c CURACAO Hottest December day in history for the 3rd time this month… In Mexico summer in winter in the highlands with temperatures of 35C at 1000m asl…”
“It’s almost winter, but much of the U.S. is still unusually dry…
“Even after a polar plunge, a bomb cyclone and atmospheric river, and heavy lake-effect snow, over 71 percent of the United States was still facing abnormally dry conditions as of early December.”
“Last month wrapped up a record-warm meteorological fall across the U.S. This year-to-date period is also running as the nation’s warmest on record, according to scientists from NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI).”
“A ‘doom loop’ of climate change and geopolitical instability is beginning…
“Climate change is making geopolitics less stable, which harms climate action. This will worsen climate change, meaning more geopolitical instability, and so on. The risk is that this “doom loop” runs faster and faster…”
“EU should ban space mirrors and other solar geoengineering, scientists say [I know readers will be divided on this one]…
“Monday’s report, authored by the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors to the European Commission, found the “deep uncertainties” of solar geoengineering were inconsistent with the EU’s precautionary principle and its responsibility to do no harm.”
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 and heartfelt thank you to those who do subscribe or donate.
You can read the previous “Climate” thread here. I’ll be back tomorrow with an “Economic” thread.
Huge thanks to this month’s sponsor, Kimberley Hare, Facilitator of ‘The Edge’ Retreat, and Author of “At the Edge: What is Mine to Do, and Who Can I do it With?” She was kind enough to interview me for this book.
“The Arctic Ocean may have its first ice-free day before 2030, or sooner than previously expected, as rapid melting shows an increasing rate of loss in the polar region, a new scientific study concludes.
“The north pole has lost half of its late summer sea ice cover since the early 1980s, and the latest findings bring forward the possible date for an ice-free Arctic.”
“Melting permafrost makes ‘drunken forests’ store less carbon.
“As the Arctic ground thaws due to climate change, trees are struggling to stay upright – and this slows their growth and makes them store less carbon.”
“Greenland is getting greener – helped by a mining company and a group of tree enthusiasts…
“Greening sounds good compared to deforestation, but in the Arctic, the expansion of plant life amplifies dangerous feedback loops… The growth of trees and shrubs accelerates the thawing of permafrost, increasing global heating…”
“Since 2010, Alaska has experienced six of its top 10 warmest years. The last year that ranked in the top 10 of Alaska’s coldest years was 1975… The Bering Sea ice season is now 41 days shorter than it was in the 1970s.”
“Parts of of Finland see record warmest autumn in 90 years [of record-keeping]…
“Rankki in Kotka recorded the warmest autumn of its observation history of over 90 years, said FMI in a press release on Thursday… The average temperature in the autumn varied from about 1 degrees in north-west arm of Finnish Lapland to 10 degrees Celsius along the country’s southern coast.”
“Dire Russian crop health and Ukraine export risks threaten Black Sea wheat…
“…at least 37% of Russia’s winter crops are in poor condition compared with 4% a year ago, and this is the worst rating ever recorded. On average over the last five years, just 8% of winter crops are in poor shape by this date.”
“Climate change threatens global food supply: Scientists call for urgent action…
“”We’re in a race against time,” explained Silvia Restrepo, president of the Boyce Thompson Institute: “The crops we depend on for food are increasingly struggling to survive extreme weather, from heat waves to droughts and floods. Meanwhile, our current approaches to developing tougher, more resilient crops simply aren’t moving fast enough.””
“Millions urged to stay inside as Storm Darragh hits UK and Ireland with rare red weather warning issued…
“The government sent out a text alert to around three million people ahead of landfall, before Storm Darragh hit Ireland first, and then moved on to the British Isles.”
“One of Bosnia’s largest lakes emptied amid ‘scary’ drought.
“For years, the village of Ostrozac, where Kuljanin lives, had profited from the tourists attracted by Jablanicko’s emerald waters. But the rain has dried up this year and its water levels have plummeted.”
“After Deadly Floods, Spain Struggles With Epic Cleanup…
“Paiporta has lost its sports center, playgrounds, garden and squares, as well as homes, shops and offices. The city has gone back 40 years, Menchero says. “It is a Dantesque and devastated place.””
“Portugal Records Hottest-ever November: Weather Agency…
“On Monday the meteorological agency in neighbouring Spain announced that it had recorded its warmest November since records began, coming on the heels of deadly floods in October.”
“Tenerife boils as major city in Canary Islands records highest temperature in 100 years.
“The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) confirmed the record, writing on X: “Santa Cruz de Tenerife broke its December maximum temperature record on the 1st: 28.6C. This exceeds the previous record, set in 2009, in a series that spans more than a century.””
“Why climate change will cause more people to flee to Europe…
“The Institute for Economics and Peace has predicted that 1.2bn people could be displaced by 2050 because of the effects of natural disasters and extreme weather impacts. The Niinistö report noted that “by 2050, it is estimated that more than 1bn people will have insufficient access to water”.”
“Water Crisis Hits Morocco’s Agriculture: Government Allocates Resources, Invests in Desalination…
“Morocco has been battling an intense drought for nearly six years, plunging the country into a severe water crisis. Rainfall has declined by over 40% compared to normal levels, water reserves have dropped by 75%, and underground water resources are depleting at an alarming rate.”
“Severe Floods Hit Tripoli and Surroundings in Libya, Dozens of Cars Floating!
“Heavy rainfall has led to severe flooding in several areas including Tripoli, Zawiya, and Souq Al Juma in Libya, following warnings issued by the National Center of Meteorology regarding weather instability in the region.”
“RECORD HEAT IN THE GULF OF GUINEA – hot and dry harmattan wind is blowing towards the coast resulting in exceptionally maximum temperatures, especially in GHANA.
“December records broken including in the capital: 37.5 Accra [99.5F]; 37.5 Ho; 37.0 Sunyani… Ghana has broken records every month.”
“Cocoa crisis: Ghana’s farmers want next leader to tackle climate change…
““Many of my cocoa trees failed this season because of pests and diseases. The weather patterns have changed. The rains no longer come as they used to, and when they do, they bring pests and diseases with them,” said Kate Buadu, 75, a farmer in Oyoko, in eastern Ghana.”
“How conflict, climate change and the environment intersect in Yemen, December 2024…
“Many of Yemen’s local conflicts revolve around access to dwindling natural resources, particularly water and land – a problem that has plagued the country and its people for decades. Now, climate change and the environmental impacts of the war are critically reducing the availability of natural resources…”
“The coastal region of Karnataka [India] has witnessed its highest post-monsoon rainfall, with incessant rains lashing the area over the past few days.
“In Dakshina Kannada district, the expected rainfall for the period between November 28 and December 4 is 4.8 mm. However, this year, the district received 82.4 mm, a staggering 1,617% increase.”
“China Reports Warmest Autumn Since Records Began…
“China has already this year logged its hottest July since records began — which was also the hottest month in the history of observation. August too was the warmest ever recorded…”
“Chinese Farmer Blames Extreme Weather for Poor Kiwi Harvest.
“Continued rains followed by extreme high temperatures resulted in a Chinese farmer’s kiwi harvest dropping by about half… Some of the fruit trees were also affected by canker disease, China Shenshan said.”
“HISTORIC HEAT IN SINGAPORE: 35.7 [96.3F] Peya Lebar, 34.7 Changi Int. Airport. DECEMBER HEAT RECORDS DESTROYED IN PIECES.
“100% of all tropics are destroying with extreme margins all records set during the 2023 Nino. All Tropics will keep warming next weeks at unprecedented levels.”
“At least five dead, seven missing after West Java floods, landslides…
“Heavy rains hitting the regency on Tuesday and Wednesday had caused at least 33 severe weather events in 22 districts across Sukabumi, most of which were landslides and floods. The regency administration had declared a state of emergency.”
“HISTORIC – Hottest day in climate history of West Papua (Irian Jaya); 37.9 [100.2F] Tanah Merah tied its own all time record and all time high for the whole Indonesian Province.
“Indonesia has broken all time highs of 3 provinces in few weeks.”
“Warmest waters on Earth help fuel another weekend thunderstorm outbreak from Brisbane to Melbourne…
“Sea surface temperatures surrounding Australia were the highest on record in spring, and are currently simmering up to 32 degrees Celsius off the Top End and Kimberley coasts. This abnormal offshore warmth is supplying the atmosphere with abundant moisture…”
“First day of summer bushfires damages iconic Helms Arboretum in WA.
“Helms Arboretum north of Esperance in Western Australia has been significantly damaged by fire. The location is popular among social media influencers and couples as a wedding venue.”
“Vicious cycle: Wildfires are making climate change worse…
“Climate change makes intense fires more likely by bringing hotter, drier conditions. Those extreme fires in turn become a growing source of carbon pollution …which might mean we see more of these fires as well.”
“North and South America Endured ‘Exceptional’ Wildfire Season in 2024…
“The Pantanal wetlands, the Amazon, Canada and the western US experienced “particularly intense wildfires”… The Amazon wildfire season started early this year, with Brazil and Venezuela breaking the record for the highest carbon emissions for February.”
“For much of 2024, thick clouds of smoke engulfed much of Bolivia—the result of record-breaking fires that raged across the region… The numbers of fires in the months of June, July, and September all broke records, according to an analysis of Aqua MODIS data…”
“A severe drought that spread over recent months in Peru’s Loreto and Ucayali regions led to the isolation of more than 130 communities.
“Record low river levels affected the navigation of boats that deliver food and supplies as well as the health and livelihoods of communities that rely on fish for food and trade.”
“12 injured, several children missing after dam bursts in Colombia.
“At least a dozen people were injured and several children missing after a dam burst in the rural southwest Colombian department of Cauca early Friday, the Colombian Civil Defense reported, Xinhua reports.”
“Over 2,000 residents were evacuated and three people died as flooding affected parts of northern Costa Rica on Wednesday, December 4, when heavy rain caused rivers to overflow.
“Local media said the Sarapiqui, Puerto Viejo, and Tigre rivers were overflowing, resulting in “serious” damage in several communities.”
“All Caribbean islands are smashing every Dec record with margins never seen in climatic history… GRENADA Crazy Min 27.6C [81.7F] today smashed in pieces its national record… Two more Dutch Caribbeans territories had their December hottest nights in history: Tmin 26.8 St Maarten; Tmin 26.6 St Eustatius.”
“In Mexico, Heat Waves Are Even Killing Younger Adults…
“Unexpectedly, the team also found that a large number of children under 4 and adults aged 18 to 34 were dying from the heat — but at more moderate conditions than those affecting older adults.”
“Texas water and the economic miracle are at risk of evaporating…
“Fossil fuels have been driving much of the growth… But water is crucial to this industry, as much of the production comes from fracking. However, in the midst of a mega-drought that has lasted several decades, driven largely by global warming, water has become a source of major concern.”
“Climate and environment updates: America will soon need a ‘shocking’ amount of power.
“”The era of flat power demand is behind us,” the report found. “Over the past two years, the five-year load growth forecast has increased by almost a factor of five.” …That means the country’s demand for electricity is estimated to increase by nearly 16% by 2029.”
“How climate risks are driving up insurance premiums around the US – visualized…
“Concern over the climate crisis may evaporate in the White House from January, but its financial costs are now starkly apparent to Americans in the form of soaring home insurance premiums – with those in the riskiest areas for floods, storms and wildfires suffering the steepest rises of all.”
“Climate change poses significant risk to pension funds…
“North American pension funds could see returns decimated by 50 per cent if worst case scenario climate change forecasts materialise by 2040, industry research reveals.”
“Decline of Reflective Low Clouds May Have Contributed to Recent Record Heat…
“When famed climate scientist James Hansen warned of that effect in 2021 and projected a steep acceleration of warming, his findings were criticized by some other scientists as over-emphasizing the role of sulfate aerosols. But aerosol-focused research since then, as well as continued warming into 2024, seems to support his conclusions.”
“Plans to stabilise Earth’s climate rely on emerging carbon removal technology – we need to get moving…
“Earth is hurtling towards a climate catastrophe, with more than 3°C of warming under current global policies. We must do everything we can to avert disaster, which means slashing emissions as much as we possibly can, and removing what’s left.”
“Why ‘Tipping Points’ Are the Wrong Way to Talk about Climate Change…
“Instead, the authors argued, more tangible and immediate climate emergencies — such as extreme weather events, which are worsening around the globe as temperatures rise — may be more likely to inspire a greater sense of urgency among policymakers and the public.”
“Meta-analysis of current global warming impacts suggests a third of all species could be extinct by 2100…
“…some cases of chain-reaction extinctions could occur, in which a small animal goes extinct and then a larger animal that feeds on it consequently goes extinct.”
I rely on donations and tips from my readers to to keep the site running. Every little bit helps. Can you chip in even a dollar? Buy me a coffeeor become a Patreon supporter. A huge and heartfelt thank you to those who do subscribe or donate.
You can read the previous “Climate” thread here. I’ll be back on Monday with an “Economic” thread.
“As far as I know, your work is unique in pulling together stories from all over the world. Very sobering but a better and more complete view. Terrific and necessary work. Thank you!” – Simon
“With the inundation of so much depressing news, Justin Panopticon presents it in a succinct format that one can quickly go thru and see the big picture of climate and economics/politics to stay current and if a particle topic is of interest one can delve into the details… I try never to miss any of his posts…I am a Patreon of his work.”
– Karina S.
Search
About This Site
Weekday updates on both climate change and the global economy. Stay current with what’s happening around the world with a quick scan of top news.
“Antarctica’s tipping points threaten global climate stability…
“Record-low Antarctic sea ice in 2023 increased ocean heat loss and storms…
“Day #8 of setting a record daily low for Arctic sea-ice extent.
“Trouble in Arctic town [Churchill, Canada] as polar bears and people face warming world.
“The difference between the lowest and highest temperature in Norway Wednesday was 51.5C [92.7F]!
“Hallig Life in the Climate Crisis [Germany].
“Flood warnings and alerts in place across Wales as heavy rain batters country again.
“PERILS raises storm Storm Boris European flood industry loss estimate 10% to €2.08bn.
“Storm Triggers Flooding in Southern Russia’s Sochi.
“EU watchdogs call for disaster-relief fund in wake of Valencia floods.
“Alicante bakes through the hottest and driest year on record [Spain]…
“Air quality is “extremely unfavourable” in the Canary Islands due to a supercalima.
“Update on MADEIRA – crazy max. 29.9 [85.8F] Porto Moniz yesterday; MADEIRA DECEMBER RECORD DESTROYED after destroying that of November.
“AFRICA RECORD HEAT:
“Cyclone Chido deaths rise in south-east Africa as Mayotte toll remains unclear…
“Cyclone Chido leaves Mayotte reeling. Warmer oceans fueled it…
“INSANE RECORD HEAT IN THE INDIAN OCEAN – unbelievable 36.6 [97.9F] Juan de Nova Island is ALL TIME RECORD HEAT FOR ALL FRENCH SOUTHERN TERRITORIES.
“More than 1,300 Hajj pilgrims died this year when humidity and heat pushed past survivable limits. It’s just the start.
“Hindu Kush Himalaya faces increased risks amid record glacier melting.
“Climate change sees Nepalese farmers return to indigenous crops…
“Can China Shield the Biggest Uninsured Economy From Floods?
“Vietnam likely to face potential for extreme heat in 2025…
“EXCEPTIONAL RECORD HEAT IN SE ASIA/OCEANIA – tropics are with unprecedented heat smashing record after record.
“A critically endangered elephant living at a zoo on the Indonesian resort island of Bali was found dead in a river Tuesday after being swept away by strong currents following days of torrential rain, officials said.
“Perth to extend record for most 40C [104F] days in one year…
“One of the world’s largest frogs lived with dinosaurs – it now faces extinction from humans…
“The proliferation of illegal fires in Trinidad in Tobago is affecting the country’s food security, with over 3,000 bushfires reported… during the 2024 dry season…
“Wild temperature swings are coming the rest of the year [US]. Here’s what to expect.
“Weather whiplash in the Sierra-Cascade and the need to accelerate resilience…
“Ranchers face long recovery after record-breaking Oregon wildfires.
“Climate takes its toll on the ‘cherry capital of the world’.
“Coffee prices are higher than ever. Here’s what it means for your cup…
“Cocoa prices climb to new record high, prompting fresh warnings about extreme volatility…
“As climate change threatens Christmas trees, the farming industry tries to evolve…
“Weather Derivatives Are Booming in an Unpredictable Climate…
“When it occurred, 2016 was striking as the hottest directly measured year up until that point.
“Aerosols could be weakening summertime circulation in the Northern Hemisphere…
“Global warming is worse than IPCC’s worst case from 2014. 
“Customers in Ireland are being advised to shop locally as the closure of a ferry port in North Wales continues to affect Christmas deliveries.
“Flooding risk will affect 1 in 4 English properties by mid-century, says report…
“With an average of 1,016 millimeters of rainfall recorded nationwide, 2024 has officially become one of the wettest years in Dutch history, according to weather service Weeronline. 
“Disaster Insurance Set to Test Italy’s Business Backbone in 2025.
“After a scorching drought emptied one of Bosnia’s largest lakes, the Balkan country is set to mark its hottest year on record in 2024…
“Athens is reviving a 2,000-year-old aqueduct to combat water scarcity exacerbated by climate change. 
“Water highway from Alqueva to Algarve ‘under consideration’ [Portugal]…
“One of the most insane weather events in the whole climatic history just took place:
“The Canary Islands remain under maximum alert today (Monday) as extreme winds continue to batter El Hierro, La Gomera, and Tenerife…
“Just in: RECORD! 28.5 [83.3F] right now at Porto Moniz and rising… HOTTEST DECEMBER DAY EVER RECORDED IN MADEIRA.
“Exceptional heat all over Central Africa from Senegal to Gabon. 39.4C [102.9F] at Dakar, Senegal: It’s one of its hottest day ever (for any month!), thanks to rare hot dry wind from inland.
“ZIMBABWE AGAIN! Brutal heat yesterday with 46.4 [115.5F] at Beitbridge (border with Musina/South Africa) – HOTTEST DECEMBER DAY IN ZIMBABWE HISTORY.
“Hailstorm hits Bulawayo [Zimbabwe] as Cyclone Chido looms.
“Thousands are feared dead after a devastating 100-year cyclone ripped across the French archipelago of Mayotte on Saturday, inflicting destruction that one resident likened to an atomic bomb.
“Kenya’s devastating drought is the worst in 40 years…
“MALDIVES AGAIN! 33.6 [92.5F] yesterday at Hanimaadhoo, hottest December day in Maldives history.
“A sand and dust storm hit southwestern Iran on Sunday, resulting in the closure of schools and public buildings and the cancellation of flights due to poor visibility, state media reported.
“Kazakhstan: Grappling with desertification…
“Heatwaves in Ziro: Climate change hitting Arunachal [NE India] hard, and locals are worried…
“Flooding continued in five southern provinces on Monday, affecting at least 128,000 families, the Thai Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported…
“Floods in southern Thailand cause Buddhist temple to collapse.
“EXTRAORDINARY HEAT IN SOUTHEAST ASIA – records destroyed all over every single day. Insane MINIMUM 27.8C [82F] at Kudat is MALAYSIA’S HOTTEST DECEMBER NIGHT IN HISTORY
“HISTORIC HEAT IN INDONESIA – minimum 28.4 [83.1F] Saumlaki is HOTTEST NIGHT EVER RECORDED IN THE MOLUKKAS.
“Queensland braces for more flash flooding as Sydney swelters and Victoria battles bushfires.
“Farming has always been gambling with dirt – but the odds are getting longer [Australia]…
“Some New South Wales Riverina regions sweltered in the highest December temperatures on record on Monday. 
“Strong marine heatwave conditions which have formed around northern coasts [NZ] are set to crank up air temperatures this summer, while making for muggy days and nights…
“ENDLESS RECORD HEAT IN THE CARIBBEAN: 33.4C [92.1F] CURACAO broke its December record heat for the 4th time this month.
“Dozens of luxury condos, hotels in Miami sinking at ‘unexpected’ rates, new study reveals…
“Florida workers died in the heat. Their deaths were kept from authorities…
“California Lets Insurers Price Climate Risk, Sparking Cost Fears…
“San Francisco was hit with its first-ever tornado warning after a devastating storm tore through northern California, flipping cars and leaving multiple people injured.
“Why it has essentially stopped snowing in D.C. during December…
“The number of days at or below 0C (32F) is dwindling in the Northern Hemisphere, according to the non-profit Climate Central. 
“Globe Climate: On thinning ice [Arctic Canada]…
“Day #5 of setting a record daily low for Arctic sea-ice extent.
“Some of the world’s biggest cities are so polluted they’re warming slower…
“What Went Wrong With La Niña Forecasts?
“Breaking News! Code Yikes! 
“The world’s oceans have continuously been running above pre-2023 daily temperatures for 638 days now.
“Is it clouds, shipping or a volcano? Scientists present potential reasons for record heat…
“A controversial plan to refreeze the Arctic is seeing promising results. But scientists warn of big risks…
“One of world’s largest glacier floods triggered in Greenland.
“Stay away, forest visitors told after storm damage [Wales]…
“How climate change and red tape could be jeopardising UK access to affordable food.
“In Valencia, after the floods, the scourge of mud.
“‘The water war’: how drought threatens survival of Sicily’s towns…
“Cyprus to rely more on desalination plants as arid winters leave dams dry.
“Climate change intensifies extreme weather events in Namibia…
“Namibia will slaughter 700 elephants, hippos, zebras and other animals due to drought.
“South Africa’s record heatwaves, extreme weather: ‘We weren’t expecting this for another 50 years,’ says expert.
“EXTRAORDINARY HEAT SOUTHERN AFRICA – 43.3 [109.9F] Tsabong is BOTSWANA’S HOTTEST DECEMBER DAY IN HISTORY.
“ZIMBABWE AGAIN – 44.7 [112.5F] yesterday at Beitbridge is HOTTEST DECEMBER DAY IN ZIMBABWE’S HISTORY.
“Zimbabwe at risk of another dry season after El Nino drought, says WFP.
“France’s Mayotte on highest alert as Cyclone Chido nears…
“Flood alert issued as Tamil Nadu’s Poondi reservoir nears full capacity.
“Why Arunachal’s indigenous people refuse to give up fight against Siang dam [India]… “We will become completely landless if the dam is constructed, as all our subsistence land will be submerged.”
“China’s Hydropower Ambitions and the Human Cost of Water Control in Tibet…
“SE ASIA HISTORIC HEAT: never ending record heat all over the tropics of Oceania and SE Asia.
“Record-breaking Philippines typhoon season was ‘supercharged’ by climate change.
“An oppressive heatwave stretching across half of Australia from Darwin to Victoria will send temperatures soaring up to 15 degrees Celsius above average during the coming days…
“81mm [3.2 inches] in an hour: Streets closed, flash flooding across Brisbane.
“EXCEPTIONAL HEAT IN OCEANIA – Oceania islands keep breaking heat records, both North/South of the equator, both West and East
“Asuncion [Paraguay] reports the fall of almost 50 trees due to storms.
“SOUTH AMERICA HEAT WAVE – after hot and humid days, a very hot night followed between Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay.
“Brazil farmer lobby asks to lift soybean ban from deforested Amazon rainforest.
“EXTRAORDINARY HEAT IN THE CARIBBEAN – every single island keeps destroying all 2023 records.
“Vibrio bacteria sickened dozens of people following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and the microbes’ range appears to be increasing up the East Coast as climate change warms coastal waters…
“Record Warm Water Temperatures in the Great lakes; How it Effects Us.
“A new December wind gust record was set in Fredericton, N.B., on Thursday as a powerful weather bomb blew threw Atlantic Canada…
“HISTORIC WARMTH IN ALASKA AND CANADA – many December records broken.
“A Single [Marine] Heatwave Killed Half of Alaska’s Common Murres, a Shocking New Study Reveals…
“Endocrine Disruption in Marine Species: Unraveling Pollution and Climate Change Effects…
“For Wild Animals, the Bird Flu Disaster Is Already Here…
“Landmark climate hearings conclude at world’s top court…
“US supreme court to hear fuel firms’ challenge to California’s emission limits.
“UN talks fail to reach agreement on dealing with rising risk of global drought…
“Global political instability overtakes extreme weather as biggest risk concern.
“Breaking news! Code UFB!!! 
“2024 Arctic Report Card: Arctic has second-warmest year on record in 2024.
“The Arctic Is Lighting Up – and It’s Not the Northern Lights…
“Norway’s Vaar Energi finds more oil near Arctic Goliat field…
“Arctic tundra is now emitting more carbon than it absorbs, US agency says.
“Study finds Arctic warming tied to severe cold spells in UK, Europe…
“Food insecurity rising in UK because of climate breakdown, Defra report finds…
“Mountain permafrost is warming across Europe, study shows.
“Greece faced 9,500 forest fires this year, says minister…
“While Central Mediterranean is under continuous cold spells, record warmth continues to switch from West to East
“Last month was the warmest November on Lanzarote since records began…
“ETERNAL RECORD HEAT IN THE GULF OF GUINEA. 
“Mokopane breaks temperature records during heatwave.
“Chido was a tropical cyclone in the Indian Ocean late Wednesday Eastern Africa Time, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center said in its latest advisory.
“EXCEPTIONAL HEAT IN THE INDIAN OCEAN – brutally hot and humid nights persist in the French Southern Territories.
“Record Levels of Flooding in Africa Compounds Stress on Fragile Countries…
“Mosquito genetics may explain why Zika virus outbreaks are rare in Africa: Climate change could shift the balance…
““Massive” fires broke out in a date palm plantation in Merowe locality in Sudan’s Northern State over the weekend, reportedly burning hundreds of palm trees…
“Africa Turns to a Precarious Form of Insurance as Climate Aid Dries Up… How Drought Insurance Can Leave Millions Without Food…
“Flash flood displaces over 100 families in Tagum City [Philippines]…
“ETERNAL RECORD HEAT IN INDONESIA.
“Whales Stranded in Flores Waters, Kelambu Marutauk Bay, Riung District, Ngada Regency, NTT [Indonesia].”
“As marine heatwaves intensify, Bali’s fishers hunt far and wide…
“Warming waters could endanger all fish in tropical & subtropical regions, warns UNESCO…
“EXTRAORDINARY HEAT IN OCEANIA – tropical Pacific islands are with unprecedented heat and keep destroying all records.
“Geochemical analysis reveals origins of red dust that blanketed New Zealand’s Southern Alps…
“Antarctic ice sheet patterns point to rapid melting risks…
“‘Making Argentina great again’? What a year under a climate-change denying president has done for the country…
“Andes glacier melt threatens Amazon’s rivers & intensifies droughts…
“How the Amazon’s ‘Boiling River’ [in Peru] foreshadows a warmer world…
“Dengue fever cases reach record-high in the Americas amid climate change.
“More record heat in the CARIBBEANS – insane unprecedented heat in December and more records of December hottest nights (highest minimums):
“Celebrities among thousands fleeing Malibu wildfire.
“Bighorn sheep face increasing avalanche dangers as the climate warms.
“A Toronto man is on the hook for about $18,000 after a car he rented over the summer was pelted by baseball-sized hail [a cautionary tale!]…
“Thawing permafrost poses a threat to northern runways, says a new Senate report looking at how climate change is impacting critical infrastructure across the country [Canada]…
“Atlantic circulation collapse? New clues on the fate of a crucial conveyor belt…
“La Nina may form, heat may not relent: WMO…
“AI predicts Earth’s peak warming: Hottest years will likely shatter recent records…
“Extreme heat may rapidly sap the ocean’s ability to absorb CO2…
“To fix the world’s problems, we need both optimism and pessimism…
“Global Temperature Set to Surpass 1.5C Threshold in Hottest Year on Record…
“Climate scientists will spend years debating this enormous Absorbed Solar Radiation & Earth Energy Imbalance increase. 
“Drylands now make up 40% of land on Earth, excluding Antarctica, study says…
“Poleward freshwater fish are outperforming their equatorial counterparts amid climate change, study finds.
“How climate change is already affecting the Barents Sea…
“Tesla lobbied UK to strengthen rules on carbon emissions from cars and lorries…
“Storm Darragh leaves UK’s biggest solar farm in pieces.
“[UK] mince pie prices jump 40 per cent after poor sultana harvest…
“Climate change: How Alpine ski resorts are adapting to the end of the ‘white gold’ era.
“Glacier melt leads to redrawing of the Italian-Swiss border…
“South Africa’s climate battle: mining district exposes gaps in emissions control…
“Pretoria braces for another week of heatwave conditions…
“43.0 [109.4F] at Mababe BOTSWANA HOTTEST DECEMBER DAY IN HISTORY.
“At least 15 people have died and 113 others are still missing after landslides buried homes in six villages in eastern Uganda, police said.
“Kenya Growth Forecast Lowered Due to Floods, Protests.
“Climate-change-battered Seychelles takes part in Hague case.
“Small island nations face climate-induced ‘catastrophe’, warn experts.
“What Made Cyclone Fengal So Devastating [SE India and Sri Lanka] Despite Its Low Intensity?
“Urgent action required to tackle ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar after Typhoon Yagi.
“Nepal is bearing brunt of climate change impacts in disproportionate manner: Foreign Minister Deuba…
“Over 140 evacuated as forest fire rages in SW China’s Sichuan.
“Study: Global warming fueled fatal downpour in Ishikawa [Noto, Japan].
“Up to 500mm [20 inches of] rain forecast to hit central Vietnam in coming days.
“Dangerous Sweatshops.
“Climate change hits Jeju island’s mandarin oranges.
“Wettest November on record: What’s behind the rainy weather in Singapore?
“On Dec. 7, 2024, temperatures peaked at 36.2°C [97.2F] in Paya Lebar, Singapore.
“Deadly landslides, flash floods hit Indonesia’s Java island…
“ENDLESS RECORD HEAT IN INDONESIA.
“HISTORIC DAY IN COCOS ISLANDS (Australian Territory in the Indian Ocean).
“Brisbane’s warmest pair of December nights on record.
“Up to three insect species become extinct in Australia every week, report says…
“Heavy rains cause damage in 25 municipalities in Santa Catarina [Brazil].
“Volcafe Slashes Brazil Arabica Coffee Outlook on Severe Drought…
“EXCEPTIONAL HEAT IN MEXICO AND THE CARIBBEAN:
“It’s almost winter, but much of the U.S. is still unusually dry…
“Fall 2024 was nation’s warmest on record [US].
“A ‘doom loop’ of climate change and geopolitical instability is beginning…
“EU should ban space mirrors and other solar geoengineering, scientists say [I know readers will be divided on this one]…
“The Arctic Ocean may have its first ice-free day before 2030, or sooner than previously expected, as rapid melting shows an increasing rate of loss in the polar region, a new scientific study concludes. 
“Melting permafrost makes ‘drunken forests’ store less carbon.
“Greenland is getting greener – helped by a mining company and a group of tree enthusiasts…
“Alaska continues to change, fast…
“Parts of of Finland see record warmest autumn in 90 years [of record-keeping]…
“Dire Russian crop health and Ukraine export risks threaten Black Sea wheat…
“Climate change threatens global food supply: Scientists call for urgent action…
“Millions urged to stay inside as Storm Darragh hits UK and Ireland with rare red weather warning issued…
“One of Bosnia’s largest lakes emptied amid ‘scary’ drought.
“After Deadly Floods, Spain Struggles With Epic Cleanup…
“Portugal Records Hottest-ever November: Weather Agency…
“Tenerife boils as major city in Canary Islands records highest temperature in 100 years.
“Why climate change will cause more people to flee to Europe…
“Water Crisis Hits Morocco’s Agriculture: Government Allocates Resources, Invests in Desalination…
“Severe Floods Hit Tripoli and Surroundings in Libya, Dozens of Cars Floating!
“RECORD HEAT IN THE GULF OF GUINEA – hot and dry harmattan wind is blowing towards the coast resulting in exceptionally maximum temperatures, especially in GHANA.
“Cocoa crisis: Ghana’s farmers want next leader to tackle climate change…
“HOTTEST DECEMBER DAY IN ZIMBABWE – the worst heat wave in Southern Africa history is already smashing dozens of records in several countries
“How conflict, climate change and the environment intersect in Yemen, December 2024…
“The coastal region of Karnataka [India] has witnessed its highest post-monsoon rainfall, with incessant rains lashing the area over the past few days.
“China Reports Warmest Autumn Since Records Began…
“Chinese Farmer Blames Extreme Weather for Poor Kiwi Harvest.
“MORE EXCEPTIONAL HEAT IN ASIA:
“HISTORIC HEAT IN SINGAPORE: 35.7 [96.3F] Peya Lebar, 34.7 Changi Int. Airport. DECEMBER HEAT RECORDS DESTROYED IN PIECES.
“At least five dead, seven missing after West Java floods, landslides…
“HISTORIC – Hottest day in climate history of West Papua (Irian Jaya); 37.9 [100.2F] Tanah Merah tied its own all time record and all time high for the whole Indonesian Province.
“Warmest waters on Earth help fuel another weekend thunderstorm outbreak from Brisbane to Melbourne…
“First day of summer bushfires damages iconic Helms Arboretum in WA.
“Vicious cycle: Wildfires are making climate change worse…
“North and South America Endured ‘Exceptional’ Wildfire Season in 2024…
“An Unusual Year for Fire in Bolivia…
“A severe drought that spread over recent months in Peru’s Loreto and Ucayali regions led to the isolation of more than 130 communities.
“12 injured, several children missing after dam bursts in Colombia.
“Over 2,000 residents were evacuated and three people died as flooding affected parts of northern Costa Rica on Wednesday, December 4, when heavy rain caused rivers to overflow.
“CRAZY HEAT IN THE CARIBBEAN:
“In Mexico, Heat Waves Are Even Killing Younger Adults…
“Texas water and the economic miracle are at risk of evaporating…
“Climate and environment updates: America will soon need a ‘shocking’ amount of power.
“How climate risks are driving up insurance premiums around the US – visualized…
“Climate change poses significant risk to pension funds…
“Decline of Reflective Low Clouds May Have Contributed to Recent Record Heat…
“The first 11 months of 2024 averaged 1.589°C over the 1850-1900 IPCC pre-industrial baseline.
“Plans to stabilise Earth’s climate rely on emerging carbon removal technology – we need to get moving…
“Why ‘Tipping Points’ Are the Wrong Way to Talk about Climate Change…
“Meta-analysis of current global warming impacts suggests a third of all species could be extinct by 2100…