“Cop29, the next round of UN talks to tackle the climate crisis, will be led by another veteran of the oil and gas industry.
“Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijan’s ecology and natural resources minister, has been appointed the president-in-waiting for the Cop29 climate talks when they take place in the country in November.”
“‘I think I need a new colour’: Climate stripes creator reacts to 2023’s record-smashing temperatures…
“The series of vertical coloured bars offers a visual representation of how our planet is progressively heating up. It was created by climate scientist Professor Ed Hawkins at the University of Reading, UK, in 2018.”
“Unprecedented months-long drought roasts spawning salmon: ‘[Like] swimming a marathon in a sauna’.
“Droughts and rising temperatures across North America have been drying up rivers and aquifers for years. That’s not just dangerous for people on land — it’s also a problem for fish living in what water is left.”
“Drought state of emergency enters 15th week in central B.C. village.
“McBride mayor says there is ‘barely sufficient’ drinking water for community of over 600 people… McBride, like many parts of the province, has been unseasonably warm with very little snow in the past months, a condition some are calling a “snow drought.””
“No ice on Lake Erie this winter fuels fear for the future…
“Dave Phillips, senior climatologist from Environment and Climate Change Canada, said that the lack of ice is indicative of the higher temperatures in 2023. “We had the warmest May to September on record,” Phillips said.”
“Insane heat wave in Central America and the Caribbean, thousands of records have been obliterated all over the region.
“Temperatures near 40C [104F] in Mexico, 38.8C in Guatemala, most of Caribbean islands had their hottest January days on records from Dominica to Tobago to Saba etc.”
“In just few hours dozens of thousands of heat records were destroyed all over the world, from Oceania to Asia, Europe, North and Southern Africa, North and South America.
“There is nothing in 3 centuries of world climatology which can even be compared to what it’s happening these hours.”
“Extreme drought in western Pará pushes family farmers into agroforestry [Brazil].
“Lost crops, reduced fish numbers, low water levels in rivers and difficult access to potable water have all led to a state of disaster declared in many municipalities in the state of Pará… Farmers and technicians are seeking out more sustainable alternatives to the traditional slash-and-burn system.”
“EXTREME HEAT COMING. Next days South America will witness a terrible heat wave with temperatures up to 45C [113F], nights well over 30C and high humidity.
“This will be locally among the worst heat indexes ever recorded in the Southern Hemisphere. PARAGUAY will be the most affected.”
“Big freeze strands cargo ships in Baltic Sea ice. Ice breakers being deployed to help commercial vessels as harsh winter conditions surprise.
“A severe and sudden cold snap in Scandinavia has blocked ships in the frozen waters of the Baltic Sea region prompting the use of ice breakers. German owner Eicke Schiffahrts’ 5,440-dwt multipurpose vessel Bugoe is reported to be stuck in the waters off Estonia…”
“Campaigners say building more power stations on Loch Ness could be a disaster for wild fish populations.
“The Ness District Salmon Fishery Board wants an immediate moratorium on further pumped storage hydro schemes after plans were lodged for a third… Industry body Scottish Renewables says pumped storage is a vital component in decarbonising the electricity grid.”
“Britain is enduring its wettest winter in 130 years as large parts of the country are submerged in water.
“Since September, there have been eight named storms – the highest number in a season to be named by the Met Office… Prof Hannah Cloke, a hydrologist at the University of Reading, said the storms have turned the country into a “sopping wet sponge”.”
“Floods in Germany: Desperate farmers fight to save harvests…
“Dirk Reinicke and other farmers in Lower Saxony, northwestern Germany, have been working nonstop for days, helping to seal off dikes from the floods. “I’m 58 years old and I’ve never experienced a flood like this before,” Reinecke told DW.”
“Tornado wreaks havoc in several Belgian municipalities.
“More than 40 homes located between Antwerp and Mechelen were hit by a tornado on Wednesday afternoon, rendering them uninhabitable… As large parts of Belgium have seen heavy rain in the past two days, the Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Waver region in the southeast of Antwerp experienced a more extreme type of weather.”
“‘It’s full of green areas’: mystery of Europe’s heat death hotspot. Hot weather has proved deadlier in the Croatian city of Osijek than in any other European city but little is being done to work out why…
“In the past two decades, hot weather has proved deadlier in Osijek than in any other city in Europe, a study in the Lancet medical journal found.”
“Hotter, drier air in Europe ‘causing poor crops and greater wildfire risk’…
“Sixty-seven researchers looked at 400 years of tree ring data in Europe and came to the conclusion that the problem of dry air has got far worse this century. The increase in greenhouse gases from fossil fuels has made Vapour Pressure Deficit more frequent and extreme.”
“Record warmth in Europe switched from West to East of the Mediterranean. 24.2C [75.6F] at Sifilke in TURKEY and 24.0C at Larnaca in CYPRUS broke their records for January.
“Next days thousands of heat record will fall all over Central Asia ,than East Asia.”
“Spanish city [Malaga] at risk of drying up as scientists warn it ‘must rain’ before it’s too late…
“A city in one of the most popular holiday hotspots in Spain is hoping for rain after recording an extremely warm Christmas period… The month supposed to be the wettest in the autumn season, November, saw no rain at all falling in the city…”
“Drought is pushing North African economies to the brink and to social unrest.
“Drought is wreaking havoc on North Africa’s water supply and on its agriculture. All countries in the region are facing a dangerous water outlook. For example, cash-strapped Tunisia is expected to import almost all its cereal needs.”
“[PHOTOS] Motorists, pedestrians stranded as heavy rains pound Nairobi [Kenya].
“Pictures and videos seen by the Star showed many motorists and pedestrians stranded as others tried to force their way through the flooded waters. Some Kenyans had a chance to earn a living by carrying the pedestrians shoulder-high through the flooded waters.”
“Endless record heat in the tropical Indian Ocean, Tromelin Island had its hottest day on record and it’s January hottest night at the same time. 28.8/35.0 [83.8/95F]
“MAYOTTE beat its territorial record of January again with 36.0C at Treveni.”
“As Sri Lanka floods swell with climate change, so does human-crocodile conflict.
“Sri Lanka is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, with long drought spells, receiving intense rain during a shorter period with a marked increase in flood events. During flooding, crocodiles inhabiting rivers tend to reach land and move closer to human settlements…”
“Year of extremes for Telangana [India]; rainiest July to driest October…
“Telangana experienced at least five unusual climatic events within a span of a year in 2023, extreme rains in July and December, extreme rainfall deficit in October and multiple hailstorms in April. A key reason… climate change.”
“Bangladesh experienced 12 extreme weather events in 2023 – from heavy rain to drought, heat waves to flash floods, and cyclones to abnormal fluctuations in temperature. The past year was particularly difficult for farmers, who struggled to plant crops on time and then rip them due to frequent disasters.”
“Climate change: China’s ‘sponge cities’ struggle to soak up flooding from severe storms despite billions in investment…
““People who think the sponge city initiative failed tend to think that there’s a silver bullet to solve the water risks,” said Mark Fletcher, global water business leader at engineering consultant Arup. “But there are no silver bullets in the fight against uncertainty and climate change.””
“Beijing experienced its coldest December since records began in 1951, after a cold wave hit much of China…
“The Beijing weather observatory recorded a period of more than 300 hours in which temperatures remained below freezing, which is the longest for December since records began 72 years ago.”
“Extreme heat is coming! Starting from January 10, an unprecedented extreme heat will sweep across East Asia, especially northern China and Mongolia, where temperatures will be more than 20C higher! China may have thousands of stations set a new record for January!”
“Japan’s average temperature in 2023 was the highest on record since comparable data became available in 1898.
“The average temperature in 2023 was 1.29 C warmer than the mean temperature for 30 years through 2020, surpassing the previous record set in 2020, which saw the mercury rise 0.65 C above average, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.”
“Record heat spreads to JAPAN. Warm air from the West reached the country with some January records in the North Honshu.
“Most important record was 11.3C [52.3F] at Yokote (Akita Prefecture). Every single month in the past 25 had heat records in Japan, some months with >1000 records.”
“Philippines “cold season” is a 24/7 sauna: Hot and humid nights persist: Last record was that of the city of Cebu with a MIN temperature of 27.3C [81.1F]: hottest January night on record.
“Minimums over 27C also in Vietnam. Records have been blasted in every single tropical island.”
“Never ending record heat in Oceania and SE Asia. Indonesia is facing continuous record heat and severe drought:
“36.0C [96.8F] at Maumere, Flores Island broke the January record. PHILIPPINES with insanely hot nights: record highest Tmin 27.1C at Puerto Princesa. It won’t ease anytime soon…”
“‘Incredible’ rain, storms to batter Victoria, prompting flash-flood warnings [Australia].
“Bureau forecaster Michael Efron said the moisture in the air was “incredible” and there would be significant storms. “The amount of moisture across the state … that’s what you would normally see in somewhere like Queensland,” he said.”
“It’s not just the total rainfall – why is eastern Australia experiencing such sudden, devastating downpours?
“…The number of storms in some regions is decreasing, but the intensity of rainfall is on the rise. Global heating seems to be playing a key role… Across the continent, the amount of rain falling over hourly periods was increasing at about double – and in some places triple – of that expected from the Clausius-Clapeyron equation.”
“Why disappearing trees are so bad for our climate — and health…
“Removing a forest can push forest-dwelling animals into human environs, sometimes bringing with them a pathogen. That chain of events has been tied to Ebola flare-ups in Central and West Africa and the upswing of Lyme disease in the northeastern United States.”
“Cookies and candy are latest victims of climate crisis as sugar prices surge…
“Rising global temperatures… are fueling droughts and other extreme weather that affect food yields, including that of sugar. The price hike has already started to filter down to chocolate, sweets and other desserts.”
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 an enormous help as the cost-of-living crisis ratchets up here in the UK.
“It looks like I won’t be able to properly close out 2023 using ERA5 data until January 6th.
“As of Dec. 28th, 2023 is 1.48°C above the 1850-1900 IPCC baseline. December, in particular, is about to set a new monthly record, at 1.76°C over the baseline. And the 28th is 1.97°C over.”
“Beaver ponds may exacerbate warming in Arctic, scientists say. Rising temperatures have spurred an influx of beavers to Alaska and northern Canada ‘on a huge scale’…
“…in the Arctic tundra of Alaska alone, the number of beaver ponds on streams have doubled to at least 12,000 in the past 20 years.”
“Toronto just set December records for rain and fog, and the winter is expected to stay grey….
“Senior climatologist David Phillips says the city recorded more than 200 hours of fog over 17 days last month. The city has never seen that much rain or fog in December, Phillips says. “It’s been more like what you’d expect in Vancouver, or maybe Halifax,” he told CBC Toronto.”
“These U.S. cities had their hottest year on record in 2023…
“During the planet’s hottest year, many U.S. cities also experienced their warmest weather on record in 2023. They spanned from Texas to the Northeast and included Austin, Baltimore, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, New York and Tampa.”
“Death Valley Snow Forecast Could Shatter All Records.
“Snow in Death Valley is extremely rare. The only time any measurable amount of snow fell there was more than 100 years ago, when a half inch of snow was recorded on January 29, 1922, according to the NWS… But that record could be broken later in January, according to a forecast by weather-modelling service WXCharts.”
“Over 6,000 Hawaiians still homeless five months after Maui wildfires.
“The American Red Cross is currently housing displaced residents in empty rooms in hotels and condos… “A lot of people I know, Lahaina is home,” Keao Shaw, who owns a charter boat business on the island, told The Wall Street Journal. “They want to come back to West Maui as fast as possible but there’s nothing to rent.””
“1-2 January 2024 will be remembered for being among the most extreme days in climatic history: Hundreds heat records broken in the tropical areas of Oceania, Asia, Africa and Americas.
“In FRENCH GUIANA 1 January hottest January day on record at Maripasoula with 34.6C [94.3F].”
“Record after record. Now, the Caribbean: Hottest January day on record in DOMINICA with 32.9C [91.2F] at Canefield today. These past 3 days in the tropics have been by far the most extreme in the whole world climatic history, nothing get close.”
“Siberia is heating up around twice as quickly as other parts of the world. The rapid change is causing the frozen ground known as permafrost that coats about two-thirds of Russia to thaw for the first time in ages.”
“RECORD COLD. After so many heat records, 2024 also starts with a harsh cold spell in Scandinavia. with -43.6C [-46.5F] Kvikkjokk just broke its all time lowest temperature.
“It is also the lowest temperature in January in Sweden since the record cold spell of 1999.”
“Denmark’s January storms could be fourth extreme weather event in three months.
“As many as three ’20-year weather events’ have occurred in Denmark since October 2023, with blizzards and heavy rain across the country this week threatening a fourth such occurrence. Danish emergency services say they are “sleeping with our boots on” as the latest wave of severe weather elicits flooding and snowdrifts in corresponding regions of Denmark.”
“Scotland’s climate is changing faster than scientists predicted, with increasing likelihood of more frequent and more extreme weather events, according to new analysis by The James Hutton Institute in Aberdeen.
“Experts at the independent research organization say weather patterns in Scotland have changed substantially since 1960…”
“Last year was the UK’s second warmest on record, according to provisional data from the Met Office.
“This puts it just behind 2022, which recorded an average temperature of only 0.06C higher. For both Wales and Northern Ireland, 2023 was their hottest year on record.”
“Hundreds of flood warnings and travel disruption after Storm Henk…
“There is likely to be little let-up in the wet weather; the Met Office has issued a yellow warning for rain across much of southern England from 12:00 GMT on Thursday until 03:00 on Friday. The forecaster says further flooding, travel disruption and power cuts may occur.”
“Walkers have described seeing a “huge landslide” at a seaside village.
“Luccombe, on the Isle of Wight, is the latest section of the island’s coast to collapse after Ventnor suffered a landslip in December. Ann Heard, from Shanklin… said she walked the cliff path with her husband every day. “I’ve never seen that happen before,” she said.”
“Floods and snow hit Northwest Europe after latest Atlantic storm.
“ARQUES, France, Jan 3 (Reuters) – Parts of northwestern Europe struggled on Wednesday to cope with the impact of the latest in a series of Atlantic storms which dumped rain or snow on already saturated ground, while northern Scandinavia experienced extreme cold.”
“The Czech Republic’s weather service said Tuesday that the average temperature for 2023 equalled a 2018 record as the hottest since measurements started almost 250 years ago.
“The average temperature in Prague reached 12.8 degrees Celsius (55 degrees Fahrenheit) in 2023, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute said.”
“The Romanian environment ministry has officially declared 2023 as the hottest year on record in the country, with an average temperature of 12.5 degrees Celsius.
“This is 2.3 degrees higher than the average in the period 1981-2010, the ministry said. The years 2012-2023 were also the warmest 12-year period in the history of meteorological measurements in Romania.”
“Spain’s drought emergency is growing. Experts warn that it’s not a matter of if an emergency situation will be declared, but when…
“Catalonia is one of the worst hit regions. Intense heat waves plagued the summer and though autumn and winter are the wettest seasons of the year, the level of the reservoir that serves the Barcelona metropolitan area has dropped alarmingly.”
“La Viñuela Reservoir in Axarquía Reaches Record Low…
“The year 2023 concluded in Málaga province as the driest since record-keeping began in 1961, with no rainfall and exceptionally mild December temperatures. Accumulated rainfall until November barely reached 175 millimetres, a mere 41 per cent of the normal 424 millimetres.”
“Drought Beyond Rules: Moroccans Must Adapt or Dry Up…
“The World Bank warns that Morocco, one of the most water-scarce countries globally, is quickly approaching the absolute water scarcity threshold of 500 cubic meters per person per year by 2030, impacting almost every aspect of its socioeconomic development.”
“Congo declares state of emergency over devastating floods and landslides.
“A state of humanitarian emergency has been announced in the Republic of Congo, following flooding caused by heavy rains that’s been pouring for over a month. The government also announced the release of an emergency fund estimated at 4 million dollars to provide aid to disaster victims…”
“The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) said on Wednesday 2023 was the hottest year on record in the country.
“Tanzania experienced an increase in average temperatures by 1°C last year, TMA said and linked rising temperatures with prolonged overhead sun and drought in some parts of the country.”
“Zimbabwe’s battle to control a skin-burrowing worm faces a new challenge: climate change.
“Bilharzia, a parasitic worm that uses snails as a vector, is endemic to Zimbabwe, and could get more difficult to manage as weather patterns and temperatures shift, experts say.”
“Tropical Cyclone Alvaro has displaced hundreds of people and affected thousands others after making landfall in Madagascar.
“It is the latest in a litany of weather phenomena to afflict the Indian Ocean island. After forming in the Mozambique Channel on December 30-31, Alvaro made landfall over the southwestern-central coast of Madagascar on January 1.”
“Endless record heat all over the tropics: Today again the island of MAYOTTE writes history with an insane minimum temperature of 29.6C [85.3F] at Dzaoudzi Airport, by far the highest Min ever recorded in the territory.
“Few hours of 2024 and hundreds of records in 4 Continents have fallen.”
“Climate change, not regional factors, disrupting rainfall: official [Iran].
“Climate change rather than regional factors is responsible for disrupting rainfall patterns in the country, Darioush Gol-Alizadeh, head of the national center for weather and climate change affiliated with the Department of Environment, has said.”
“China breaks heat records in 2023 as sweltering weather baked cities from north to south…
“China’s searing heat led to 127 national weather stations breaking records for daily high temperatures in 2023, state media reported on Tuesday. Beijing smashed a 23-year-old record in July with 27 consecutive days of temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius (95 Fahrenheit).”
“Last year’s temperature exceeds the previous top record of 13.4 C set in 2016. The record-breaking temperatures last year had been expected, given the mean temperatures nationwide were higher than average years all throughout January-November, and six months ranked within the top 10 temperatures last year.”
“Top End cooks as Darwin records warmest start to a year in almost 90 years.
“A delayed start to the wet season has resulted in stifling heat in Darwin amid the city’s hottest start to a year since 1935, Weatherzone data has revealed... January 1 was the city’s hottest January morning since 1933. Tuesday was also Darwin’s hottest January day in eight years at 35.6 degrees.”
“Records non stop all over the tropics like never before. Two islands, one in the Pacific and one in the Indian Ocean had their hottest days in history both with exactly 35.0C [95F]:
“Taro Island SOLOMON ISLANDS; Tromelin Island FRENCH SOUTHERN TERRITORY.”
“Weather-related incidents such as hurricanes, winter storms, wildfires and floods are expected to be the top factor in why supply chains face major disruptions this year.
“Extreme weather events outpaced environmental regulations and trade wars between the U.S. and China, which came in second and third, respectively, according to Everstream Analytics’ annual 2024 Risk Report released Wednesday.”
“How Terrestrial Turds Lead to Marine Maladies. Diseases from land animals are killing marine mammals at an alarming rate. Can we stem the flow of feces?
“…Why parasites associated with land animals are showing up with increasing frequency in marine mammals, many of which spend the majority of their lives kilometers from shore, is a medical dilemma to which answers are only starting to emerge.”
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 an enormous help as the cost-of-living crisis ratchets up here in the UK.
“It’s over: 2023 was Earth’s hottest year, experts say…
“Each year since 2014 stands among the top 10 warmest years since people began keeping track, based on increases in global average temperatures above the previous century, according to NASA and NOAA.”
“December 2023 is now certain to be the warmest December on record in the JRA-55 dataset, beating the prior record by over 0.2C. It will end just below September as the second highest anomaly of the year (with respect to an 1850-1900 baseline period).”
“The latest Copernicus data showed Dec. 24th was the 3rd hottest day in the last 174 years for global surface temperatures, at 1.99°C over the 1850-1900 IPCC baseline. Maybe even the 3rd hottest in the last 125,000 years.”
“Let’s stop pretending that the Earth is heating up steadily. The heating has turned up steeply this century and that 2050 net zero target is nowhere near soon enough. 2024 and beyond is emergency territory.” [Prof Nick Cowern]
“When heating your house, you don’t care much about what the temperature was 3 hours ago. You care what the thermometer says right now. And how high the heater is. The thermometer says +1.55°C and the heaters [ie Earth Energy Imbalance] are on full blast.”
“A polar bear found dead on Alaska’s North Slope is the first of the species known to have been killed by the highly pathogenic avian influenza that is circulating among animal populations around the world.
“The polar bear was found dead in October near Utqiagvik, the nation’s northernmost community, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation reported.”
“Almost half of Charlottetown’s warmest months ever have come in the last 30 years [Prince Edward Island].
“Looking at records going back to 1872 in Charlottetown, CBC News charted the top five warmest of each of the 12 months of the year. For example, the top five warmest Januaries in Charlottetown were, in order: 2023, 1956, 2006, 1958, 2021.”
“Record warm Duluth December part of long-term trend [Minnesota].
“Duluth’s December finished with an average daily temperature of 30.1 degrees, a full 13 degrees warmer than normal and crushing the old warm record of 26.7 degrees set in 1931, according to data from the National Weather Service in Duluth.”
“December 2023 was the warmest December on record for the Contiguous U.S. by a wide margin using Prism Climate Group data. It was 0.67°F (0.37°C) warmer than December 2021.”
“It’s not just Utah, snow shortages are plaguing the entire West…
“Across much of the West Coast, from the Cascades in the north to the Sierra Nevada in the south, mountain sites are recording less than half of their normal snowpack for this point in winter. The situation has created serious problems for dozens of ski resorts… and has stirred wider concerns about the future.”
“Colorado River crisis looms over state’s landscape decisions…
“There’s going to be a day of reckoning,” former Arizona Gov. and former U.S. Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt , 85, told Politico’s E&E News, referring to the warnings of scientists during past decades. “Here we are. The crisis has arrived.””
“Scores of California farmworkers are dying in the heat in regions with chronically bad air, even in a state with one of the toughest heat standards in the nation…
“No federal standard protects workers from extreme heat, though OSHA proposed a rule in 2021—a half century after public health officials first recommended precautionary measures.”
“‘A preview to hell’: The year Brazil woke up to the climate crisis.
“In 2023, the rivers of the Amazon dried up like never before, the temperatures in Rio reached 140 degrees and torrential rains left dozens dead in the south of the country.”
“Growing proportion of England’s flood defences in disrepair, analysis finds.
“Ministers have been told they will be “punished” by voters after analysis revealed the decline of vital flood defences across England. The proportion of critical assets in disrepair has almost trebled in the West Midlands and the east of England since 2018…”
“Germany’s Scholz Tours Flooded Regions in Northwest, Praises Authorities and Volunteers.
“German Chancellor Olaf Scholz took a helicopter flight Sunday to check the flooded regions in the northwest of the country, where rivers have swelled and overflowed homes, roads and fields after weeks of heavy rain.”
“December 2023 in Germany had an average temperature of +4.09C which is +2.14C above normal. As mentioned earlier, 2023 was the warmest year on record.”
“It took an army of firefighters to control a blaze that forced people from their homes amid New Year’s Eve celebrations in southern Spain.
“The inferno began due to people letting off unlicensed fireworks… Spain has been suffering a drought for the past two years, intensified by climate change.”
“Tunisia’s lagoons at risk of drying up amid record heat and chaotic urbanisation.
“Tunisia’s wetlands are at risk of completely drying up as the country faces its sixth consecutive year of drought, with rising temperatures, longer summers and less rain. The impact of climate change has increased pressure on the country’s already depleted groundwater sources…”
“As temperatures rise globally, the impact of climate change on the transmission of vector-borne diseases, such as malaria, becomes increasingly evident…. Mutai recounts his recent diagnosis with malaria…”
“Today it’s like a tsunami of heat records in the tropics from East to West: Oceania, Asia, Africa.
“In Mayotte, a French territory in the African Indian Ocean, today the temperature reached 35.8C [96.4F] at Dembeni, a new January record heat for Mayotte.”[Mayotte already suffering severe water shortages.]
“Unusual Hailstorm Blankets Saudi Arabian City, Fuels Climate Change Discussions.
“…the recent shower of hail in Buraidah was an anomaly that left locals and visitors alike in awe. The hailstones, in their rapid descent, swiftly covered the city, lending it a stark, white allure. The spectacle was a stark contrast to the usual sun-baked landscapes.”
“Saudi Arabia: Lightning strikes 4 dead at landmark mountain.
“Lightning struck an area famed for a mountain near the Saudi holy city of Mecca, killing four people, according to social media reports. A fifth person was hurt by the lightning that struck the five while they were at the Jabal Thawr…”
“Bangladesh sees dramatic rise in lightning deaths linked to climate change.
“On the day he thought he’d be celebrating his wedding, Mamun buried 16 of his relatives. They had been killed by lightning on the way to the ceremony… Lightning is a big killer in Bangladesh, claiming more lives annually than floods.”
“Hong Kong Witnesses Record-Breaking Warm New Year’s Eve Amid Climate Change Concerns.
“In a historic meteorological event, Hong Kong registered its highest New Year’s Eve temperature on record, as the mercury soared to 25.7 degrees Celsius (78.3 Fahrenheit) on Sunday, December 31, 2023.”
“Officially confirmed – China’s average temperature in 2023 will be 10.7°C, the highest in history (normally 9.9°C). The average temperature of 12 provinces ranks first in history.”
“EXCEPTIONAL HEAT IN AUSTRALIA – 49.5C [121.1F] today at Roebourne Aero.
“It ties the second hottest December day ever recorded in the world (only behind 19 Dec 2019). It’s also the highest temperature in the Southern Hemisphere in the whole 2023. This crazy year is ending with a big boom.”
“‘Definitely no fireworks’: how Australia’s ‘hottest town’ is marking New Year’s Eve as temperatures hover around 50C…
“One “desperado” getting out of the heat at lunchtime, Eugene, said he would be spending New Year’s Eve at home trying to keep cool. “I’m sitting at home in the swimming pool and stubbies in my bag of ice,” he said.”
“What the world is seeing these few hours of 2024 is just insane: records are being smashed in hundreds stations all over Oceania and Asia and the day is just starting.
“NEW CALEDONIA, in the Pacific rose to 38.3C [100.9F] at La Tontouta AP, the station’s hottest day in its climatic history.”
“Red alert in Antarctica: the year rapid, dramatic change hit climate scientists like a ‘punch in the guts’…
“The southern continent has suffered dramatic shifts that raise serious concerns about its immediate health. They have coincided with evidence that longer-term transformations linked to the climate crisis have started much sooner than it was assumed was likely.”
“Hannah Ritchie: ‘Doomsday predictions are a dream for climate deniers’…
“The scientist, whose book Not the End of the World offers a data-based analysis of environmental problems and their solutions, on how being informed and engaged can prevent defeatism… we can continue human progress while addressing our environmental problems.”
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 an enormous help as the cost-of-living crisis ratchets up here in the UK.
The news cycle will slow down over the New Year and many will have sore heads, so, if you’ll forgive me, I will skip Jan 1st’s Economic Thread. Normal business will resume with a Climate Thread on Tuesday 2nd.
“World will look back at 2023 as year humanity exposed its inability to tackle climate crisis, scientists say…
“As historically high temperatures continued to be registered in many parts of the world in late December, the former Nasa scientist James Hansen told the Guardian that 2023 would be remembered as the moment when failures became apparent.”
“The climate summit meekly called for “a transition away” from fossil fuels leaving no doubts in the minds of climate experts: COP failed because it is non-binding and devoid of any specific measures or implementation schedule.”
“The warmest year on record has been recorded by the Republic of Ireland’s weather service Met Éireann.
“The Irish Climate Report 2023 created by the service, external shows the average annual temperature rose above 11C (51.8F) for the first time, beating the previous warmest year of 2022.”
“Bird flu had devastating impact on UK seabirds this year, NGO finds.
“The last two years have seen the most severe outbreak in the UK since the virus emerged from a Chinese poultry farm in the 1990s. Vast numbers have died, with the only nesting tern colony in Wales at Cemlyn Nature Reserve having halved since last year.”
“Scotland’s climate targets are in “serious doubt” as a result of planned spending cuts, the body that represents local authorities has warned.
“Cosla said the Scottish Budget was “bad news” for the transition to a net zero economy, and would also undermine work to regenerate communities and tackle inequality.”
“Christmas trees are being planted later due to shifting weather patterns, growers have revealed [UK].
Traditionally, trees are planted in spring but many growers are now planting in the autumn when rain is more likely… The five warmest autumns, have all been observed since 2006, with the three wettest all occurring since 2000.”
“From 24C [75.2F] in France in the West to 24C in the East in Turkey. Record heat in Caucasian RUSSIA: 20.2C [68.4F] at Grozny, Chechnya is the highest December temperature on record. 20.0C also at Nazran, Ingushetia 664m asl (record but short POR).”
“Floods in Europe: Hungary, Netherlands and Lithuania brace themselves…
“Western Lithuania, home to the delta of the Baltic country’s largest river, the Nemunas, typically experiences flooding in the spring. However, this winter marks the second instance in two months when natural water levels have reached critical levels.”
“Germany braces for more heavy rain in flood-affected areas.
“Since Christmas, several rivers in Germany have burst their banks due to heavy rains. Lower Saxony requested help from the Bundeswehr over the flooding, and six helicopters were put on standby.”
“British mother and son killed in French avalanche.
“The pair were skiing with their instructor in an off-piste area of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains… Jean-Marc Peillex, the mayor of Saint-Gervais, said weather and snow conditions were too unstable for off-piste skiing. “It rained, then it snowed and it was warm,” he said.”
“The highest temperatures in 130 years are threatening Italy’s ski season, while heavy rain is expected to hit runs in the French Alps in the coming days.
“Italy’s northern region of Piedmont has recorded its warmest December since the 1890s on the back of the country’s hottest autumn in centuries…”
“Italy has experienced a record-setting number of extreme weather events in 2023, a year that is set to be the warmest in more than 150 years, reports said on Thursday.
“According to the climate observatory run by the environmental lobby group Legambiente, Italy reported 378 severe weather events in 2023, an increase of 22 percent compared to last year…”
“Driest year on the Costa del Sol [Spain] since at least 1872 draws to a close…
“The 179.3mm 7 inches] that has been collected this year in the official Aemet rain gauge at Malaga Airport is the lowest figure since the first, more rudimentary records began to be recorded in some academic institutions in Malaga city in 1872, around 150 years ago.”
“Morocco’s interior ministry ordered a ban of using drinking water to irrigate public parks, swimming pools, and cleaning streets due to a shortage of rainfall.
“The alarm bell was rung a few days ago in Parliament by water Minister Nizar Baraka who said five years of consecutive droughts left dam filling rate at a critical 23% capacity.”
“Pakistan: Protests erupt in Balochistan’s Gwadar against continuous water shortage.
“Continuing the trend of protests in Balochistan, residents of Pasni, took to the streets to voice their discontent over the ongoing water scarcity in the area. Led primarily by women, the protest led to a temporary disruption of traffic as demonstrators congregated in front of the Assistant Commissioner’s office in Pasni.”
“120 kms from Mumbai: Water dries up, anger boils over.
“Their situation has become even more acute this year, as the state received poor rainfall, leading to a depletion of existing water reserves in the four wells – two have completely dried up while the other two, said villagers, have enough water to last barely 15 days.”
“Japan’s annual mean temperature anomaly for 2023 (compared to 1991-2020) is expected to be+1.28°C, based on provisional calculations using data up to 27 December, significantly higher than the previous all-time high of +0.65°C in 2020!!”
“Global warming intensifies typhoon-induced extreme precipitation over East Asia.
“Last year, Typhoon Hinnamnor, which caused 36 fatalities, gained notoriety as the first super typhoon that developed at a high latitude as 25°N since Korea Meteorological Administration records began. This year in Osong, Chungcheongbuk-do, an unanticipated intense downpour caused rivers to suddenly overflow, resulting in numerous casualties.”
“Flooding disaster death toll rises to 12 [Thailand]…
“Eleven public health service centres in Narathiwat, 12 in Yala and 11 in Pattani have been closed due to the floods. The ministry has provided 4,200 first aid kits to flood victims and opened extra evacuation centres in the three provinces.”
“36.2C [97.2F] at San Jose yesterday tied its December record which was set earlier this month and today its MIN. of 27.5C tied the record of December warmest night which was set few days ago. Philippines have been beating records for months no-stop.”
“Marine Heatwave Off NSW Coast Could Be Devastating For Sea Species, Aquaculture… The CSIRO has predicted warming of the ocean by 1 to 2.5 degrees Celsius for the south-east Australian coast, already known as a global warming hotspot.”
“Hastings District Council nearly $400 million in debt as cyclone costs compound [NZ]…
“That means the council’s interest payments now sit around $18m per year, with an average interest rate of just over 5 per cent. HDC is forecasting it will need to borrow more money by the end of its financial year in June, including to help cover Category 3 home buyouts following Cyclone Gabrielle.”
“Records heat keep falling every single day in South America. In PERU several December records fell these days with temperatures up to 38C on the Northern coast (see below).
“In BRAZIL records every day too: last one was Seridò with 39.8C [103.6F] broke its December record.”
“Huge waves smash California beaches, injuring eight and leaving buildings flooded.
“The National Weather Service has advised people to stay away from the areas affected, not to use the water and to take note of barricades in place, as it forecasts similar conditions into the weekend.”
“Scientists warn ‘zombie deer disease’ could spread to humans as cases surge across US…
“Chronic wasting disease, which leaves animals drooling, lethargic, stumbling and with a blank stare, has been found in 800 samples of deer, elk and moose across Wyoming. But experts warned the disease was a “slow-moving disaster” and urged governments to prepare for the possibility of it spreading to humans.”
“Friday was a day of record-breaking temperatures in the Puget Sound area.
“KIRO Newsradio meteorologist Ted Buehner said Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac Airport)… reached 62 degrees Friday afternoon, tying the record for the highest temperature ever recorded during the second half of December.”
“Lack of snow, ice partially to blame for warmer winter temperatures in Minnesota.
“…when there’s no snow cover, more of the sun’s energy reaches the soul to warm it. That’s why, this year, parts of your lawn may be green, and why temperatures have been above average so consistently.”
“122 anglers rescued from ice floe in northern Minnesota lake, no injuries reported…
“Minnesota is wrapping up an abnormally warm December, with temperatures above normal nearly every day of the month, the state’s Department of Natural Resources reported. Temperatures have been running 10-15 degrees above seasonal averages…”
“Two teens dead after group falls through ice on the Rideau River in Ottawa.
“Ottawa has seen warmer-than-normal temperatures through December, with five straight days of temperatures above 0 C. The temperature hit 6.6 C on Tuesday and 4.1 C on Wednesday. The tragedy comes amid a spate of similar incidents across the country.”
“This December 2023 in Canada is rewriting history: Record warmth almost the whole month in almost the whole country.
“On 29 December another extremely mild day in British Columbia up to 16.5C [61.7F] at Sheringham Point and a new December record at Tofino with 16.0C.”
“Is winter, as we know it, dead? Canadians adapt to a mild December.
“Coast to coast, Canadians are talking about the unusual start to the winter season. Unseasonably warm weather broke temperature records in southern British Columbia… In northern Labrador, schools were closed before Christmas because of concerns over a rapid melt and flooding… In Quebec, heavy rains dumped a month’s worth of precipitation in less than 24 hours…”
“Geese hatching eggs in winter? Experts concerned climate change is reshaping wildlife…
“Brian Salt, director of Wildlife Rehabilitation at Salthaven in London, Ontario, said he’s been seeing a lot of strange wildlife behaviour in the last few months. “Eastern gray squirrels in this area, at least in southwestern Ontario, have had not two litters as they normally do spring and fall, but this year they had three and I’ve never seen that before,” said Salt.”
“As the agriculture sector looks toward 2024, crop scientists are working to get ahead of ruinously unstable weather. They are envisioning adaptations for both growing systems and plants themselves. But time is not on their side.”
“Millions infected with dengue this year in new record as hotter temperatures cause virus to flare…
” Dengue is sweeping across the Western Hemisphere in numbers not seen since record-keeping began more than four decades ago, with experts warning that rising temperatures and rapid urbanization are accelerating the pace of infections.”
“Silicon Valley’s dark sustainability secret. Data centres threaten to push already stretched water supplies to the extreme…
“While farming and energy are the most water intensive sectors, technology is catching up… tensions are increasingly starting to arise when companies clash with local communities seeking to preserve water because of droughts.”
“Water increasingly at the center of conflicts from Ukraine to the Middle East…
““It’s very disturbing that in particular attacks on civilian water infrastructure seem to be on the rise,” said Peter Gleick, the Pacific Institute’s co-founder and senior fellow. “We also see a worrying increase in violence associated with water scarcity worsened by drought, climate disruptions, growing populations, and competition for water.””
You can read the previous “Climate” thread here. I’ll be back on Tuesday with another “Climate” 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 an enormous help as the cost-of-living crisis ratchets up here in the UK.
Thank you all for bearing with me in my absence and thank you to the commenters who kept the home fires burning.
“Earth Was Due for Another Year of Record Warmth. But This Warm?
“Earth is finishing up its warmest year in the past 174 years, and very likely the past 125,000… Scientists are already busy trying to understand whether 2023’s off-the-charts heat is a sign that global warming is accelerating.”
“According to ERA5 data, the global surface temperature averaged more than 1.70°C above the 1850-1900 IPCC baseline over the last 4 months (August 18-December 18, 2023).
“We are transitioning away from a human-habitable planet.”
“Storm Gerrit has left thousands without power after it caused havoc across England and Scotland, while more than 100 homes were wrecked by a ‘tornado’.
“‘Freak winds’ tore apart roofs in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester, overnight… The weather system has also created chaos on Britain’s transport system…” [I can attest to this! It took us two huge detours and three separate ferries to make it home yesterday.]
“Highest minimum temperature for Christmas Day on record, Met Office says…
““Provisionally this Christmas we have recorded the highest daily minimum temperature for Christmas Day on record, with both Exeter Airport and East Malling not falling below 12.4C”.”
“The loss of predictable weather patterns is “causing chaos” for nature, according to the National Trust. [UK]
“It warns climate change is upsetting the regular rhythm of the seasons, making plants and wildlife more susceptible to disease. The effects can be seen across the estates the National Trust manages.”
“Dorset coast saw 15 years’ worth of erosion in one day after storm hit…
“A section of the Dorset coast suffered 15 years’ of erosion in one day from Storm Ciaran… Parts of Hive Beach, near Burton Bradstock, were breached for the first time in November’s storm Ciaran.”
“Towns in Germany evacuated and dykes reinforced after heavy rain triggers flooding.
“Towns have been evacuated in Germany after floodwaters rose following heavy rain. Rivers and streams overflowed when fresh downpours fell on already-soaked ground in the north and east of the country.”
“2023: Germany’s Warmest Year on Record Amid Global Rising Temperatures.
“With an anticipated annual temperature of 10.6 degrees Celsius, 2023 is projected to mark the warmest year on record in Germany. This forecast comes from the German Meteorological Office, a significant departure from historical temperature averages…”
“Ski resorts battle for a future as snow declines in climate crisis.
“After promising early dumps of snow in some areas of Europe this autumn, the pattern of recent years resumed and rain and sleet took over… no amount of wishing and hoping will overcome what is an existential threat to skiing in the Alps, an industry worth $30bn (£23.8bn)…”
“Spectacular fohn day in Italy (next tweet) and Switzerland. In SWITZERLAND hottest December day on records for 22.3 [72.1F] Locarno; 21.2 Grono; 20.6 Stabio.
“Also incredibly warm nights with TMIN of 15.9C at Cevio, 2nd highest in December in Swiss climatic history (record 16.0C).”
“Another crazy warm day in EUROPE with temperatures which have nothing to do with winter: 22.4C [72.3F] in France, 19C in Austria,24C on the Turkish Black Sea coast,18C in Moldova, widespread >20C in the Balkans…
“Another new December record in SERBIA with 21.3C Negotin.”
“Global Warming Could Trigger Five-Year Long Droughts in Europe from 2030, Warns Study.
“The research highlights the importance of considering multiple factors such as drought, tropical nights, and maximum temperature, and their impact on human health and ecosystems… The study also points out the unprecedented increase in the North Atlantic water temperature in 2023…”
“Never ending record heat in the Gulf of Guinea, Africa.
“37.0C [98/6F] at Mpouya REP. OF CONGO. Hottest December day in Congolese history beaten again; 35.8C Doula CAMEROON monthly record. Records have been falling every day from Ivory Coast to Congo thanks to harmattan dry winds.”
“Heavy rains overnight in South Kivu province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) caused flooding and landslides, killing at least 40 people, local media reported Wednesday…
“Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, and there is concern that the death toll may rise. In May this year, at least 438 bodies were found in areas of Kalehe Territory in South Kivu hit by flooding due to heavy rains.”
“South Africa: Several dead after rain triggers flash floods.
“A 10-meter (33 feet) deluge swept through a borough of Ladysmith in South Africa, destroying homes and cars. Rescuers are battling to find survivors as rainstorms continue.”
“The Iraqi Ministry of Water Resources said that the country has reached its lowest level of water storage in recorded history, the state-run Iraqi News Agency reported on Monday.
“The ministry’s spokesperson Khaled Shamal said the water scarcity over the past four years has caused a record drop in the strategic reserves of water.”
“Saffron supplies dry up as climate change shrivels Iran’s ‘desert gold’…
“…changing weather patterns and water shortages are having a dramatic effect on the industry, according to producers and traders, leading to significant falls in yields that have pushed the price of the world’s most expensive spice to fresh highs.”
“Neighbouring states become enemies as water scarcity drives conflict.
“Burning heat, sandstorms and drought plague those whose homes are in the areas along the border of Afghanistan and Iran. Water can sometimes be so scarce in these provinces that it has to be brought to villages by tanker. The region became a deadly battlefield earlier this year…”
“Deer Take Over Siberia’s Omsk Amid Abnormal Winter Weather.
“Unfamiliar with the urban environment, frightened animals have fallen victim to cars and encountered artificial obstacles… Annual roe deer migration in the Omsk region has stretched on longer than normal this year due to an unusually warm and long autumn coupled with a lack of snow…”
“Beijing shivers through coldest December on record.
“Temperatures in the city have frequently fallen below -10C [14F] this month. It has been a year of extremes in the capital: six months ago, Beijing recorded its hottest ever June day, at just over 40C. China has been hit by several waves of extremely cold weather already this winter.”
“Tens of thousands affected as severe flooding hits Thailand’s south…
“Tens of thousands of people in southern Thailand have been affected by severe flooding that has submerged roads and railways, forced schools to close and left some residents trapped in their homes.”
“27,000 evacuated as floods hit six Malaysian states; east coast worst affected…
“Riverbanks burst due to the fast-rising waters in parts of the six states – Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Johor, Selangor and Sabah… A total of 13 rivers in six districts in Terengganu had exceeded the danger level at noon on Dec 26, following continuous rain over the past few days.”
“Cambodia’s health ministry issues warnings ahead of record high temperature forecast.
“The Ministry of Health’s Communicable Disease Control Department has advised people to be prepared to take precautions during the upcoming dry season in 2024, noting that temperatures are forecast to reach as high as 41 degrees Celsius [106F].”
“Record heat in West Papua (Irian Jaya), Indonesia:
“Yesterday the town of Tenah Merah rose to 37.9C [100.2F], which is the highest temperature ever recorded in West Papua climatic history (previous 37.1 same location 22 Oct 2015). Also, monthly record in Borneo with 36.1C at Kalimaru.”
“At least 10 people, including a nine-year-old girl, have died in eastern Australia during severe thunderstorms on Christmas and Boxing Day.
“Most of the deaths were in the state of Queensland, where tens of thousands of people are still without power. Victoria and New South Wales were also hit by widespread flooding and destructive winds.”
“Queenslanders have been warned that they are in for “relentless heat” that could harm people’s health just days after severe storms battered parts of the state.
“A severe heatwave has begun to set in on Thursday, with the majority of the state to swelter through high temperatures into the weekend and beginning of next week.”
“The Water Trade Is Booming — and Sucking Australia Dry…
“Trading water, Australians have discovered, is tantamount to transferring wealth. The results are painful for communities, many of them Indigenous, that have seen their water disappear, farm economies gutted and environments depleted.”
“With half its surface water area lost, an Amazonian state runs dry.
“Water bodies across the Brazilian state of Roraima have shrunk in area by half over the past 20 years, according to research from the mapping collective MapBiomas. Today, locals are facing even drier times amid a severe drought in the Amazon…”
“Amazon drought: ‘We’ve never seen anything like this’…
“”I’m 49 years old, we’ve never seen anything like this before,” Oliveira says. “I’ve never even heard of a drought as bad as this… “If it dries out any more than that, my family will be isolated there,” Oliveira says.”
“Floodwaters in northern Argentina caused a massive wave of mud to violently wash away an entire bridge as local residents ran in panic.
“Shocking video recorded in the Catamarca province shows a group of residents eyeing the surging Rincon River on Monday following days of heavy rain in the region.”
“City leaders in Port Hueneme [California] have declared a local state of emergency, seeking state and federal assistance to help residents recover from the surge of rain that damaged homes and businesses last week.
“Some parts of the city of Oxnard got around just under 5 inches of rain in six hours.”
“A ‘snow drought’ is leaving the West’s mountains high and dry…
“Across the West, the winter is off to a dry start… High-altitude snowpack has big implications for the region’s water supply. Two-thirds of the Colorado River’s water starts as snow in Colorado’s mountains before melting and flowing to about 40 million people across seven states.”
“Traditional Minnesotan winter melts away under record high Christmas Day temperatures…
“The normally snowbound “Twin Cities” of Minnesota saw record Christmas Day temperatures as high as 54F, according to US officials… While high Christmas temperatures aren’t unknown in the North Star State, experts said that climate change is making them more likely than ever before.”
“Climate-fuelled wildfires testing the limits of Canada’s aging water bombers…
“”We’re really starting to see the effects of the aging fleet,” said Eric Davidson, president of the Ontario Professional Association of Wildland Firefighters. This year saw the worst wildfire season ever recorded in Canada…”
“In 2023 the wildfires engulfed not only areas usually susceptible to forest fires like Greece, Italy, Tunisia, and Algeria in the Mediterranean basin and North America and Australia, but also areas which are usually spared like Hawaii or Tenerife.”
“The tip of the Antarctica Peninsula is melting out…
“The melting of the Antarctic Peninsula in 2022-2023 has resulted in a mind-boggling increase in speed and significant ice loss at three glaciers. The Hectoria Glacier quadrupled its sliding speed and lost 15 miles of ice at its front over 16 months…”
“How to talk to climate change-denying relatives at Christmas…
“…to help you knock back some of the more common myths spouted by climate change deniers, the team at the Rainforest Alliance have put together some ready-made answers to shut down any potential arguments and keep the peace at the dinner table.”
You can read the previous “Climate” threadhere. 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 an enormous help as the cost-of-living crisis ratchets up here in the UK.
A heads-up that I am travelling to England to see family and friends for Christmas and won’t be able to update the site on the road. Thursday will be my last thread until the following Thursday, ie 28th December.
My apologies for the hiatus and my heartfelt thanks to all of those who subscribe and donate.
EDIT: This will actually be my last thread until next Thursday. The weather is ferry-cancellingly bad later this week and If we do not leave the island tomorrow morning our whole Christmas will be scuppered. Again my apologies.
“Breaking News!
“The October data from CERES just came out /wrt the Earth Energy Imbalance, and once again a new record was set for the 36-month running mean, this time at 1.52 W/m², equivalent to 12.3 Hiroshima bombs worth of Earth heating per second.”
“Absorbed solar radiation is solar radiation that did not get reflected, making it to the surface where it heated up something. Some (not all) ASR goes back into space as outgoing thermal.
“ASR’s rise is the tell-tale signal for aerosol termination shock.”
“Global sea surface temperatures are nearing record anomaly territory (again), and are back over 5 sigma above the 1982-2011 mean (first 30 years of data).
“Will a new record be set in 2023? The magic 8-ball says “f&%kery ahead!””
“Next year we might hit a month of over +2.0°C. The rate of warming will keep increasing with growing greenhouse gas emissions and decreasing aerosols. Monthly ECMWF ERA5 Surface Air Temperature Anomalies from 1850-1900 in °C:”
“Scotland’s climate is changing faster than expected, scientists have warned.
“A study by the James Hutton Institute in Aberdeen says February in some areas is already 2.5C warmer while rainfall is at levels forecast for 2050. They are concerned that the changes could affect food production and efforts to protect peatlands which store carbon.”
“Very warm in Northern Europe and in the Alps. In SCOTLAND records of December HIGHEST TMIN. at 12.1C [53.8F] Kinloss, 11.9C Lossiemouth and 11.0C Tain Range.
“In SWITZERLAND record of December highest Max on the Weissfluhjoch (2691m) with +8.1C.”
“This year likely to be wettest ever recorded in Denmark.
“With less than two weeks to go, and rain on the way, Erik Hansen, a forecaster with the Danish Meteorological Agency, believes it is near certain that 2023 will beat the 905.3mm record set in 2019. On December 14th, the agency said in a press release that with 897.7mm fallen, it would take “an incredibly dry Christmas” for Denmark not to beat the record.”
“Parts of Rhine closed to shipping as river levels rise [in the summer they were too low]…
“Water levels on the Rhine were critically high last week, after heavy rain across the catchment area and the snow melt that followed… The Rhine is an important shipping route in central Europe for transporting commodities. High levels mean ships and barges do not have enough space to sail under bridges.”
“Several areas in west France were hit hard by flooding over the weekend as a major river burst its banks. More than 200 people were evacuated from their homes.
“The Charente hit its ‘peak’ water level on Sunday (December 17) after days of steady rainfall.”
“Data indicates that the Algarve’s almond tree plantation area has fallen from 13,338 hectares in 2002 to 5,001 in 2022. Almond trees in bloom, an iconic image of the Algarve, could be part of the past if the agony of the few orchards that exist, caused by drought and lack of profitability, is not stopped…”
“Andalucia is officially suffering its longest drought since [records began in] 1961.
“OFFICIALS have confirmed Andalucia is experiencing its longest drought since 1961. The drought started almost eight years ago in 2016. Though prolonged, it is not the most intense drought to have hit the region.”
“Namibia: Omaheke Farmers Lose Cattle, Residents Face Starvation Due to Drought.
“Communal farmers in the region are grappling with the harsh effects of the erratic rainy season, witnessing a substantial number of deaths among their livestock due to the scarcity of grazing. During a recent visit to the village situated in the Aminuis constituency, farmers expressed concern about the dire situation…”
“Heat waves to intensify in Madagascar, one of Earth’s richest biodiversity hotspots: WWA study…
“The African country experienced its hottest October on record this year. Temperatures were more than 2.5°C above average, a heat which is normally not experienced until December or January, highlights the outcome of a study conducted by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) published in November 2023.”
“Shrinking Glaciers And Shallow Rivers: Kyrgyzstan Feeling The Effects Of Climate Change Despite Its Tiny Carbon Footprint…
““Autumn contracted from 75 days in 1961-1990 to 71 days in 1991-2021,” Abdrakhmatov wrote on Facebook, adding that winter now arrives later than before, while spring and summer start earlier and last longer.”
“Iranian Cities Overwhelmed by Influx of Climate Migrants.
“Climate change effects, including drought and temperature rise, are displacing thousands of Iranians, especially farmers and fishermen… Some Iranian officials have warned that many parts of the Islamic republic could eventually become uninhabitable, leading to a mass exodus from the Middle Eastern country.”
“Drought leaves Karnataka farmers in distress [India]; 456 end lives this year.
“Karnataka is grappling with an acute drought this year, leaving crops unviable, existing yields destroyed, and farmers in severe distress. Tragically, the dire situation has led 456 farmers, burdened by the weight of debt, to end their lives this year so far.”
“[An unprecedented] 95cm [37.4 inches] of rain in 24 hours sinks Kayalpattinam in Tuticorin [Tamil Nadu]…
“The three armed forces on Monday joined the Tamil Nadu government in rescuing stranded people as extremely heavy rainfall wreaked havoc in four southern districts of Tamil Nadu… The state government termed the rainfall ‘unprecedented’ and deployed helicopters…”
“Parts of China Gripped by Record-Low Temperatures, Icy Snap Intensifies.
“Temperatures in parts of China, including in provinces Shanxi, Hebei and Liaoning, hit their lowest levels since records began, the state broadcaster said Sunday, as a cold snap gripped large swathes of the country.”
“China allocates $33 bln from sovereign bonds for disaster-hit infrastructure -state media…
“China has grappled with weather extremes this year, from ultra-low temperatures in January to record rainfall and a blistering hot summer, in wild swings that scientists attribute to climate change… Northern China, including the capital city of Beijing, were the hardest hit by floods after record rainfall from Typhoon Doksuri in July and August.”
“Breathtaking unseasonable warmth covered western and eastern Japan on Fri and Sat.
“Numerous December records were broken, including Sakai reaching 23.4℃ (74F), which is 12.5℃ (22F) higher than normal. It was the warmest December day since records began in 1883!”
“Hokkaido schools to extend summer break after record heat…
“Schoolchildren in Hokkaido, the northernmost main island of Japan, can now look forward to longer summer breaks after temperatures hit a blistering 36.3 degrees [97.3F] this year. The island’s education board revised administrative rules for school operators on Nov. 22 to extend the total vacation period…”
“South Korea experiences unexpected temperature swings, raises climate concerns.
““Just last week, I wore short-sleeved clothing… suddenly, within a day, it became extremely cold,” said graduate student Lee Seo-hyun from a central area of the capital, where pedestrians were seen wearing puffer jackets and gloves.”
“Insane heat in THAILAND – December National record again with 38.5C [101.3F] at Laem Chabang.
“MINIMUM temperatures up to 28.5C at Bangkok Pilot. Records also at 36.5C Ko Sichang; 36.0C Phuket… Bangkok hasn’t dropped below 26C in the whole month so far. This should be the “cold season”.”
“Record-breaking Heatwave Sweeps Across Indonesia, Hinting at Larger Climate Crisis.
“On December 16-17, 2023, Indonesia experienced record-high temperatures, as reported by the Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG). The areas that were hardest hit included western Java, Lampung, West Kalimantan, and South Sumatra.”
“North Queensland’s record-breaking floods are a frightening portent of what’s to come under climate change.
“Unprecedented rain brought by Tropical Cyclone Jasper has triggered widespread flooding in far north Queensland, forcing thousands of people to evacuate… Some rain gauges in the Barron and Daintree River catchments recorded more than 2m of rain over recent days…”
“Fourteen people have been killed after a storm brought heavy rain and winds of 150km/h (93mph) to eastern Argentina.
“The storm hit the port city of Bahia Blanca, around 570km (355 miles) south of Buenos Aires, on Saturday, damaging buildings and causing power outages before moving towards the capital on Sunday.”
“Intense heat and catastrophic floods in ARGENTINA.
“Insane MIN. temperature 29.0C [84.2F] at Tinogasta 1200m asl (and max of 42.5C). Monthly records: 42.0 Jujuy Aero; 39.6 Salta; 41.2 Camiri (BOLIVIA). Severe storms in Bahia Blanca and Buenos Aires with casualties reported.”
“SOUTH AMERICA between record heat and catastrophic floods
“Historic heat in BRAZIL; 30.5C [86.9F] MINIMUM TEMP at Cuiaba HIGHEST DECEMBER MIN. IN BRAZIL HISTORY. Dozens of monthly records of highest Tmins/Tmaxes fell. Highest was 41.9 Tres Lagoas.”
“Panama Canal Drought Impacts Drug Traffickers’ Logistics…
“These traffic jams in the Panama Canal are not only affecting international trade. Criminal organizations that use containers to move drugs also depend, in part, on the continuous flow of vessels passing through the Central American isthmus.”
“About 3 million Americans are already “climate migrants,” analysis finds. Here’s where they left…
“About 3.2 million Americans have moved due to the mounting risk of flooding, the First Street Foundation said in a report that focuses on so-called “climate abandonment areas,” or locations where the local population fell between 2000 and 2020 because of risks linked to climate change.”
“More shelters, beds coming to Phoenix, after record-breaking heat-related deaths.
“After a summer of record-breaking temperatures and heat-related deaths, the city of Phoenix will add more shelters and beds for Summer 2024. According to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, the county broke another record with 569 confirmed heat-related deaths.”
“Deadly East Coast storm pummels Northeast with 90-mph winds, widespread flash flooding.
“Several deaths have been reported across the Northeast and New England as a deadly storm packing damaging wind gusts, flooding rain and the threat of severe weather sweeps across the region on Monday. Hundreds of thousands are still without power as the bulk of the storm exits the Northeast.”
“‘A real gut punch’: Flooding throughout Vermont leads to rescues, evacuations and road closures…
““As we continue the recovery from this summer’s flooding, I know this is the last thing Vermonters want to see right now — and especially during the holiday season,” said Berlin, Gov. Phil Scott, speaking from the Agency of Transportation’s Dill Building.”
“Zuckerberg hunkers down in Hawaii to wait out apocalypse.
“$270M secret building project includes 5,000 sq ft bunker. On a remote part of Kauai, the fourth largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, someone with a lot of money is bankrolling an extensive construction project…”
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 an enormous help as the cost-of-living crisis ratchets up here in the UK.
“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.
“Cop29, the next round of UN talks to tackle the climate crisis, will be led by another veteran of the oil and gas industry.
“‘I think I need a new colour’: Climate stripes creator reacts to 2023’s record-smashing temperatures…
“This little graphic plots more than 30,000 data points for the temperature anomaly over the 1850-1900 baseline, from 1940 to present.
“There we are, back at 21°C global (60°S-60°N) Sea Surface Temperatures.
“For the U.S. and Canada combined, December 2023 was 7.8F (4.3C) above the 1991-2020 normal, and 3.6F (2.0C) warmer than the second warmest December.
“Unprecedented months-long drought roasts spawning salmon: ‘[Like] swimming a marathon in a sauna’.
“Drought state of emergency enters 15th week in central B.C. village.
“No ice on Lake Erie this winter fuels fear for the future…
“Insane heat wave in Central America and the Caribbean, thousands of records have been obliterated all over the region.
“In just few hours dozens of thousands of heat records were destroyed all over the world, from Oceania to Asia, Europe, North and Southern Africa, North and South America.
“Extreme drought in western Pará pushes family farmers into agroforestry [Brazil].
“EXTREME HEAT COMING. Next days South America will witness a terrible heat wave with temperatures up to 45C [113F], nights well over 30C and high humidity.
“Big freeze strands cargo ships in Baltic Sea ice. Ice breakers being deployed to help commercial vessels as harsh winter conditions surprise.
“Breaking News Bjørnholt has set a New cold record for Norwegian Capitol, Oslo with -29.9C friday night.
“Campaigners say building more power stations on Loch Ness could be a disaster for wild fish populations.
“Britain is enduring its wettest winter in 130 years as large parts of the country are submerged in water.
“Floods in Germany: Desperate farmers fight to save harvests…
“Tornado wreaks havoc in several Belgian municipalities.
“December 2023 in Croatia was another record warm month with temperature anomalies between +1.6C and +4.4C above average/
“‘It’s full of green areas’: mystery of Europe’s heat death hotspot. Hot weather has proved deadlier in the Croatian city of Osijek than in any other European city but little is being done to work out why…
“In Bulgaria 2023 was also the warmest year on record. With an average temperature of 12.9C it beats by 0.4C the previous hottest year 2019.
“Hotter, drier air in Europe ‘causing poor crops and greater wildfire risk’…
“Record warmth in Europe switched from West to East of the Mediterranean. 24.2C [75.6F] at Sifilke in TURKEY and 24.0C at Larnaca in CYPRUS broke their records for January.
“Spanish city [Malaga] at risk of drying up as scientists warn it ‘must rain’ before it’s too late…
“Drought is pushing North African economies to the brink and to social unrest.
“[PHOTOS] Motorists, pedestrians stranded as heavy rains pound Nairobi [Kenya].
“Endless record heat in the tropical Indian Ocean, Tromelin Island had its hottest day on record and it’s January hottest night at the same time. 28.8/35.0 [83.8/95F]
“As Sri Lanka floods swell with climate change, so does human-crocodile conflict.
“Year of extremes for Telangana [India]; rainiest July to driest October…
“Bangladesh sees one disaster every month.
“Climate change: China’s ‘sponge cities’ struggle to soak up flooding from severe storms despite billions in investment…
“Beijing experienced its coldest December since records began in 1951, after a cold wave hit much of China…
“Japan’s average temperature in 2023 was the highest on record since comparable data became available in 1898.
“Record heat spreads to JAPAN. Warm air from the West reached the country with some January records in the North Honshu.
“Philippines “cold season” is a 24/7 sauna: Hot and humid nights persist: Last record was that of the city of Cebu with a MIN temperature of 27.3C [81.1F]: hottest January night on record.
“Never ending record heat in Oceania and SE Asia. Indonesia is facing continuous record heat and severe drought:
“‘Incredible’ rain, storms to batter Victoria, prompting flash-flood warnings [Australia].
“It’s not just the total rainfall – why is eastern Australia experiencing such sudden, devastating downpours?
“Why disappearing trees are so bad for our climate — and health…
“Cookies and candy are latest victims of climate crisis as sugar prices surge…
“2023 was hot! How hot will 2024 be? 
“It looks like I won’t be able to properly close out 2023 using ERA5 data until January 6th.
“Beaver ponds may exacerbate warming in Arctic, scientists say. Rising temperatures have spurred an influx of beavers to Alaska and northern Canada ‘on a huge scale’…
“Toronto just set December records for rain and fog, and the winter is expected to stay grey….
“These U.S. cities had their hottest year on record in 2023…
“Death Valley Snow Forecast Could Shatter All Records.
“Over 6,000 Hawaiians still homeless five months after Maui wildfires.
“1-2 January 2024 will be remembered for being among the most extreme days in climatic history: Hundreds heat records broken in the tropical areas of Oceania, Asia, Africa and Americas.
“Bermuda’s wettest year in 121 years finished with the island racking up 77.36in of rain, according to the Bermuda Weather Service.
“Siberia’s melting permafrost in photos:
“RECORD COLD. After so many heat records, 2024 also starts with a harsh cold spell in Scandinavia. with -43.6C [-46.5F] Kvikkjokk just broke its all time lowest temperature.
“Denmark’s January storms could be fourth extreme weather event in three months.
“Scotland’s climate is changing faster than scientists predicted, with increasing likelihood of more frequent and more extreme weather events, according to new analysis by The James Hutton Institute in Aberdeen.
“Last year was the UK’s second warmest on record, according to provisional data from the Met Office.
“Hundreds of flood warnings and travel disruption after Storm Henk…
“Walkers have described seeing a “huge landslide” at a seaside village.
“Floods and snow hit Northwest Europe after latest Atlantic storm.
“The Czech Republic’s weather service said Tuesday that the average temperature for 2023 equalled a 2018 record as the hottest since measurements started almost 250 years ago.
“The Romanian environment ministry has officially declared 2023 as the hottest year on record in the country, with an average temperature of 12.5 degrees Celsius.
“Spain’s drought emergency is growing. Experts warn that it’s not a matter of if an emergency situation will be declared, but when…
“La Viñuela Reservoir in Axarquía Reaches Record Low…
“Drought Beyond Rules: Moroccans Must Adapt or Dry Up…
“Congo declares state of emergency over devastating floods and landslides.
“The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) said on Wednesday 2023 was the hottest year on record in the country.
“Zimbabwe’s battle to control a skin-burrowing worm faces a new challenge: climate change.
“Tropical Cyclone Alvaro has displaced hundreds of people and affected thousands others after making landfall in Madagascar.
“Endless record heat all over the tropics: Today again the island of MAYOTTE writes history with an insane minimum temperature of 29.6C [85.3F] at Dzaoudzi Airport, by far the highest Min ever recorded in the territory.
“Climate change, not regional factors, disrupting rainfall: official [Iran].
“China breaks heat records in 2023 as sweltering weather baked cities from north to south…
“2023 warmest year of all time for S. Korea.
“Top End cooks as Darwin records warmest start to a year in almost 90 years.
“Records non stop all over the tropics like never before. Two islands, one in the Pacific and one in the Indian Ocean had their hottest days in history both with exactly 35.0C [95F]:
“Weather-related incidents such as hurricanes, winter storms, wildfires and floods are expected to be the top factor in why supply chains face major disruptions this year.
“How Terrestrial Turds Lead to Marine Maladies. Diseases from land animals are killing marine mammals at an alarming rate. Can we stem the flow of feces?
“It’s over: 2023 was Earth’s hottest year, experts say…
“Breaking news! Code Yikes!
“Welcome to a +1.5°C world!
“2023 is finishing off with a bang! These extreme Sea Surface Temperatures represent A LOT of heat, which will keep increasing for months.
“See the 2023 sea surface temperature comparison to previous peak year, 2016.
“A polar bear found dead on Alaska’s North Slope is the first of the species known to have been killed by the highly pathogenic avian influenza that is circulating among animal populations around the world.
“December 2023 in Canada was extraordinarily warm: Temperature anomaly was +5.88C vs 1991-2020 normal with anomalies locally close to +10C!
“Almost half of Charlottetown’s warmest months ever have come in the last 30 years [Prince Edward Island].
“Wow – The Great Lakes typically have an ice coverage of 55% during the winter months, causing at least half of their surfaces to freeze.
“Record warm Duluth December part of long-term trend [Minnesota].
“It’s not just Utah, snow shortages are plaguing the entire West…
“Colorado River crisis looms over state’s landscape decisions…
“Scores of California farmworkers are dying in the heat in regions with chronically bad air, even in a state with one of the toughest heat standards in the nation…
“‘A preview to hell’: The year Brazil woke up to the climate crisis.
“Growing proportion of England’s flood defences in disrepair, analysis finds.
“Germany’s Scholz Tours Flooded Regions in Northwest, Praises Authorities and Volunteers.
“It took an army of firefighters to control a blaze that forced people from their homes amid New Year’s Eve celebrations in southern Spain.
“Tunisia’s lagoons at risk of drying up amid record heat and chaotic urbanisation.
“Climate change fuels Malaria crisis in Kenya.
“Today it’s like a tsunami of heat records in the tropics from East to West: Oceania, Asia, Africa.
“Unusual Hailstorm Blankets Saudi Arabian City, Fuels Climate Change Discussions.
“Saudi Arabia: Lightning strikes 4 dead at landmark mountain.
“Bangladesh sees dramatic rise in lightning deaths linked to climate change.
“Hong Kong Witnesses Record-Breaking Warm New Year’s Eve Amid Climate Change Concerns.
“Officially confirmed – China’s average temperature in 2023 will be 10.7°C, the highest in history (normally 9.9°C). The average temperature of 12 provinces ranks first in history.”
“EXCEPTIONAL HEAT IN AUSTRALIA – 49.5C [121.1F] today at Roebourne Aero.
“‘Definitely no fireworks’: how Australia’s ‘hottest town’ is marking New Year’s Eve as temperatures hover around 50C…
“What the world is seeing these few hours of 2024 is just insane: records are being smashed in hundreds stations all over Oceania and Asia and the day is just starting.
“Red alert in Antarctica: the year rapid, dramatic change hit climate scientists like a ‘punch in the guts’…
“Hannah Ritchie: ‘Doomsday predictions are a dream for climate deniers’…
“World will look back at 2023 as year humanity exposed its inability to tackle climate crisis, scientists say…
“COP28: Our Biggest Failure in 2023.
“And so, the end is near, and so I face December 23rd (the latest data point): 
“What the North Atlantic Ocean went through in 2023 is beyond anything this basin has ever seen in recorded history. Just unbelievable.”
“The warmest year on record has been recorded by the Republic of Ireland’s weather service Met Éireann.
“Bird flu had devastating impact on UK seabirds this year, NGO finds.
“Scotland’s climate targets are in “serious doubt” as a result of planned spending cuts, the body that represents local authorities has warned.
“Christmas trees are being planted later due to shifting weather patterns, growers have revealed [UK].
“More exceptional warmth in EUROPE.
“Floods in Europe: Hungary, Netherlands and Lithuania brace themselves…
“Germany braces for more heavy rain in flood-affected areas.
“British mother and son killed in French avalanche.
“The highest temperatures in 130 years are threatening Italy’s ski season, while heavy rain is expected to hit runs in the French Alps in the coming days.
“Italy has experienced a record-setting number of extreme weather events in 2023, a year that is set to be the warmest in more than 150 years, reports said on Thursday.
“Driest year on the Costa del Sol [Spain] since at least 1872 draws to a close…
“Morocco’s interior ministry ordered a ban of using drinking water to irrigate public parks, swimming pools, and cleaning streets due to a shortage of rainfall.
“Never ending record heat in the Gulf of Guinea in Africa. Records have been falling every day for weeks. Last December records to fall:
“Pakistan: Protests erupt in Balochistan’s Gwadar against continuous water shortage.
“120 kms from Mumbai: Water dries up, anger boils over.
“Unseasonal fierce heat has been persistent in Southern India in the past days with temperatures of 36C/37C.
“Japan’s annual mean temperature anomaly for 2023 (compared to 1991-2020) is expected to be+1.28°C, based on provisional calculations using data up to 27 December, significantly higher than the previous all-time high of +0.65°C in 2020!!”
“Global warming intensifies typhoon-induced extreme precipitation over East Asia.
“Flooding disaster death toll rises to 12 [Thailand]…
“Endless record heat in the Philippines.
“49 DEGREES /121F – Exceptional heat wave in AUSTRALIA from West to East. All time RECORD HEAT tied: 49.3C Marble Bar in Western Australia.
“Hastings District Council nearly $400 million in debt as cyclone costs compound [NZ]…
“Records heat keep falling every single day in South America. In PERU several December records fell these days with temperatures up to 38C on the Northern coast (see below).
“Huge waves smash California beaches, injuring eight and leaving buildings flooded.
“Scientists warn ‘zombie deer disease’ could spread to humans as cases surge across US…
“Friday was a day of record-breaking temperatures in the Puget Sound area.
“Lack of snow, ice partially to blame for warmer winter temperatures in Minnesota.
“122 anglers rescued from ice floe in northern Minnesota lake, no injuries reported…
“Two teens dead after group falls through ice on the Rideau River in Ottawa.
“This December 2023 in Canada is rewriting history: Record warmth almost the whole month in almost the whole country.
“Is winter, as we know it, dead? Canadians adapt to a mild December.
“Geese hatching eggs in winter? Experts concerned climate change is reshaping wildlife…
“The Foods the World Will Lose to Climate Change…
“Millions infected with dengue this year in new record as hotter temperatures cause virus to flare…
“Silicon Valley’s dark sustainability secret. Data centres threaten to push already stretched water supplies to the extreme…
“Water increasingly at the center of conflicts from Ukraine to the Middle East…
“Earth Was Due for Another Year of Record Warmth. But This Warm?
“This graph shows the detrended global mean temperature minus 0.1 x the detrended Niño 3.4 temperature.
“According to ERA5 data, the global surface temperature averaged more than 1.70°C above the 1850-1900 IPCC baseline over the last 4 months (August 18-December 18, 2023).
“Just another “5.3 sigma” day for the world’s oceans.
“Storm Gerrit has left thousands without power after it caused havoc across England and Scotland, while more than 100 homes were wrecked by a ‘tornado’.
“Highest minimum temperature for Christmas Day on record, Met Office says…
“The loss of predictable weather patterns is “causing chaos” for nature, according to the National Trust. [UK]
“Dorset coast saw 15 years’ worth of erosion in one day after storm hit…
“Towns in Germany evacuated and dykes reinforced after heavy rain triggers flooding.
“2023: Germany’s Warmest Year on Record Amid Global Rising Temperatures.
“Ski resorts battle for a future as snow declines in climate crisis.
“Spectacular fohn day in Italy (next tweet) and Switzerland. In SWITZERLAND hottest December day on records for 22.3 [72.1F] Locarno; 21.2 Grono; 20.6 Stabio.
“25.2C [77.4F] yesterday at Cumiana (Turin Province) is the new official highest temperature in December in Northern Italy.
“Another crazy warm day in EUROPE with temperatures which have nothing to do with winter: 22.4C [72.3F] in France, 19C in Austria,24C on the Turkish Black Sea coast,18C in Moldova, widespread >20C in the Balkans…
“Global Warming Could Trigger Five-Year Long Droughts in Europe from 2030, Warns Study.
“Never ending record heat in the Gulf of Guinea, Africa.
“Heavy rains overnight in South Kivu province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) caused flooding and landslides, killing at least 40 people, local media reported Wednesday…
“South Africa: Several dead after rain triggers flash floods.
“Hottest December day in MALDIVES history tied today (it was set earlier this month) again at Hanimadhoo with 33.6C [92.5F].
“The Iraqi Ministry of Water Resources said that the country has reached its lowest level of water storage in recorded history, the state-run Iraqi News Agency reported on Monday.
“Saffron supplies dry up as climate change shrivels Iran’s ‘desert gold’…
“Neighbouring states become enemies as water scarcity drives conflict.
“Deer Take Over Siberia’s Omsk Amid Abnormal Winter Weather.
“Beijing shivers through coldest December on record.
“Tens of thousands affected as severe flooding hits Thailand’s south…
“27,000 evacuated as floods hit six Malaysian states; east coast worst affected…
“Cambodia’s health ministry issues warnings ahead of record high temperature forecast.
“Record heat in West Papua (Irian Jaya), Indonesia:
“At least 10 people, including a nine-year-old girl, have died in eastern Australia during severe thunderstorms on Christmas and Boxing Day.
“Queenslanders have been warned that they are in for “relentless heat” that could harm people’s health just days after severe storms battered parts of the state.
“The Water Trade Is Booming — and Sucking Australia Dry…
“With half its surface water area lost, an Amazonian state runs dry.
“Amazon drought: ‘We’ve never seen anything like this’…
“BRAZIL is beating dozens of December records of highest temperature nearly every day with >40C [104F] in the States of Bahia, PIaui, Maranhao….
“Floodwaters in northern Argentina caused a massive wave of mud to violently wash away an entire bridge as local residents ran in panic.
“City leaders in Port Hueneme [California] have declared a local state of emergency, seeking state and federal assistance to help residents recover from the surge of rain that damaged homes and businesses last week.
“A ‘snow drought’ is leaving the West’s mountains high and dry…
“Traditional Minnesotan winter melts away under record high Christmas Day temperatures…
“Climate-fuelled wildfires testing the limits of Canada’s aging water bombers…
“Forest fires: a record year…
“The tip of the Antarctica Peninsula is melting out…
“How to talk to climate change-denying relatives at Christmas…
“Breaking News! 
“Absorbed solar radiation is solar radiation that did not get reflected, making it to the surface where it heated up something. Some (not all) ASR goes back into space as outgoing thermal.
“Global Albedo is decreasing very rapidly.
“Global sea surface temperatures are nearing record anomaly territory (again), and are back over 5 sigma above the 1982-2011 mean (first 30 years of data).
“We’ve spent 5 months above +1.5°C. 
“Scotland’s climate is changing faster than expected, scientists have warned.
“Very warm in Northern Europe and in the Alps. In SCOTLAND records of December HIGHEST TMIN. at 12.1C [53.8F] Kinloss, 11.9C Lossiemouth and 11.0C Tain Range.
“This year likely to be wettest ever recorded in Denmark.
“Parts of Rhine closed to shipping as river levels rise [in the summer they were too low]…
“Several areas in west France were hit hard by flooding over the weekend as a major river burst its banks. More than 200 people were evacuated from their homes.
“Drought: Iconic Algarve almond blossom could disappear, warn sector officials [Portugal].
“Andalucia is officially suffering its longest drought since [records began in] 1961.
“Namibia: Omaheke Farmers Lose Cattle, Residents Face Starvation Due to Drought.
“Heat waves to intensify in Madagascar, one of Earth’s richest biodiversity hotspots: WWA study…
“Shrinking Glaciers And Shallow Rivers: Kyrgyzstan Feeling The Effects Of Climate Change Despite Its Tiny Carbon Footprint…
“Iranian Cities Overwhelmed by Influx of Climate Migrants.
“Drought leaves Karnataka farmers in distress [India]; 456 end lives this year.
“[An unprecedented] 95cm [37.4 inches] of rain in 24 hours sinks Kayalpattinam in Tuticorin [Tamil Nadu]…
“Parts of China Gripped by Record-Low Temperatures, Icy Snap Intensifies.
“China allocates $33 bln from sovereign bonds for disaster-hit infrastructure -state media…
“Breathtaking unseasonable warmth covered western and eastern Japan on Fri and Sat.
“Hokkaido schools to extend summer break after record heat…
“South Korea experiences unexpected temperature swings, raises climate concerns.
“Insane heat in THAILAND – December National record again with 38.5C [101.3F] at Laem Chabang.
“Record-breaking Heatwave Sweeps Across Indonesia, Hinting at Larger Climate Crisis.
“North Queensland’s record-breaking floods are a frightening portent of what’s to come under climate change.
“Fourteen people have been killed after a storm brought heavy rain and winds of 150km/h (93mph) to eastern Argentina.
“Intense heat and catastrophic floods in ARGENTINA.
“SOUTH AMERICA between record heat and catastrophic floods
“Panama Canal Drought Impacts Drug Traffickers’ Logistics…
“About 3 million Americans are already “climate migrants,” analysis finds. Here’s where they left…
“More shelters, beds coming to Phoenix, after record-breaking heat-related deaths.
“Deadly East Coast storm pummels Northeast with 90-mph winds, widespread flash flooding.
“‘A real gut punch’: Flooding throughout Vermont leads to rescues, evacuations and road closures…
“EXCEPTIONAL WARMTH ONGOING IN CANADA. Temperatures rose >17C [62.6F] in the evening in Quebec at Cap Chat, it’s like a July evening temperature.
“Update: Monthly records already falling in Quebec at 11pm local time and they might not be the last ones:
“Zuckerberg hunkers down in Hawaii to wait out apocalypse.