Tag

Climate Disasters

All articles tagged with #climate disasters

environment18 days ago•3 min saved

2025 Climate Disasters: Record-Breaking Costs and Devastation

The article reports that 2025 saw some of the most costly climate-related disasters, including cyclones, floods, and wildfires, causing over $120 billion in insured losses, with human and economic impacts especially severe in developing countries. Experts attribute the increasing frequency and severity of these events to human-made climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for global action to reduce fossil fuel use and support vulnerable nations. Despite commitments at COP30 to increase climate finance, the funding remains insufficient to meet the growing needs for adaptation and disaster mitigation.

via The Guardian|

#climate-change #climate-disasters #costly-disasters

science-and-environment2 years ago•1 min saved

"Doomsday Clock Holds Steady at 90 Seconds to Midnight Amid Nuclear War, Climate, and AI Threats"

The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists has moved the "Doomsday Clock" to 90 seconds to midnight for the second year in a row, citing existential threats such as nuclear war, climate disasters, and the danger of generative artificial intelligence. The group emphasized the need for global cooperation and highlighted the potential for powerful countries like the United States, China, and Russia to make a positive impact and turn back the clock.

via NPR|

#artificial-intelligence #climate-disasters #doomsday-clock

world-news2 years ago•1 min saved

"Doomsday Clock: The Unchanged Threat of Nuclear War, Climate Disasters, and AI"

The Doomsday Clock, maintained by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, remains at 90 seconds to midnight, signaling the ongoing threats of nuclear war, climate disasters, and generative artificial intelligence. The group cited the nuclear threat in Russia’s war on Ukraine, worsening climate-related disasters, and the danger of AI as factors contributing to the potential for global catastrophe. The organization emphasized the need for global cooperation and highlighted the role of powerful countries like the United States, China, and Russia in addressing these pressing issues.

via The Associated Press|

#ai #bulletin-of-the-atomic-scientists #climate-disasters

climate-change2 years ago•3 min saved

Global Leaders Propose $25bn Climate Levy on Oil States to Address Rising Costs of Delay

A group of former world leaders and economists, including former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, are calling for a $25 billion levy on the bumper revenues of oil-producing states to help fund the impact of climate disasters on the world's poorest and most vulnerable people. The levy, representing just a small fraction of the oil-producing countries' recent profits, would contribute to a fund for "loss and damage" in developing countries affected by the climate crisis. The letter, signed by 70 international figures, is being sent ahead of the UN climate summit, Cop28, and highlights the need for increased climate finance to meet the $1 trillion per year required for development and climate funding in the global south.

via The Guardian|

#climate-change #climate-disasters #climate-finance

environment2 years ago•5 min saved

Unseen Costs: Climate Crisis and its Economic Impact

The true cost of extreme weather events in the US goes beyond the staggering financial figures, with countless hidden costs that are often overlooked. These include mental and physical trauma, environmental damage, and supply-chain disruptions. Rising temperatures and volatile weather patterns are leading to increased healthcare costs, reduced labor productivity, and devastating impacts on industries such as farming. Flooding, the most frequent and costliest natural disaster in the country, has long-lasting effects on communities and individuals. Inaction on climate change will only exacerbate these costs, while taking action to curb emissions and build resilience could create a world where extreme weather events are more manageable.

via Business Insider|

#climate-disasters #environment #extreme-weather

health2 years ago•5 min saved

Urgent: National Blood Shortage Declared by American Red Cross

The American Red Cross has declared a national blood shortage, attributing it to a summer slump in donations exacerbated by climate disasters and a busy travel season. The organization's blood supply has dropped nearly 25% since early August, resulting in a shortfall of about 30,000 blood and platelet donations. The demand from hospitals is outpacing the number of blood donations coming in, and other blood centers are also experiencing a decrease in donations. The Red Cross is urging people to donate blood, particularly type O blood and platelets, as the current conditions could lead to a critical situation if a major traumatic event occurs.

via The Washington Post|

#blood-donations #blood-shortage #climate-disasters

climate-change2 years ago•5 min saved

"Boosting Building Resilience: Biden's $90M Investment to Tackle Climate Disasters and Extreme Heat"

The Biden administration is set to award $90 million in grants to help cities, states, tribes, and organizations implement stronger building codes to make structures more energy-efficient and resilient to extreme weather events. The funding, distributed by the Energy Department, aims to address the increasing frequency of weather disasters fueled by climate change. The grants will support 27 projects in 26 states and the District of Columbia, with a focus on implementing modernized energy codes that can save households on utility bills. While the federal government cannot mandate building codes, the administration hopes to encourage states and municipalities to adopt updated codes through financial incentives. The United States' buildings are responsible for about 35% of the nation's carbon emissions, and updated building energy codes are projected to reduce carbon emissions by 900 million metric tons from 2010 to 2040.

via The Washington Post|

#biden-administration #building-codes #building-resilience

climate-change2 years ago•6 min saved

The Urgent Need for Action: Climate Change's 'New Normal'

Climate change is fueling an increase in extreme weather events, with floods, heatwaves, storms, and wildfires occurring simultaneously across the United States. Despite the growing frequency and severity of these disasters, only a small percentage of Americans consider global warming a top priority. Climate scientists warn that the situation is likely to worsen, with a powerful El Niño expected to unleash more heat into the atmosphere. However, societal change and action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions remain limited, as people are reluctant to give up their comfort and convenience. The cumulative effects of climate change are already evident, with the planet warming by 1.2 degrees Celsius compared to preindustrial levels. Urgent action is needed to address the catastrophic consequences of climate change before it's too late.

via The New York Times|

#climate-change #climate-disasters #extreme-weather

world-news2 years ago•2 min saved

"Worldwide Displacement Crisis Reaches Unprecedented Levels"

The number of children forcibly displaced from their homes reached a record 43.3 million by the end of 2022, with 25.8 million internally displaced by conflict and violence, according to UNICEF. The figure has doubled in the last decade, despite efforts to integrate and protect displaced children. The ongoing war in Ukraine forced more than 2 million Ukrainian children to flee the country and displaced over 1 million children inside Ukraine. Extreme weather events around the world led to another 12 million displacements of children over the course of 2022. The worldwide number of refugee and asylum-seeking children also hit a new high of 17.5 million by the end of last year.

via ABC News|

#climate-disasters #forced-displacement #refugee-children

global-affairs2 years ago•2 min saved

Record-breaking displacement: The intersection of conflict, climate disasters, and war.

The number of internally displaced people (IDPs) around the world rose by a fifth last year, reaching 71 million, due to a combination of conflict and climate disasters. The war in Ukraine and flooding in Pakistan were leading drivers of displacement, with 17 million movements triggered by the former and over 8 million by the latter. The report warns that the figures should be considered conservative due to difficulties in obtaining reliable data from areas occupied by military forces. The majority of IDPs live in just 10 countries, all of which are experiencing some level of conflict.

via The Guardian|

#climate-disasters #conflict #displacement