Tag

Extreme Weather Events

All articles tagged with #extreme weather events

2023: Earth's Hottest Year on Record
climate-change2 years ago

2023: Earth's Hottest Year on Record

Earth shattered global annual heat records in 2023, coming within a hair's breadth of the 1.5 degrees Celsius warming limit set in the 2015 Paris climate accord. The year was marked by extreme weather events, including deadly heat waves, devastating droughts, and destructive wildfires, with the impact of human-induced climate change being a significant factor. The European climate agency Copernicus reported that the Earth's average temperature for 2023 was 1.48 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial times, with January 2024 on track to exceed the 1.5-degree threshold. The agency emphasized the urgent need to keep the 1.5-degree goal alive to protect future generations, as the world faces the consequences of a feverish planet.

Study predicts rise in extreme weather events by 2050 due to carbon neutrality
climate-change2 years ago

Study predicts rise in extreme weather events by 2050 due to carbon neutrality

A study published in Nature Communications warns that achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 may lead to an increase in extreme weather events by that same year. The research highlights the negative impact of declining atmospheric aerosols on global climate, exacerbating the occurrence of extreme weather more than changes in greenhouse gases or the tropospheric ozone layer. The study emphasizes the need to find sustainable solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and associated pollutants to mitigate the environmental, economic, and social impacts of global warming.

Global Warning: Earth's Vital Signs in Uncharted Climate Territory
environment2 years ago

Global Warning: Earth's Vital Signs in Uncharted Climate Territory

A group of 12 scientists from around the world has issued a stark warning that human activity is pushing the Earth into a climate crisis, with potentially devastating consequences for up to 6 billion people this century. The researchers highlight record climate anomalies in 2023, including extreme weather events and low levels of sea ice, as signs that human activity is destabilizing the planet. They warn that as many as 6 billion people could find themselves in regions that are no longer habitable due to climate impacts such as extreme heat and food shortages. The report calls for urgent action to address the root causes of climate change and prioritize human well-being over economic growth.

"New York City Recovers from Historic Flooding, Embraces October's Arrival"
weather2 years ago

"New York City Recovers from Historic Flooding, Embraces October's Arrival"

New York City is recovering from historic rainfall that caused flooded roadways, waterlogged basements, and leaky roofs. Flights at John F. Kennedy International Airport were still delayed, and some store owners managed to open on time despite the cleanup. New York Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the need to prepare for regularly occurring extreme weather events. While there were no reported injuries or deaths, the storm brought back memories of previous deadly storms like Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Ida. Public transportation has largely returned to normal, and full subway service was restored. Residents faced issues with leaky roofs and flooded basements, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure.

Record-breaking summer temperatures raise alarm for future
climate-change2 years ago

Record-breaking summer temperatures raise alarm for future

August 2023 was the warmest August on record, with global surface temperatures surpassing the previous record by more than half a degree, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The month also saw the third-highest temperature anomaly of any month on record. This comes as federal and international officials issue dire warnings about the worsening effects of climate change, with a study published in Science Advances stating that the Earth is now outside the safe operating space for humanity. The report confirms the trend of record-shattering heat waves, wildfires, and extreme weather events worldwide, with the warming oceans contributing to shrinking sea ice and impacting marine habitats, storm creation, and flooding events. The NOAA predicts a 95% chance that 2023 will rank among the two warmest years on record.

"Unprecedented Spike: The Surprising Reason Behind the Largest Car Insurance Rate Increase in Nearly Half a Century"
finance2 years ago

"Unprecedented Spike: The Surprising Reason Behind the Largest Car Insurance Rate Increase in Nearly Half a Century"

Car insurance rates in the United States have seen their largest annual increase since 1976, with Florida being hit particularly hard due to the increasing prevalence and destructiveness of extreme weather events. Insurance companies are raising rates or pulling out of states prone to such weather to cover the higher losses from increased claims. Factors contributing to the rate increases include rising car prices, repair and medical costs, riskier driving behavior, and the impacts of Hurricane Ian. Additionally, reinsurance companies are pulling out of the market or raising rates, leading to increased costs for customers nationwide.

2023: US Breaks Record for Billion-Dollar Disasters and Deadly Natural Disasters
environment2 years ago

2023: US Breaks Record for Billion-Dollar Disasters and Deadly Natural Disasters

The United States has experienced a record number of billion-dollar natural disasters this year, with 23 separate events causing over $57.6 billion in damages and more than 250 deaths, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA). These disasters include hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, floods, and winter storms, affecting various regions of the country. The report highlights the ongoing threats exacerbated by climate change, such as heatwaves and droughts, with July and August being among the hottest months on record.

"Expert Analysis: Unprecedented Heat Wave Sweeps Nation with Record High Temperatures"
climate-change2 years ago

"Expert Analysis: Unprecedented Heat Wave Sweeps Nation with Record High Temperatures"

Climatologist Dr. Michael Mann explains that the extreme summer weather events, including heat waves, wildfires, and flooding, are all interconnected and fueled by climate change. The warming of the planet leads to more frequent and intense heat waves, droughts, and wildfires. Additionally, the changing temperature difference between the Arctic and other regions affects the jet stream, causing slow and wavy patterns that result in prolonged heat domes and excessive rainfall. Dr. Mann emphasizes that climate change is deadly, already causing human deaths, and warns that more lives will be lost if urgent action is not taken to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.

Global Climate Projections: Assessing Future Risks for Humanity
climate-change2 years ago

Global Climate Projections: Assessing Future Risks for Humanity

A recent study conducted by scientists at the Bay Area Environmental Research Institute (BAERI) and NASA Ames Research Center examines how extreme weather events will worsen as global temperatures rise. The study focuses on the geographic patterns of projected changes to key climate variables and highlights the compounding impacts of these variables on human lives. It reveals that most regions of the world will experience higher heat stress and an increase in extreme fire weather in the 2040s compared to the baseline period. The study emphasizes the urgent need for decision-makers to understand the projected climate impacts and develop targeted adaptation and mitigation plans. The researchers provide a publicly available dataset that can help local leaders develop climate plans specific to their communities.

"Record-Breaking July: European Scientists Confirm Hottest Month Ever"
climate-change2 years ago

"Record-Breaking July: European Scientists Confirm Hottest Month Ever"

July 2023 has been officially declared the hottest month on record globally, with a global average temperature of 16.95 degrees Celsius, surpassing the previous record set in 2019. The United States has experienced a record-breaking 15 weather disasters causing at least $1 billion in damage this year. Scientists attribute these extreme temperatures and events to human-caused climate change. The global average temperature last month was 1.5 degrees Celsius warmer than pre-industrial times, and the world's oceans and the North Atlantic were significantly warmer than average. This record-breaking heat is a clear indicator of the changing climate and its dire consequences for both people and the planet.

China's Worst Flooding in 140 Years: Lessons Learned and Alarming Consequences
weatherclimate2 years ago

China's Worst Flooding in 140 Years: Lessons Learned and Alarming Consequences

Weather experts are urging improvements in weather monitoring systems in response to the recent worst flooding in Beijing in 140 years, as extreme weather events are expected to become more frequent. Recent heavy rainfall in Beijing and Hebei surpassed all historical data, highlighting the need for better systems to combat the increasing number of extreme weather events.

Italy's Vulnerability to Climate Crisis: A Climatologist's Warning
climate-crisis2 years ago

Italy's Vulnerability to Climate Crisis: A Climatologist's Warning

Luca Mercalli, an Italian climatologist, warns that Italy is highly vulnerable to the climate crisis due to its geographical location, diverse topography, and densely inhabited Mediterranean coastal areas. The country has experienced a series of extreme weather events, including the collapse of a glacier, devastating floods, wildfires, and record-breaking heatwaves. Mercalli emphasizes that these events are exceeding the tolerance threshold and causing chaos in society. Despite the risks, there has been limited action by successive governments, and climate crisis deniers still have a significant presence in the media. Urgent action is needed to address the climate crisis and mitigate its impact on Italy.

"Record-Breaking Heat in 2023: Climate Change Update"
climate-change2 years ago

"Record-Breaking Heat in 2023: Climate Change Update"

Heat records are being broken around the world this summer, and this trend is expected to continue due to climate change. Factors such as summer in the Northern Hemisphere, increasing marine heat waves, El Niño, and global warming are contributing to the extreme temperatures. It is highly likely that 2023 will be the warmest year on record. The global average temperature is determined using data from satellites, weather stations, ships, and buoys. The National Weather Service collects and verifies weather records in the US. Warm records are being broken more frequently, and there is a rising trend in overnight low temperatures. A new daily global temperature record of 63 degrees was recently set, although there is some dispute over the accuracy of the measurement.

Global temperatures surpass 1.5°C threshold in record-breaking June.
science2 years ago

Global temperatures surpass 1.5°C threshold in record-breaking June.

Global temperatures briefly exceeded the key warming threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels earlier this month, indicating more extremes ahead as the planet enters an El Niño phase that could last years. The 11 days spent at the 1.5-degree threshold shows how important it is for scientists to keep a close watch on the planet’s health. The warmer the global climate is, the more likely we are to have extreme events and the more severe those extreme events may be.

Biden-Harris Administration proposes $562 million investment for climate resilience in communities.
climate-change2 years ago

Biden-Harris Administration proposes $562 million investment for climate resilience in communities.

The Department of Commerce has recommended $562 million in funding for nearly 150 projects across 30 coastal and Great Lakes states and territories to make communities and the economy more resilient to climate change. The awards are made under NOAA’s Climate-Ready Coasts Initiative and are funded by the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and bolstered by the Inflation Reduction Act. The initiative advances climate solutions for coastal communities by strengthening their ability to respond to extreme weather events, pollution and marine debris, restoring coastal habitats, building the capacity of underserved communities to address climate hazards, and creating jobs in local communities.