US to rewrite its past national climate reports: Well, this is a real kick in the teeth, isn’t it? The idea of the US rewriting its past national climate reports… it’s a thought that just hangs in the air, heavy with implications. It feels like a direct challenge to everything we understand about science, historical accuracy, and, frankly, the future. The core concern seems to be about the integrity of information itself, the fear that factual data is being twisted to serve a specific agenda. This isn’t just about numbers and graphs; it’s about trust, about the very foundation upon which we build our understanding of the world and, more importantly, how we plan to preserve it.… Continue reading
A wildfire north of Los Angeles, dubbed the Canyon Fire, ignited on Thursday, rapidly consuming thousands of acres and prompting evacuations. The fire’s explosive growth, fueled by high temperatures and strong winds, destroyed structures and spread rapidly. Firefighters made progress overnight, though the blaze remains a concern, with containment at 28%. This fire is part of a larger trend, as other massive wildfires, including the Gifford Fire in Central California, and in other states, have also exhibited extreme growth.
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Australian towns blanketed with rare snow in wild weather experienced a truly extraordinary event this past weekend. Several areas across eastern Australia, particularly in New South Wales, were covered in a significant layer of snow, the heaviest in decades for some regions. This unusual weather phenomenon brought with it a cascade of challenges, including flooding, stranded vehicles, and widespread power outages.
A particularly intense cold air front unleashed a remarkable amount of snow. Certain parts of northern New South Wales received up to 40 centimeters (16 inches) of snow on Saturday. This snowfall was the most substantial since the mid-1980s, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.… Continue reading
Northern European countries are experiencing “truly unprecedented” heat, with the Arctic Circle in Norway recording temperatures above 30C (86F) for multiple days in July, and Finland enduring its longest heat streak since 1961. Scientists attribute these prolonged heatwaves, driven by hot waters and high pressure systems, to climate change, noting the increasing frequency and severity of such events. These extreme temperatures, which are 8-10C above seasonal norms, have led to wildfires, infrastructure strain, and the opening of ice rinks for relief, impacting both locals and tourists. Experts warn that these severe heatwaves will intensify as climate change progresses, posing significant challenges for the region.
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Iran’s capital, Tehran, is facing a severe water crisis, potentially weeks away from “day zero” due to dwindling reservoirs and unsustainable consumption. This crisis stems from decades of poor water management, an imbalance between supply and demand, and exacerbated by climate change, leading to record droughts and extreme heat. Authorities have implemented measures like reduced water pressure and public holidays to conserve water, while experts advocate for comprehensive economic and political reforms to address the systemic issues. Ultimately, the situation underscores a deep-seated governance crisis alongside the environmental challenges, leaving the country hoping for rainfall to avoid complete water depletion.
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German biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier tragically died in a mountaineering accident while climbing Laila Peak in Pakistan’s Karakoram range. The accident, which occurred at approximately 5,700 meters, involved falling rocks that struck Dahlmeier. Despite her climbing partner immediately contacting emergency services, the remote location delayed a rescue helicopter until the following morning. Dahlmeier, who won two gold medals at the 2018 Olympics, was known for her strength and passion for pushing her limits in high mountains.
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Japan sees a new record high temperature of 41.2°C, and it’s a stark reminder of the changing climate. This isn’t just a number; it represents a significant shift in the weather patterns that Japan, and the world, have come to know. The implications are wide-ranging, and the situation is definitely something we need to pay attention to.
This blistering temperature, coupled with Japan’s already high humidity, creates a dangerous combination. When you factor in that humidity, the “feels like” temperature becomes far more brutal. Some people are saying that this can lead to “lethal wet bulb temperatures,” which are essentially the measures of how well a body can cool itself in the environment through sweating.… Continue reading
Trump’s EPA to repeal core of greenhouse gas rules in a major deregulatory move. This is, without a doubt, the biggest deregulatory step in U.S. history, and it’s setting off alarm bells everywhere. It’s like they’re actively dismantling the safeguards put in place to protect our environment and, by extension, our health. The sheer scale of this move is hard to fathom, with consequences that will ripple through every aspect of life.
EPA head claims carbon dioxide’s benefits are overlooked, which, frankly, is a jaw-dropping statement. This is, to put it mildly, a controversial take, going directly against the mountain of scientific evidence that points to the detrimental impacts of greenhouse gas emissions.… Continue reading
On Monday, a vast portion of the United States, encompassing over 198 million people, is under active heat advisories, primarily impacting the Midwest, Southeast, and Northeast. Temperatures are predicted to reach the high 90s, with the feels-like temperature exceeding 100 degrees in numerous cities, and the alerts will remain in effect through Wednesday night in certain areas. Simultaneously, several northern Midwest states are bracing for severe thunderstorms, including a potential derecho with damaging wind gusts and possible tornadoes. Staying hydrated and seeking air-conditioned environments is crucial due to the heightened risk of heat-related illnesses.
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Turkey is experiencing a record-breaking heat wave, with the Environment Ministry recording a high of 50.5 degrees Celsius in the southeast, surpassing the previous record from August 2023. This extreme heat has triggered numerous wildfires across the country, exacerbated by strong winds and dry conditions, particularly in the Mediterranean region, leading to evacuations and, tragically, fatalities. Furthermore, the heat wave has also impacted the eastern Mediterranean, causing countries like Greece to struggle with extreme temperatures and wildfires, prompting requests for international assistance as the region faces ongoing challenges. The severity of the situation led to temporary closures of major tourist sites like the Acropolis.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker