Arctic climate change

Heat Maps Highlight Extreme Heat: Half of US Under Advisories

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 Sets New Temperature Record as Europe Grapples with Heatwave

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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Turkey Sets New Record: Scorching 50.5C Temperature Sparks Climate Change Concerns

On Friday, June 18, 2025, Türkiye recorded a new all-time European temperature record when the southeastern province of Sirnak reached 50.5 degrees Celsius (122.9 degrees Fahrenheit), surpassing the previous record of 48.8 degrees Celsius set in Sicily, Italy, in August 2021. Temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in 31 Turkish provinces, running 6-12 degrees above seasonal averages. This record is significant because Türkiye contains territory classified within the World Meteorological Organization’s European region. The WMO’s rigorous verification process ensures confidence in global temperature records, and officials warn that greater extremes may occur across Europe in the future.

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South Australia: Algal Bloom a “Disaster,” Marine Life Dying

The South Australian premier has labeled a massive algal bloom as a “natural disaster” due to its devastating impact on marine life and local industries. This toxic bloom, which began in March, has spread to twice the size of Australia’s capital territory, causing widespread marine life deaths. While the federal government has offered financial assistance, the premier’s government has pledged matching funds towards research, cleanup, and industry support. The phenomenon, exacerbated by climate change, highlights the critical need for a comprehensive response to this environmental crisis.

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Oceans’ Unprecedented 2023 Heat: Marine Life at Risk, Climate Crisis Intensifies

The year 2023 saw unprecedented marine heat waves, covering 96% of the ocean’s surface and lasting four times longer than historical averages, indicating a potential shift in ocean-atmosphere interactions. Researchers found that these events, driven by factors such as reduced cloud cover, weakened winds, and shifting ocean currents, caused significant impacts. The consequences included widespread coral bleaching, mass die-offs of marine species, and economic disruption to the fishing industry, highlighting the severity of these extreme conditions. The events of 2023 serve as a stark reminder of how rapidly ocean conditions can change.

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Iran Shuts Down as Blistering Heat Intensifies: A Looming Climate Crisis

Iran declared a public holiday on Wednesday due to extreme heat, with temperatures exceeding 125 degrees Fahrenheit in some provinces. Banks, businesses, and government offices in Tehran were closed to protect citizens and the power grid. These soaring temperatures are putting a strain on the country’s aging infrastructure, potentially leading to a water and energy crisis. A Tehran resident recounted a medical clinic experiencing a power outage, highlighting the impact on daily life.

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Trump’s EPA: Greenhouse Gases Pose No Danger to People

The Trump administration is seeking to overturn the EPA’s 2009 “endangerment finding,” which classified greenhouse gas emissions as a threat and served as the basis for climate regulations. This proposal aims to revoke the government’s authority to regulate pollutants from burning fossil fuels, like carbon dioxide and methane, under the Clean Air Act. The administration argues this move would drive down costs and boost American energy production, while critics express concerns about undermining climate action and benefiting the fossil fuel industry. The EPA is making legal arguments that the previous administration overstepped their authority. This decision faces potential legal challenges and could take years to resolve.

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EPA to Reverse Greenhouse Gas Rules Foundation, Sources Say

EPA to withdraw foundation of greenhouse gas rules, sources say, and it’s frankly infuriating. It’s like watching everything you thought was a given, things you learned as a kid even, being systematically dismantled. The idea that regulations meant to protect our planet are being undone for the sake of a few extra bucks in the pockets of those who will likely not even be around to face the consequences is, to put it mildly, disheartening.

The core of this issue seems to be the EPA’s intention to reverse a crucial scientific finding. This finding, the “endangerment finding,” is what provides the legal justification for the major regulations we have in place to deal with climate change.… Continue reading

World Court Declares Climate Change “Existential Threat,” US Actions Questioned

In landmark opinion, the World Court says climate change is an ‘existential threat’ – well, that’s quite a headline, isn’t it? It feels like we’ve been hearing about the impending doom of climate change for ages, doesn’t it? The fact that the World Court, a body of global legal authority, is finally labeling it an “existential threat” feels… long overdue. It’s like finally getting confirmation on something we’ve suspected, feared even, for decades. And the phrase itself, “existential threat,” really hits home. It’s not just about inconvenience or a slightly warmer summer; it’s about the very foundation of our existence on this planet.… Continue reading

EPA Plan to End Climate Change Fight: “Environmental Purging Agency”

E.P.A. Is Said to Draft a Plan to End Its Ability to Fight Climate Change. The news feels like a punch to the gut, a disheartening confirmation of something many have feared: a potential dismantling of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) capacity to address climate change. This potential move is not just a policy change; it’s a fundamental shift with potentially dire consequences.

E.P.A. Is Said to Draft a Plan to End Its Ability to Fight Climate Change. Some might argue, with a sort of twisted logic, that climate regulations harm human health through higher prices and limited consumer choice. This perspective, however, seems detached from the real-world impacts of inaction.… Continue reading