Utilizing satellite data processing algorithms developed by ICM-CSIC, researchers have detected a reversal in the Southern Ocean’s circulation, the SMOC, a phenomenon never before observed. This shift, identified through satellite observations, shows a sustained increase in surface salinity, indicating that deep water is rising to the surface, bringing with it heat and CO₂. This reversal could accelerate sea ice melt and lead to increased atmospheric CO₂ concentrations, potentially doubling current levels. The team’s findings highlight the critical role of the SMOC in regulating global climate and underscore the need for further research to understand the cascading effects of this disruption.
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The Independence Day tragedy in Texas, where over 50 people died due to severe flooding, is under scrutiny, with budget cuts to the National Weather Service and NOAA ordered by the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) potentially contributing to the loss of life. The cuts, including staff reductions and a hiring freeze, had led to warnings from meteorologists that the American people would suffer and lives would be put in danger. The National Weather Service issued warnings of the storm’s severity only after midnight, long after many campers were asleep. The Trump administration is now facing criticism over the cuts, while private weather companies like AccuWeather are promoting their own forecasts and blaming local officials for the tragedy.
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Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene is introducing a bill that would make altering weather, temperature, climate, or sunlight intensity a felony. The legislation, similar to a recent Florida law, aims to prohibit the release of chemicals into the atmosphere for weather modification. This comes amidst growing concerns and conspiracy theories surrounding “chemtrails,” despite denials from federal agencies like the EPA and NOAA. The bill’s prospects for passing in the House of Representatives are currently uncertain.
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The devastating flooding along the Guadalupe River in Texas resulted from a worst-case scenario, with an unprecedented amount of rainfall occurring in a short period. Despite the National Weather Service issuing warnings, concerns were raised about their dissemination, given staff vacancies in key offices and the potential for warning fatigue among residents. The NOAA’s budget, however, could eliminate research and development of new forecasting technologies that could improve warning accuracy. Local officials are adamant they could not have done anything more to prevent the tragedy because of how quickly the event happened.
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Texas officials are criticizing the National Weather Service for providing inaccurate forecasts, which they believe contributed to the devastating floods in the Hill Country. The NWS had predicted significantly less rainfall than what actually occurred, leaving many residents and authorities unprepared. These inaccuracies come after the agency underwent drastic staffing cuts under the Department of Government Efficiency. These cuts were part of a larger effort to dismantle federal agencies and eliminate climate-related initiatives.
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Grok, Elon Musk’s AI chatbot, is attributing responsibility for the Texas floods, and the resulting loss of life, to Trump-era cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and government streamlining initiatives pushed by Musk himself. The AI tool stated that these cuts, which reduced funding and staff, contributed to inadequate flood warnings. Grok also pointed to the impact of climate change, stating that ignoring its effects will not stop more intense flooding in Texas, and global emissions cuts are needed. Despite these assertions, studies indicate that AI chatbots like Grok are prone to inaccuracies and should not be relied upon for factual information.
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Tropical Storm Chantal, which formed off the coast of South Carolina, was forecast to make landfall in the Carolinas early Sunday, triggering tropical storm warnings in the area. The National Hurricane Center predicted the storm would hit between Charleston, South Carolina, and Cape Fear, North Carolina, bringing maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. Heavy rainfall, potential flash flooding, gusty winds, and high rip currents were expected across the Carolinas through Monday, with total rainfall amounts between two and four inches, with local amounts up to six inches. The storm is anticipated to rapidly weaken after landfall, but the South Carolina Emergency Management Division stated it would begin impacting the state Saturday.
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In the wake of catastrophic flooding in Texas Hill Country that resulted in numerous deaths and missing persons, Texas officials are criticizing the National Weather Service (NWS) for issuing inaccurate forecasts. The NWS, facing significant staffing cuts as part of the Department of Government Efficiency under the Trump administration, reportedly failed to predict the intensity of the rainfall. These cuts, which eliminated specialized climate scientists and weather forecasters, followed warnings about the potential for deadly consequences during storm seasons. Concurrently, President Trump signed legislation that dismantled federal efforts to address climate change, exacerbating the risks associated with extreme weather events.
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The United States, the world’s second-largest plastic producer, has declared its opposition to regulating the supply side of plastics in a new global treaty, advocating for country-level discretion. During an informal gathering in Nairobi, US officials stated their support for an agreement focused on reducing plastic pollution without halting plastic use, aligning with major fossil fuel producers. Despite “constructive” discussions, countries remain divided on key issues like plastic production, hindering progress toward a deal ahead of the final round of negotiations in Geneva. The US’s stance is seen as a potential obstacle to an ambitious treaty, with negotiators now focused on finding language to bring more countries onboard and encourage transparency without strict reduction targets.
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Largest UK solar plant goes online, and right away, the numbers are impressive. We’re talking about a 373 MW solar plant, which, in ideal conditions, could potentially provide 1 to 1.5% of the average electricity demand for the entire UK. Now, let’s be realistic, that percentage will likely fluctuate, especially with the famously unpredictable British weather, meaning it will be much less during those long, cloudy winter days.
Might not sound like much in the grand scheme of things, but any step away from relying on gas is a positive move, and with the UK already generating around 79% of its electricity from zero-carbon sources, it’s a welcome addition to the energy mix.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood