The MethaneSat, an $88 million satellite backed by Google and Jeff Bezos, has been lost in space after being launched just a year ago to monitor methane emissions from oil and gas production and other sources. The satellite, designed to collect data for five years, was meant to enhance transparency and aid in climate efforts by identifying the worst offenders of methane release, a potent greenhouse gas. Communication was lost ten days ago, and the overseeing NGO, the Environmental Defense Fund, believes the satellite is “likely not recoverable.” The loss of MethaneSat, coupled with the potential end of data collection from the European Space Agency’s TROPOMI instrument, presents a significant setback to global efforts in tracking and mitigating methane emissions.
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Texas Hill Country was devastated by flash flooding on Friday, resulting in at least 13 confirmed deaths and numerous individuals still unaccounted for, including approximately 20 girls from a summer camp. Over 10 inches of rain fell overnight, causing the Guadalupe River to surge dramatically, prompting widespread search and rescue efforts using boats, helicopters, and drones. Authorities were working to identify the deceased and stressed the death toll could rise. Emergency responders and community members are actively searching for those missing in the area.
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As the intense heatwave continues to grip France, the Eiffel Tower has been forced to take safety measures. The summit of the iconic landmark has been closed to visitors for Tuesday and Wednesday due to the extreme temperatures. While the first and second floors remain accessible, the attraction’s website is advising those without pre-booked tickets to reschedule their visits. This decision prioritizes the well-being of both visitors and staff during the heatwave.
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France shuts schools, a dramatic and necessary response, as a relentless heatwave blankets much of Europe. It’s a stark indication of the severity of the situation when such measures are deemed essential to protect children. Seeing schools close is a clear sign that the heat isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s becoming dangerous.
Italy limits outdoor work, a move born of necessity to protect its workforce. It’s not just the elderly or vulnerable who are at risk; even those who consider themselves fit and healthy, like the individual working outdoors, are feeling the strain. The “siesta time” culture suddenly makes a lot more sense, doesn’t it?… Continue reading
A UN special rapporteur is advocating for strict measures to combat the climate crisis, including criminal penalties for climate disinformation and a complete ban on fossil fuel industry lobbying and advertising. The report, presented to the general assembly, argues that wealthy fossil fuel-producing nations are legally obligated to phase out oil, gas, and coal by 2030, compensating communities harmed by climate change and fossil fuel extraction. Morgera emphasizes the need to “defossilize” economies, addressing the widespread human rights violations linked to fossil fuels and urging states to enforce harsh penalties. She highlights the urgent need for transformative action to prioritize human rights over industry profits, emphasizing that transitioning to renewable energy is now a more economically viable and healthier option for societies.
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Europe is enduring a relentless heatwave, prompting health warnings across numerous countries. Southern Spain is experiencing the most extreme temperatures, with El Granado recording a new June heat record of 46C. Italy and Portugal are grappling with a surge in heatstroke cases, particularly among vulnerable populations. The western Balkans are also significantly affected, with Serbia and Slovenia registering record-high temperatures for their respective recording periods.
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The Earth’s energy budget, the balance between incoming and outgoing heat, is significantly out of balance. Recent research reveals this imbalance has more than doubled in the last 20 years, with the rate of energy accumulation near the planet’s surface now at approximately 1.3 watts per square meter. This rapid increase exceeds the predictions of climate models, suggesting a potential acceleration of climate change. While the exact causes are still under investigation, changes in cloud behavior and other factors may be contributing to this alarming trend, underscoring the urgency of reducing fossil fuel emissions and supporting continued climate monitoring efforts.
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In the face of rising sea levels threatening its existence, over one-third of the population of Tuvalu have applied for a climate visa to migrate to Australia. This initiative, part of a bilateral treaty, aims to provide residents with the opportunity to live, work, and study in Australia, with 4,052 individuals seeking the visa since applications opened. With a cap of 280 visas annually, the program seeks to prevent a brain drain from Tuvalu, a nation projected to face significant submersion by 2050. This migration effort also intends to provide financial remittance to the families that will remain in Tuvalu.
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King Charles is preparing to host Donald Trump for an unprecedented second state visit in September, despite some tension between the palace and Downing Street regarding the visit’s timing. The King and Prince William plan to utilize private meetings to discuss key issues such as climate change and Trump’s stance on Canada. David Lammy is lobbying for JD Vance to join the trip, breaking with tradition. Although the King’s role is largely ceremonial, he will likely attempt to use his diplomatic experience to advocate for Britain’s interests.
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Weather forecasts are at risk as the U.S. Department of Defense will cut off crucial data from its weather satellites, impacting the ability to accurately predict hurricane paths and intensity. This data, collected by satellites jointly run with NOAA, provides essential three-dimensional details of storms, especially at night, which conventional satellites miss. Experts warn that this data loss will hinder detection of rapid intensification and accurate storm plotting, potentially affecting millions along hurricane-prone coastlines. This move, coupled with previous cuts in NOAA’s resources during the Trump administration, raises concerns about the quality of future weather forecasts.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood