Large demonstrations erupted across the Mad River Valley protesting Vice President JD Vance’s weekend ski trip. Thousands participated in Waitsfield, voicing concerns about the Trump administration’s policies on democracy, climate change, LGBTQ+ rights, and international relations, citing fears over healthcare, social security, and the impact of recent federal cuts. A smaller, simultaneous protest in Warren focused on ending U.S. funding of the Israeli government. Counter-protests supporting Vance and Trump were also present, leading to some heated exchanges, though the Sugarbush resort itself remained largely unaffected.
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The Trump administration abruptly fired hundreds of probationary employees at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), impacting approximately 10% of its workforce. These cuts disproportionately affected long-term employees recently promoted or transferred, resulting in the loss of significant institutional knowledge and expertise. Critics, including former NOAA officials and members of Congress, decried the firings as shortsighted and dangerous, arguing they will compromise NOAA’s ability to provide vital weather forecasting, climate data, and other critical services. The firings have been condemned as reckless and potentially life-threatening.
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In a recent NOAA briefing, researchers omitted any mention of the link between January’s record high global temperatures and human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, a departure from previous practices. This omission occurred despite the briefing acknowledging record-high temperatures and despite direct questions about the role of climate change. The head of NOAA’s monitoring branch cited factors such as reduced air pollution and cloud cover as potential explanations, but this explanation fails to account for the overall warming trend. This silence comes amidst increased scrutiny of US scientific agencies under the Trump administration and a broader effort to downplay the role of climate change in government reports and communications.
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A severe red tide bloom off Florida’s southwest coast is causing widespread environmental damage and prompting calls for Governor DeSantis to declare a state of emergency. The bloom, fueled by factors including hurricane-driven nutrient runoff and rising ocean temperatures, is killing marine life and impacting tourism. While the state has invested in research and mitigation efforts, environmental groups argue that insufficient action is being taken to address pollution contributing to the problem’s intensification. Ongoing efforts include monitoring, research, and the development of mitigation technologies, but a comprehensive, emergency-style response is advocated for by some.
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Despite the Trump administration’s termination, the National Nature Assessment, initiated by President Biden, will likely be completed and released. The report, based on extensive public input and volunteer contributions, aims to comprehensively assess nature loss’s impact on climate change and society, filling gaps in existing knowledge. Though its webpage was removed, the first draft is largely finished and the project maintains broad author consensus. The assessment intends to inform the development of “nature-based solutions” to advance US climate goals and economic well-being.
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A University of Reading study reveals a dramatic acceleration in global mean sea surface temperature (GMSST) rise, increasing 400 percent faster than in the late 1980s. This escalating warming, driven by Earth’s energy imbalance from greenhouse gas emissions, shows that the warming of the past 40 years will likely be surpassed in under 20 years without significant emission reductions. Recent record ocean temperatures, even accounting for El Niño, underscore this alarming trend, highlighting the urgent need for deep cuts in fossil fuel use. The study, published in *Environmental Research Letters*, emphasizes that past warming rates are unreliable predictors of future, more rapid changes.
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New research by Professor James Hansen suggests the pace of global heating has been severely underestimated, rendering the 2°C target unattainable. This conclusion stems from findings that both the impact of reduced shipping pollution and climate sensitivity to increased emissions are higher than previously believed. These results, while at the high end of current estimates, cannot be dismissed and indicate a significantly accelerated warming trajectory, potentially triggering critical tipping points like the collapse of the Atlantic ocean currents. Unless drastic action is taken, including potentially exploring solar geoengineering, the study projects a 2°C rise by 2045.
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Unprecedented warming in the Arctic saw temperatures exceeding 20°C above average on Sunday, surpassing the melting point of ice. This extreme event, linked to a low-pressure system over Iceland and unusually warm seas, resulted in temperatures near 0°C at 87°N latitude. While the exact anomaly is difficult to pinpoint due to limited data in the region, models consistently show a significant temperature increase, highlighting the accelerated warming trend in the Arctic. This rapid warming, nearly four times faster than the global average, poses a significant threat to Arctic sea ice, with its complete summer melt predicted within the next two decades.
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Intense rainfall in northeast Australia has caused devastating flash floods, resulting in one fatality and widespread evacuations in towns like Ingham and Townsville. A woman drowned when a rescue boat capsized, highlighting the perilous conditions. Authorities have issued emergency alerts and evacuation orders for low-lying areas, warning of life-threatening floodwaters. The current rainfall is comparable to the devastating 2019 floods, with predictions of further flooding and warnings about crocodiles in floodwaters.
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A study published in *Science* reveals that the 2014-2016 marine heatwave, “The Blob,” decimated Alaska’s common murre population, causing the deaths of an estimated 4 million birds—approximately half the total population. This resulted from starvation due to changes in fish populations caused by the heatwave. Significantly, murres populations show no signs of recovery a decade later. The findings highlight the devastating and widespread impacts of warming ocean waters on marine ecosystems.
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John Q. Hosedrinker