The US military recently canceled a series of climate change studies, a move described by the Pentagon chief as eliminating “crap.” This decision is baffling, given the overwhelming scientific consensus on climate change and its profound implications for national security. It seems incredibly short-sighted to dismiss research that could be crucial in preparing the military for the very real challenges posed by a changing climate.
The Pentagon itself has, for years, acknowledged climate change as a major threat. The potential consequences are far-reaching and deeply concerning. Changes in weather patterns directly impact agricultural output, leading to food shortages and price hikes, triggering civil unrest and potentially even regime collapse – a pattern observed in various regions, including Syria.… Continue reading
A new study reveals that microplastics significantly reduce photosynthesis in various plant species, impacting crop yields by 4-13.5% annually over the next 25 years. This reduction in photosynthesis, averaging 7-12%, could severely impact global food security and exacerbate climate change by hindering carbon sequestration. The study underscores the urgent need for a global treaty on plastic pollution, as even a 13% reduction in environmental microplastics could mitigate photosynthesis loss by 30%. Failure to act will lead to far-reaching ecological damage.
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Driven by dry conditions and strong winds, wildfires are raging across the Carolinas, prompting evacuations and a state of emergency in South Carolina. The Carolina Forest Fire near Myrtle Beach has expanded to 1,200 acres with zero containment, while another large fire near Tryon and Saluda, North Carolina, has consumed 400 acres. Over 175 wildfires have burned 4,200 acres across South Carolina, fueled by dry vegetation and a statewide burn ban. While winds are expected to lessen, the ongoing dry conditions maintain a high wildfire risk.
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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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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker