Rapid loss of Antarctic ice may be climate tipping point, scientists say. This is a headline that’s been circulating, and it’s a heavy one. The idea is that we might be crossing a point of no return when it comes to the melting of the Antarctic ice sheets. It’s not just about rising sea levels – though that’s a huge concern – but also about the cascading effects on the entire climate system. Some scientists believe we’re already beyond a critical threshold.
If we’re talking about a tipping point, then we’re likely past it. The writing has been on the wall for a long time, and many feel we’re already witnessing the consequences.… Continue reading
Scientists have observed a surprising slowdown in the melting of Arctic sea ice since 2005, despite continued increases in carbon emissions. This temporary reprieve is likely due to natural variations in ocean currents, which are limiting ice melting. While the rate of sea ice loss has slowed, the overall area has still halved since 1979, and scientists stress that the climate crisis remains a serious threat. Researchers caution that this slowdown is temporary, and melting is likely to accelerate again in the coming years, continuing to impact the region and contribute to global heating.
Read More
Mosquito populations are surging in Las Vegas due to a combination of urban development, climate change, and insecticide resistance, creating a more hospitable environment for these insects. The city is now facing a growing threat of mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus and dengue fever, exacerbated by the adaptation of local mosquito species. Researchers have observed a rapid increase in the aggressive daytime-biting Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Experts emphasize the need for coordinated efforts from local governments to implement effective mosquito control measures, including insecticide monitoring and public outreach, to mitigate public health risks.
Read More
Wyoming Representative Harriet Hageman faced a hostile reception at a town hall event in Pinedale while defending the potential repeal of the EPA’s “endangerment finding” regarding greenhouse gases. Hageman asserted the finding was based on “false science,” sparking boos and shouts from the audience. This event marks another instance of Hageman encountering an angry crowd over Trump administration policies, with similar reactions seen in a previous town hall in Laramie. Despite the state’s strong support for Trump, local concerns about poor air quality and widespread belief in climate change appear to be at odds with the administration’s stance on emission standards.
Read More
Hurricane Erin has rapidly intensified into a rare Category 5 storm, a phenomenon becoming more common due to global warming. The storm’s rapid intensification puts it among the fastest-strengthening Atlantic hurricanes on record, with its peak strength occurring unusually early in the season. Erin is expected to produce dangerous surf and rip currents along the East Coast and the Bahamas, and its wind field is forecast to expand significantly. While avoiding direct landfall, Erin’s intensity is fueled by warmer-than-normal Atlantic waters, making it the first major hurricane of the season, with forecasters expecting above-average tropical activity overall.
Read More
Maricopa County, Arizona is experiencing an extreme heatwave, with over 400 suspected heat-related deaths this summer. August is on track to be the hottest on record, with daily temperatures reaching at least 110F. While the current death toll is slightly lower than last year, the county is still on track to be the deadliest place for heat in the U.S. due to factors such as the unhoused population, substance misuse, and the impacts of climate change. Despite efforts like cooling centers, the rise in deaths are a result of several factors in the region.
Read More
New sandbag-style barriers installed along the Mendenhall River in Juneau, Alaska, successfully mitigated severe flooding caused by an ice dam release from the nearby glacier. While water pooled in some areas, the barriers prevented widespread damage and significantly reduced the impact compared to the record-breaking floods of the previous two years. The city’s response involved installing approximately 10,000 “Hesco” barriers along the riverbank to protect over 460 properties. Outburst floods are expected to continue for the foreseeable future, emphasizing the need for long-term solutions.
Read More
Canada’s 2025 fire season is shaping up to be the second-worst on record, with over 470 out-of-control fires burning across the country, impacting tens of thousands of people. A staggering 7,318,421 hectares have already burned, significantly exceeding the five-year average, a stark reminder of the impacts of climate change. Warmer temperatures are extending the fire season and exacerbating conditions, causing more intense blazes that are difficult to control, with the prairie provinces being the most affected, followed by fires now hitting the east coast. This is the third year in a row that Canada has experienced far above-average fire activity, causing widespread evacuations, air quality issues, and impacting populations internationally.
Read More
The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service reported that July was the third-warmest on record, following two consecutive years of record-breaking temperatures. Despite a slightly lower global average, extreme weather events persisted, highlighting the ongoing effects of a warming world. The average global surface air temperature in July was still significantly above pre-industrial levels, and the 12-month period ending in July exceeded the 1.5°C warming threshold. The agency emphasized that unless greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, extreme weather events are likely to continue.
Read More
In 1959, Dennis “Tink” Bell, a British meteorologist stationed in Antarctica, tragically fell into a crevasse and was lost. Sixty-five years later, in January, his remains were discovered by a Polish Antarctic expedition within a melting glacier. Alongside his bones were a wristwatch, radio, and pipe, confirming his identity. The discovery offered closure to Bell’s family, who had long mourned his loss, providing a chance to remember his adventurous spirit and contributions to early Antarctic research. The ongoing climate change and melting of glaciers have brought forth these relics, and a reminder of the harsh environment.
Read More
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker