Living in Southern Florida, I have witnessed unprecedented rainfall and flash flooding in what experts are calling a 500-to-1,000-year event. The relentless rain has not relented for more than 2 hours in the last 3 days, causing flood warnings in parts of Miami and Southwest Florida. It is evident that climate change is playing a significant role in these extreme weather events, despite the attempts to remove official references to climate change in Florida.
As a resident who has seen multiple so-called “500-year events” in just the past decade, it is concerning that these occurrences are becoming more frequent. The fact that Florida has scrubbed the words “climate change” from official government language does not change the reality of the situation.… Continue reading
I woke up this morning and, out of habit, checked the weather in Los Angeles. The news was concerning – temperatures are set to rise to 5 to 10 degrees above normal this week. As I scrolled through my weather app, I couldn’t help but notice the stark contrast in temperatures across the Western United States. While coastal cities like San Diego seem to be relatively unaffected, inland areas like Phoenix are bracing for scorching triple-digit heat. It got me thinking about the extreme weather patterns we’ve been witnessing lately and the underlying issue of climate change.
The heat dome phenomenon isn’t new to those of us living in the West.… Continue reading
Living in Mexico, I have experienced firsthand the devastating effects of the recent ‘heat dome’ that has claimed the lives of 48 people and left many struggling to cope with the scorching temperatures. Last week, as the mercury soared to a staggering 127 F, the oppressive heat brought with it a sense of suffocation and desperation. People were gasping for air on the streets, and even at home, the situation was unbearable. With the overloaded electric grid unable to support the demand for air conditioning, I found myself resorting to sleeping with a cold towel wrapped around me like I had the flu, windows open to a stifling 104-degree night.… Continue reading
It’s scorching in North India, with temperatures nearing an unimaginable 50 degrees Celsius. As someone who has experienced high-30’s and low-40’s, I can attest that even those temperatures are unbearable. The idea of 50 degrees is downright horrifying. The situation in the Philippines, where heat index temps in the low 40s have made life hellish, parallels the extreme conditions faced by those in India. Not to mention, the scorching heat in countries least equipped to handle climate change may lead to desperate measures that worsen the issue at hand.
With nearly 40 degrees in Germany being almost unbearable, the thought of daily temperatures surpassing 50 degrees is mind-boggling.… Continue reading
37 million at risk for flooding from blockbuster California rainstorm
As news of the upcoming “blockbuster” rainstorm spreads, it seems that everyone has an opinion. Some people dismiss the headlines, pointing out that not everyone in California will be flooded. Others express concerns about the potential for flooding and landslides, especially in areas with unstable terrain.
The truth is, this rainstorm is no ordinary event. The atmospheric rivers that bring intense rainfall to the state can indeed cause havoc, with high winds, flooding, and landslide risks. And while not everyone will be directly affected, a significant portion of the state’s population is at risk.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker