(All figures are from the 2014 National Climate Assessment draft.) Later today (Tuesday, May 6), at 8 a.m. EDT, the National Climate Assessment and Development Advisory Committee of experts meets by conference call to approve the final version of the Third National Climate Assessment. The gist of their message, as Suzanne Goldenberg of The Guardian […]
National Climate Assessment Pulls No Punches About US Options Read More 👉
BREAKING: Late this evening (8 pm EST, or tomorrow, March 31, at 9 am in Tokyo), something large and unpleasant will hit the fan about climate change. At a press conference in Yokohama, the Nobel Prize-winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change will release its Fifth Assessment Report on impacts of human activities on current and
The IPCC's Blockbuster 5th Climate Assessment Read More 👉
The U.S. National Academy of Sciences and The Royal Society of London debut Climate Change: Evidence & Causes, a new publication produced jointly by the two world-leading scientific institutions, live on the internet on Thursday, February 27, 2014, from 10:00-11:30 EST. The new publication bills itself as “a brief, readable reference document for decision makers,
NAS & Royal Society Move Climate Talk From Debate To Mitigation Read More 👉
Tornado watches and warnings in the Midwest, Sunday, November 17, 2013. On their way to Chicago. Peoria. Jennifer Wojcicki ☈ @WxWithJenny 20m RT @TomPurdyWI: Beautiful wall cloud near Harvard, Illinois earlier, inflow screaming in on right side there. #ilwx pic.twitter.com/8JvW8Hwfiq Chicago Tribune @chicagotribune 58m Tornado touching down in LaSalle County http://trib.in/1bwjOO7 pic.twitter.com/zBOT9eyAH8 ChuckGoudieABC @ChuckGoudieABC7 Twister
BREAKING: Today's Illinois Tornadoes Read More 👉
Officials open the 2013 UNFCCC meetings with determination and louder warnings…. (Photo source: http://ow.ly/qL43P) It’s time for the governments of the world to struggle with climate change policy again. Every year, late in November and early in December, representatives of 195 nations gather for two weeks to try to negotiate global responses to the increasingly
"Lousy, Spoilt, and Defiled Planet" Climate Talks Begin In Warsaw Read More 👉
The nation’s most-polluting power plant, Georgia Power Company’s Plant Scherer in Juliette, Georgia, emits more carbon dioxide than all of Maine’s energy emissions. Here’s more from Environment America: On September 10, the Environment America Research & Policy Center, an independent nonprofit, and the Frontier Group presented a mighty appealing fast track toward limiting the U.S.
Shutter 1.2% Of Power Plants, Cut Carbon Costs By 20% Read More 👉
For more of Joe’s cartoons check out his 5+ year cartoon archive. Got kids? Well then check out his book, ROBOT+BIKE=KITTEN. And. Twitter. Facebook.
The following items were reported in the past week: China is experiencing a massive, continent-wide record-setting heat wave. Several major cities across the country have recorded all-time high temperatures. Shanghai, for example, reached 105°F after setting century-old heat records each day for the previous week. Dozens of deaths are reported so far. Greenland recorded its highest temperature
Nearly 40% of the US population is concentrated in counties directly on the shoreline, according to a new report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with input from the US Census Bureau. On top of that, US coastal populations are set to grow from 123 million people as it stands today, to 134 million
US Coastal Populations Growing, At Risk of Extreme Weather Read More 👉
This Summer, the Arctic has seen levels of sea ice melt never before recorded, smashing the previous record for minimum sea ice pack set in 2007. According to climate scientists, we can now consider the Arctic essentially ice-free at the end of the ice-loss season. Concurrently, Alaska is experiencing a series of extreme weather
The 244th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS) has already revealed several big stories regarding alternative fuels for transport, but it has also given Nobel Prize winning scientist, Mario J. Molina, Ph.D. a platform from which to explain why he believes there is new scientific proof linking extreme weather to climate change. “People may not
Nobel Prize Winning Scientists Links Extreme Weather to Global Warming Read More 👉
On the global scale, 2011 was the coolest year since 2008, but temperatures were still considerably above the 30 year average, according to the 2011 State of the Climate report released online today by NOAA. “The peer-reviewed report, issued in coordination with the American Meteorological Society (AMS), was compiled by 378 scientists from 48 countries
Extreme Weather Linked To Climate Change Read More 👉
by Jeff Masters of WunderBlog (repost) Rains unprecedented in 117 years of record keeping set new yearly precipitation totals in seven states during 2011, NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center revealed in its preliminary year-end report for 2011. An extraordinary twenty major U.S. cities had their wettest year on record during 2011. This smashes the previous record of ten
2011: Year of Extremes, Seriously (in Weather) Read More 👉
… and just 1 cold record. As the image below, from Ilissa Ocko of Princeton University, shows, the 7 nations (and 1 territory) that set heat records in 2011 were: Kuwait Iraq Iran China Armenia Zambia Republic of Congo The French Southern and Antarctic Lands Territory Here’s more from Dr. Jeff Masters on Wunderblog (h/t Climate Progress): The
7 All-Time National Heat Records Set in 2011 Read More 👉
2011 was a record year for extreme weather, as I’ve noted a few times already. Meteorologist Dr. Jeff Masters of Wunderblog has more on last year’s wild weather, including the top 10 most expensive weather disasters and deadliest weather disasters of 2011, reposted in full from Wunderblog here (note: this is what global warming
32 Most Expensive Weather Disasters & 10 Deadliest Weather Disasters of 2011 Read More 👉
2011 was a big year for the environment, in some good ways and some bad ways. Here’s a quick run-down of the top 10 stories of the year, in my opinion: 1. Tremendously high levels of carbon emissions continue to warm Earth. Despite efforts to switch to clean energy, increase energy efficiency, and use more
Green (& Not So Green) News of the Year (2011 Top 10 List) Read More 👉
Philippines is now suffering tremendous flooding most likely related to climate change — nice Christmas present, eh? The only way global warming deniers (or, “science deniers,” as I think I’m going to start calling them) can claim that the effects of global warming aren’t already hitting us is if they can prove that climate
“If a new PC or hard drive is on your holiday wish list, you may be in for a rude surprise: supplies are running low and prices have skyrocketed, all because of an extreme weather event that took place halfway around the world,” Andrew Freedman of Climate Central notes. “One wouldn’t normally think of
Cost of Electronics Going Up Due to Extreme Weather Read More 👉
No, no single weather event can be definitively linked to global warming, statistically. But everyone knows what global warming has been predicted to cause, and everyone can see it’s happening. More from Think Progress: CoreLogic “estimates flood losses in the U.S. this year at approximately $10.67 billion, based on various flooding and storm events recorded
$10 Billion — Cost of U.S. Floods in 2011 Related to Global Warming Read More 👉
Believe it or not (and it would be hard not to believe it), extreme weather is increasing in the U.S., and around the world, due to global warming. And 2011 was a record year for extreme weather. Wet and dry extremes hit an all-time high, as you can see in the chart above. Unfortunately,
2011 — Record for Wet/Dry Extremes in U.S. Read More 👉
For the United States, 2011 has been a costly year when it comes to weather and climate disasters, suffering 12 separate billion dollar disasters in the year alone. The total aggregate damage for the year totals an approximate $52 billion, breaking the previous record of nine separate billion dollar weather/climate disasters in 2008. Sadly, across
US Experiences A Dozen Billion-Dollar Weather Disasters in 2011 Read More 👉
Finally, a mainstream media company completely nails the link between global warming, climate change, and extreme weather. Here’s the video:
NBC Nails Global Warming & Climate Change! (VIDEO) Read More 👉
Well, if you weren’t painfully aware of this already, the UN has announced today that climate change is, without a doubt, linked to more extreme weather, such as heavier rains, more floods, more severe droughts, stronger hurricanes and cyclones, and more landslides. The U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), along with telling us that
Climate Change Equals More Extreme Weather, UN Reports Read More 👉
When I first saw this piece in the Guardian, I thought “WTF?” The Guardian is actually the only mass media machine I really respect and follow on global warming and climate change issues. But this piece tearing into Gore for a quote that was not actually a Gore quote (but a Guardian journalist’s quote) was a shocker, and abysmal piece. Interestingly, it came from a climate scientist who doesn’t seem to be getting the respect his colleagues is getting. Anyway, here’s Dr. Joe Romm’s full debunking:
Myles Allen & Guardian Screw & Misquote Al Gore; Joe Romm Sets the Record Straight Read More 👉
Yes, with heat records in the U.S. and elsewhere being set like there’s no tomorrow, disaster records being set in a similar manner, and a little bit of 1 plus 1 equals 2, it’s hard to believe anyone would not believe climate change is already happening. Add on the following chart on who has stated global warming is happening and who hasn’t and one really has to wonder what Tea Partiers are smoking (since it is mostly just Tea Partiers who are still denying the science).
Scientists estimate that within the next decade or so extremely hot temperatures will occur every Summer in regions that only occasionally experience extreme temperatures. Warming of the planet is occurring globally…
Temperature Extremes Projected To Worsen Read More 👉
August was a month of extremes across the whole of our planet, with tornadoes, droughts and La Niña conditions reemerging despite having only disappeared a few months earlier. For a picture of much of what happened across the planet this past August, browse the image below provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Significant Environmental Events for August 2011 Read More 👉
Aside from the Northeast’s unprecedented hurricane/tropical storm, Irene, as well as the record-setting, unprecedented drought, heat, and fires in Texas and the wildfires in Arizona, many more regions have been getting slammed with extreme, wild weather and natural disasters recently. Two more examples are Oklahoma and Virginia.
Wild Weather — Oklahoma in Severe Drought Now & Virginia Downpour "Off the Charts" Read More 👉
Can you guess which major media outlet made that analogy? NYTimes? No, it’s one of the worst sources of climate change news and commentary these days. Washington Post? If only! FOX News? OK, yes, that would be absurd — hope the idea made you laugh, at least.
"Climate is on Steroids" Read More 👉
Floods, one of the hallmark natural disasters resulting in greater occurrence and strength from climate change, are tearing about homes, cities, and people in Bangladesh and Seoul, South Korea this week. Seoul has seen the heaviest rains in July since 1907 now. At least 59 people are dead and 10 missing, according to the latest reports. About 10,000 people from about 4,800 homes have been left homeless.
South Korea just got nailed with some heavy rain that has triggered landslides in and flooding in and near its large capital city, Seoul. 32 have been confirmed dead so far. (Whatever you do, don’t consider that is has anything to do with climate change, even though this is exactly the sort of catastrophe climate scientists have predicted will become more and more common.)
South Korea Hit with Deadly Landslides (from Heavy Rains) Read More 👉
Climate Change poses a major threat to future peace and security, a senior UN official has warned. Achim Steiner from the UN Environment Program said Climate Change would also “exponentially” increase the scale of natural disasters.
Climate Change Threatens "World Peace and Security," says United Nations Read More 👉
Extremely high temperatures have stricken the Midwest and are certain to persist throughout the week. The extreme discomfort will soon spread to the East Coast. Eighteen states issued heat watches, warnings or advisories. Some states have experienced record high temperatures.
Heat Wave Scorches the United States, Breaking Records Read More 👉
The results of research looking into what will happen to the Australian climate if and when a global increase of 4º Celsius across the world takes place was presented by CSIRO’s Dr Penny Whetton at the Four Degrees climate change conference in Melbourne.
What Will a 4 Degree Increase do to Australia Read More 👉
Speaking at the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics’ (IUGG’s) Earth on the Edge: Science for a Sustainable Planet conference in Melbourne, Australia, CSIRO’s Dr Melita Keywood has said that closer scientific study is needed to determine just how the frequency and intensity of wildfires and intentional biomass burning will change in a future climate.
What Part Will Fire Play in a Warmer Future Read More 👉
Dr. Jeff Masters, a world-leading meteorologist, just finished a compilation of what he considered 2010’s top 20 extreme weather events. All in all, he considers 2010 to be the most extreme year for weather since records began and, unfortunately, with a good understanding of climate change, he hints at what we could be in for if we don’t turn things around quickly.
Extremely Extreme Weather in 2010.. Perhaps Most Extreme on Record Read More 👉
I had a post on some of Dr. Jeff Masters’ recent comments on the ridiculous extreme weather we’ve been seeing this year just about one week ago, but he just published a new analysis on these issues that I thought was worth covering as well.
The key, general points are as follows…
Most Extreme U.S. Spring Weather on Record, Dr. Jeff Masters Reports Read More 👉
This is a good video, not brand new (from about a week ago, which might mean ancient on the internet), but worth a looksy.
Jeff Masters on Severe Weather: "We Have Never Seen a Year Like This Before" Read More 👉
This is a question that has definitely popped into my mind. And, if you are at all familiar with the fact that climate change is not just about sea levels or heat but is also causing (and going to cause more) much more extreme weather or “global weirding” as some put it, you are probably curious as well.
Are Tornadoes & Climate Change Linked? Read More 👉
Joplin, Missouri has been hit with some of the wildest weather this week already. 116 have been found dead after a tornado slammed the city of approximately 50,000. Unfortunately, more tornadoes could be on the way today.
According to the National Weather Service, there’s a 45% chance of another tornado outbreak today, especially between about 4:00pm and midnight. Other than Missouri, this possibility is for parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Nebraska.
Joplin, Missouri to Get Hit with More Tornadoes Today? Read More 👉
Yes, it’s not rainy season anymore, it’s flooding season (unless you live in areas of the country experiencing “exceptional drought” — the highest level of drought — and wild fires). Montana is the latest to get extreme floods and they are now moving on towards neighboring states such as Wyoming and Utah.
Let me reiterate yet again, global warming (aka global weirding) = extreme floods AND extreme drought.
Montana Floods Kill One, Leave One Missing — More Extreme Weather to Come Read More 👉
With all the climate change denier propaganda and bad messaging/confusion in the media, I have to wonder how much a ‘normal’ person recognizes the relationship between tremendous flooding of the Mississippi River and drought in Texas and a few other states (at the same time).
Mississippi River Floods, Texas Drought, and Global Weirding (& Food Prices/Crises) Read More 👉
Tornadoes, floods, wild weather… the world is not the same as it used to be. It’s always seen such “extreme weather events,” but not to the degree that it is seeing them today.
Scott Mandia on Wild Weather in U.S. {VIDEO} Read More 👉
There’s no surprise that scientists would like to better understand what the current change of climate will do to concrete, immediately and over the long run.
Concrete Answers Needed to Concrete's Reaction to Climate Change Read More 👉
Worldwide, high crude oil prices, increasing extreme weather events, population growth and economic development of poorer countries, crop-based biofuels, political conflict and unrest in the Middle East, and slowing crop yield growth are all factors contributing to rising food prices.
Food Prices on the Rise — Expect that to Stay the Same Read More 👉
Coming up later this month (March 19 to be exact) the moon will make its closest approach to Earth (called lunar perigee) in 18 years. A new or full moon at 90% or greater of its closest perigee to Earth has been named a “SuperMoon” by astrologer Richard Nolle. This term has recently been picked
Extreme Super Moon To Cause Major Earthquakes? Read More 👉
Winter 2010-2011 is tied (so far) with two other years for having the most extreme winter on record in the U.S. It has had three Category 3 (major) or higher snow storms so far according to the Northeast Snowfall Impact (NESIS) scale (which ranks storms on a scale from 1 — “Notable” — to 5 —
Parts of U.S. to Warm Nearly 100 Degrees in Next Week Read More 👉
Other than all the big news we wrote about last week (click on our Global Warming or Science categories above), here are a number of climate science stories I thought were worth sharing: Climate Science Human Impact of Climate Change While many might think that environmentalists only want to protect the environment for its own
Climate Science News of the Last Week (or So) Read More 👉
