Summer of 2023 was the hottest in two millennia, says study

A new study analyzing ancient tree rings reveals that last summer was the hottest in the past 2,000 years, with unprecedented warmth across the Northern Hemisphere.

Doyle Rice reports for USA Today.

In short:

Tree rings indicate summer 2023 was 4 degrees warmer than the average from 1 to 1890.
The study suggests that current warming trends surpass the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement.
High heat fueled severe weather events globally, from wildfires to intense heat waves and heavy rains.

Key quote:

“It’s true that the climate is always changing, but when you look at the long sweep of history, you can see just how dramatic recent global warming is.”

— Jan Esper, lead author, Johannes Gutenberg University

Why this matters:

Such unprecedented heat is a stark reminder of the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate severe health impacts and prevent further climate-related disasters. Read more: Heat, air pollution and climate change … oh my! Was summer 2023 the new normal?

www.usatoday.com

Summer of 2023 was the hottest in two millennia, says study

Inside the campaign to discredit a key climate science report

Mark Carney adviser says AI data centres ‘provide markets’ for gas

The winter’s snow drought is now a full-blown water crisis

‘Every day it’s more barriers’: how the US is shutting out climate refugees

Scientists have made jet fuel from plastic waste

Mangroves comeback is a rare climate success story

COP31 leaders unveil global targets, with spotlight on electrification

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.