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

Opinion: Virginia is making strides on clean energy – even as it falls behind

In Brazil, regenerative farming advances, but deforestation still pressures ecosystems

Can evolution keep up with climate change? A flower offers hope

Alabama House committee considers bills targeting solar farms

Is your state becoming uninsurable? We have the latest data

U.S. Interior Department bends on solar, but wind energy on public lands remains stalled

How Ann Arbor, Michigan, is creating its own clean energy utility

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.