global warming
Humpbacks face new challenges as the oceans heat up
Humpback whales have made a comeback in the North Pacific, but climate change now threatens their breeding and feeding grounds, potentially disrupting decades of recovery.
In short:
- Humpback whale populations have rebounded in the Salish Sea thanks to conservation efforts, but climate change could undermine this recovery.
- Rising ocean temperatures threaten humpbacks' breeding areas, with predictions that up to 67% of their breeding grounds may become unsuitable by the end of the century.
- Changes in krill populations and shifting migration patterns could further complicate humpbacks' survival.
Key quote:
“I was mortified seeing breeding ground after breeding ground turning red in our simulation.”
— Hannah von Hammerstein, University of Hawaii
Why this matters:
Humpback whales are a keystone species in marine ecosystems, and their survival is closely tied to ocean health. Climate-driven changes to their habitats could have cascading effects on the entire food web, impacting biodiversity and human livelihoods alike. If we don’t address the root causes of climate change, we might witness one of the ocean's most celebrated conservation successes unravel in real time. Read more: Surprise! Unexpected ocean heat waves are becoming the norm.
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Federal heat policy ignores deadly risks despite increasing climate dangers
Extreme heat is killing more Americans than any other weather-related event, but federal policies remain focused on protecting people from cold.
In short:
- The federal government invests billions in heating but provides little support for cooling, leaving millions vulnerable to extreme heat.
- Federal programs fail to recognize extreme heat as a disaster, while thousands of people die indoors due to lack of air conditioning.
- Low-income and marginalized communities are disproportionately affected, unable to access tax credits or support for energy-efficient cooling systems.
Key quote:
“Access to air conditioning is a life-saving intervention during extreme heat. Lack of air conditioning (AC) was a key driver in mortality.”
— Multnomah County, Oregon investigation
Why this matters:
Disregard for the realities of a heating planet is deeply embedded in policy. Regulations don’t account for how much our climate has changed. Every summer, heat waves kill more people than hurricanes or floods, yet federal programs designed to protect the vulnerable still see cooling as optional. Read more: Ripe for disaster declarations — heat, wildfire smoke and death data.
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Newsletter
Unexpected temperature spike raises concerns among climate experts
Climate scientists are grappling with a sudden, unpredicted surge in global temperatures, which may signal a shift in the Earth’s climate system.
In short:
- A recent 13-month temperature spike has outpaced global heating predictions, leaving scientists uncertain.
- Experts are concerned this could indicate a fundamental change in the climate system, not just a temporary anomaly.
- Scientists are particularly alarmed by the potential loss of Earth's albedo, reducing the planet's ability to reflect heat.
Key quote:
“As climate change continues, every decade it gets warmer, the impact is larger and the consequences are greater.”
— Gavin Schmidt, director of NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies
Why this matters:
Unexpected shifts in climate patterns suggest we may be underestimating the speed and severity of global warming. The inability to predict such changes could hinder effective policy responses to future climate crises.
Related coverage:
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Newsletter
Half a billion children face increasingly extreme heat
Nearly 500 million children now live in regions with twice as many extremely hot days as there were in the 1960s, according to new Unicef data.
In short:
- Unicef found that 466 million children –about one in five children– worldwide experience at least double the number of extremely hot days compared to 60 years ago.
- The Sahel region in Africa, including Mali, Niger and Sudan, is particularly affected, with 39% children enduring over 200 days of 35°C+ temperatures annually.
- Extreme heat poses severe health risks to children, including heat stress and heightened vulnerability to diseases.
Key quote:
"This new Unicef analysis issues a stark warning about the speed and scale at which extremely hot days are affecting children."
— David Knaute, Unicef regional climate specialist for west and central Africa.
Why this matters:
Children’s bodies struggle to cope with extreme heat, leading to serious health risks. As global temperatures continue to rise, urgent action is needed to protect the most vulnerable.
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Newsletter
Scientists warn of irreversible climate tipping points
Scientists warn that climate change could trigger irreversible tipping points in Earth's natural systems, including coral reef die-offs, permafrost thawing, and ice sheet collapses.
Raymond Zhong and Mira Rojanasakul report for The New York Times.
In short:
- Rising temperatures threaten mass coral bleaching and death, with up to 99% of reefs at risk, disrupting marine ecosystems.
- Melting ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica could raise sea levels significantly, affecting global ocean currents and weather patterns.
- The loss of the Amazon rainforest and Atlantic currents could have severe consequences on global biodiversity and climate stability.
Key quote:
“With every gram of additional CO2 in the atmosphere, we are increasing the likelihood of tipping events.”
— Niklas Boers, climate scientist at the Technical University of Munich and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
Why this matters:
Reaching climate tipping points could lead to irreversible changes, severely affecting global ecosystems, economies, and communities. Understanding and mitigating these risks is crucial for sustaining life and stability on Earth.
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Newsletter
Nearby rural land may significantly reduce urban temperatures
A recent study finds that rural areas around cities can lower urban temperatures by nearly 33 degrees Fahrenheit, suggesting a new approach to combating urban heat.
In short:
- Researchers studied data from 30 Chinese cities and found that rural land within a six- to nine-mile radius can reduce urban heat island intensity by about 30%.
- Urban heat islands occur when cities are warmer than their surroundings due to air warming, creating low-pressure zones that pull cooler air from nearby rural areas.
- The study suggests cooling strategies, such as planting woodlands and consolidating water bodies in rural areas, to boost urban cooling.
Why this matters:
Urban heat islands contribute to higher energy costs and health risks. By optimizing rural land use, cities can become cooler and more sustainable, benefiting both urban and rural communities.
Related EHN coverage:
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Newsletter
Extreme heat is damaging America's transportation infrastructure
Record heat in summer 2024 is straining America’s infrastructure, causing issues like stuck bridges and buckling roads, and disrupting transportation systems.
In short:
- The Third Avenue Bridge in New York jammed after metal expansion caused by heat, and roads in Washington and Wisconsin have buckled, disrupting traffic.
- Amtrak and other rail systems face delays due to heat-induced rail expansion, which can cause derailments and safety hazards.
- Engineers are using innovative solutions, including heat-resistant materials and advanced monitoring systems, to address these challenges.
Key quote:
“Like human bodies, infrastructure needs to be maintained from the beginning to reduce costs and increase the potential for effective rehabilitation.”
— Suyun Paul Ham, associate professor of civil engineering, University of Texas at Arlington
Why this matters:
As climate change intensifies, extreme weather events will increasingly threaten aging infrastructure, leading to safety hazards and costly disruptions. Effective engineering solutions and timely maintenance are vital to enhance the resilience of critical transportation networks.
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