hydrological disruption
Newsletter
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Vermont farmers face uncertain future amid increased flood risks
Vermont farmers, reeling from last summer’s devastating floods, now face an uncertain future as persistent rains continue to threaten their livelihoods.
In short:
- Last summer’s floods caused nearly $45 million in damages to 264 farms across Vermont, devastating crops and financial stability.
- With 70% of farmers lacking crop insurance, many are left relying on inadequate federal disaster loans, adding to their financial burden.
- Ongoing weather unpredictability and insufficient government support leave farmers worried about their future sustainability.
Key quote:
“Easy access to loans is a good thing, but when you’ve already borrowed to the point where you know you can’t afford it, it doesn’t solve anybody’s problem.”
— Roy Beckford, director of University of Vermont Extension.
Why this matters:
The resilience of Vermont's agricultural community is being tested as they navigate the challenges of climate change and inadequate support. As forecasts predict more rain, uncertainty looms large, leaving farmers to question their ability to sustain their livelihoods in a flood-prone future. Read more: Soggy springs, scorching summers: Higher temperatures taking toll on US staple crops.
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Credit: Water Alternatives Photos/Benjamin Noury/Flickr
India’s mega plan to connect its rivers raises big questions
India's ambitious project to link its rivers may provide solutions to water shortages but could also cause significant environmental and social disruptions.
In short:
- India plans to launch a $168 billion project to connect its rivers, aiming to address water shortages and improve irrigation.
- Experts warn that the project could displace half a million people, submerge vast tracts of land, and disrupt natural monsoon patterns.
- Critics argue that the government has not adequately considered alternative, less disruptive water management strategies.
Key quote:
[The] “initial assumption, is that river basins are independent systems and output from one … can be used to feed the other. [But] changes in one can lead to changes in another.”
— Tejasvi Chauhan, water engineer and biosphere modeler, Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry.
Why this matters:
This project could reshape India’s water management but might exacerbate environmental issues and displace communities, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions in tackling water crises. Read more: The planet is losing free-flowing rivers. This is a problem.
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Credit: Andrea Kirkby/Flickr
Politicians avoid discussing climate change during Indian elections
As India’s general elections approach, voters are facing climate-related hardships that politicians largely ignore.
In short:
- Extreme heat and drought in Maharashtra state have left farmers struggling, with no substantial political focus on environmental issues.
- Increased cyclones along India’s eastern coasts have caused significant damage and deaths, with locals frustrated by unfulfilled political promises.
- Floods in Assam state are worsening, leaving residents on river islands vulnerable and dissatisfied with political inaction.
Key quote:
“Politicians are only talking about religion and caste. No one is talking about the environment or farmers' issues.”
— Vaibhav Maske, farmer in Maharashtra
Why this matters:
Ignoring climate change in political discourse undermines efforts to address its severe impacts on health, livelihoods, and regional stability. Effective policies are needed to protect communities from increasingly extreme weather events. Read more: Sabah Usmani on making cities healthy and just.
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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.
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?
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Newsletter
Credit: NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan/Flickr
Afghanistan faces deadly flash floods, devastating impacts
Hundreds of deaths occurred due to severe flash floods in northern Afghanistan
In short:
- Severe flash floods in Afghanistan's northern and western regions have left around 300 people dead, with many more potentially trapped.
- The floods were caused by "unprecedented rainfall," heavily damaging Baghlan province and destroying thousands of homes.
- Afghanistan's health system struggles to cope, heavily reliant on international aid amidst ongoing crises.
Key quote:
"We just grabbed our children and we ran."
— Reza Gul, survivor
Why this matters:
The recent tragedy in Afghanistan is yet another example of the dire effects of climate change on vulnerable regions. For healthcare professionals and policymakers, it emphasizes the urgent need to enhance disaster preparedness and response capabilities in regions prone to natural calamities, especially as climate change intensifies such events. Read more: Disaster by choice: The need to create a culture of warning and safety.
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Credit: Save the Children/Flickr
Extreme weather events soar globally as temperatures rise
Recent reports highlight a marked increase in severe weather worldwide.
Seth Borenstein, Suman Naishadham, Sibi Arasu and Fabiano Maisonnave report for the Associated Press.
In short:
- Record temperatures and severe weather conditions have been reported across continents, with significant impacts on populations and infrastructure.
- Climate scientists link these unprecedented patterns to an 11-month streak of global warmth, exacerbated by human-induced climate change and natural cycles like El Nino.
- Floods, heatwaves, and abnormal climate conditions have resulted in deaths, disruptions, and substantial economic impact globally.
Key quote:
"Climate change is loading the weather dice against us in every part of the world."
— Katharine Hayhoe, chief scientist for the Nature Conservancy
Why this matters:
This surge in extreme weather not only challenges our current infrastructure but also poses severe risks to health and safety. Understanding and adapting to these changes cannot be overstated as they represent a direct consequence of global warming, and could lead to even more severe climate phenomena if current trends continue. Read more: We must adapt to climate change. Can we do it in ways that solve other problems too?
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Newsletter
Credit: HalfPoint/BigStock Photo ID: 451757997
Regenerative agriculture shows potential for British Columbia drought resilience
A Swiss-born farmer in British Columbia demonstrates how regenerative agricultural practices can boost resilience to extreme drought conditions that increasingly threaten regional food security.
In short:
- Farmers in Western Canada are turning to regenerative agriculture to combat severe drought conditions, utilizing techniques that enhance soil health and water retention.
- These sustainable practices, such as minimal tillage and no chemical fertilizers, have proven essential in maintaining productivity during extreme weather.
- Efforts are supported by provincial initiatives, including funding for water storage systems, to aid farmers in adapting to changing climate conditions.
Key quote:
"If I treat the land right, it will feed me better. Healthy soil, healthy plants, healthy animals, healthy people. Simple."
— Eugen Wittwer, farmer
Why this matters:
As climate change accelerates, sustainable agricultural practices that preserve soil moisture and biodiversity are crucial for securing the future of food production. Addressing drought through regenerative farming not only secures food production but also builds resilience against climate change impacts. Read more: The global food system is failing small-scale farmers — here’s how to fix it.
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