weather
Newsletter
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Heavy storm floods Central Europe, leading to deaths and widespread damage
A rare combination of weather patterns led to Storm Boris, which unleashed record rainfall, flooding, and snowfall across central Europe, killing at least 12 people.
In short:
- Storm Boris dropped several months' worth of rain in a few days, causing catastrophic flooding in Romania, Poland, Austria, and the Czech Republic.
- The storm was fueled by an unusual mix of Arctic air, warm eastern air, and record-high Mediterranean sea temperatures, intensified by climate change.
- Emergency efforts continue as the storm persists, with flood warnings and high risks of dam failures across several countries.
Key quote:
“Nothing can ease the suffering of the people of Pechea.”
— Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu.
Why this matters:
Storms like Boris demonstrate how climate change is amplifying extreme weather events. The unprecedented flooding and snowfall show how quickly and severely weather patterns can shift, leading to major disasters across large regions.
Related:
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Heavy rains threaten traditional Oneida corn harvest
Torrential spring rains devastated the Oneida Nation’s white corn crop in Wisconsin, posing challenges for Indigenous farmers as they face increasingly unpredictable weather linked to climate change.
In short:
- Unseasonable rains wiped out much of the white corn, a culturally significant crop, leaving little to harvest.
- The Oneida community is adapting by using sustainable farming techniques like cover crops to improve soil resilience.
- Despite their efforts, traditional methods struggle against the unpredictable climate, impacting both crops and cultural traditions.
Key quote:
“We’re really up against some pretty serious odds with climate change. There’s a lot at stake.”
— Lea Zeise, co-coordinator of Ohe·láku, a non-profit that works with the families planting crops
Why this matters:
The Oneida people rely on white corn not just for food, but for cultural and communal events. As climate change worsens, Indigenous farming practices, though rooted in sustainability, may not fully protect crops from extreme weather, threatening both food security and cultural preservation.
Related:
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Floods once again devastate Pakistan, two years after 2022 disaster
As monsoon rains lash Pakistan, millions still recovering from the catastrophic 2022 floods face renewed damage and uncertainty.
In short:
- Heavy monsoon rains are striking Pakistan, affecting those still recovering from the 2022 floods, which killed more than 1,700 people.
- Reconstruction efforts are lagging, with limited aid and poor infrastructure, leaving many in makeshift shelters.
- Climate change is linked to the intensified monsoon seasons, with experts warning that flooding may worsen in the future.
Key quote:
"Our children are terrified of the rain now. Whenever it rains or the wind picks up, they cling to us and cry, ‘We will drown.’"
— Fauzia, flood survivor
Why this matters:
Pakistan’s recurring floods highlight the growing impact of climate change, which is displacing rural communities and crippling agriculture. Without significant intervention, millions face ongoing displacement and economic instability.
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The Army Corps and NYC criticized for ignoring local voices in climate resilience efforts
New York City’s environmental justice activists are frustrated by the lack of input in climate resilience projects, saying the Army Corps often focuses too much on protecting real estate and storm surge rather than broader flood risks.
In short:
- Activists say the Army Corps overlooks the specific needs of vulnerable communities when designing flood protection plans.
- Local groups argue that wealthier areas receive more attention and funding, while low-income neighborhoods are ignored.
- Some communities have developed their own climate resilience strategies, though implementation remains a challenge.
Key quote:
“Wealthy communities, when worse comes to worse, they can get themselves out of this problem on their own—they have the money to protect themselves.”
— Victoria Sanders, climate and health manager, New York City Environmental Justice Alliance
Why this matters:
Local voices are vital for creating effective, fair climate resilience plans. Without incorporating community input, flood protection efforts risk deepening existing inequalities.
Read more: Opinion: Finding climate solutions in communities instead of labs
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Climate change hastens the deterioration of US bridges
America's aging bridges are increasingly vulnerable as climate change intensifies extreme heat and flooding, causing them to weaken and fail prematurely.
In short:
- Many U.S. bridges, built before 1960, are deteriorating faster due to extreme heat and flooding linked to climate change.
- The Biden administration's infrastructure law provides funding for bridge repair, but experts say it's not enough to fully address the issue.
- Engineers warn that without climate-resilient designs, bridge failures could become more common and disrupt supply chains.
Key quote:
“We have a bridge crisis that is specifically tied to extreme weather events.”
— Paul Chinowsky, professor of civil engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder
Why this matters:
As climate change accelerates, infrastructure designed for milder conditions is increasingly at risk. Without significant investment in climate-resilient construction, the safety and efficiency of transportation networks could be severely compromised.
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Montreal’s hidden rivers resurface as recent floods disrupt highways
Montreal’s recent record rainfall exposed the locations of buried rivers, leading to severe flooding on city roads and neighborhoods, particularly on Highway 40.
In short:
- Montreal received up to 158 millimeters of rain in 24 hours, causing widespread flooding.
- Old maps reveal that rivers now confined underground contributed to the flooding of Highway 40.
- Urban planners suggest that better infrastructure and green solutions could mitigate future flooding.
Key quote:
“Our topography recalls the presence of these waterways.”
— Pascale Rouillé, urban planner and the founder of Les Ateliers Ublo
Why this matters:
As climate change leads to heavier rains, Montreal’s outdated infrastructure struggles to manage water, raising the risk of more frequent and severe flooding in the future.
Related EHN coverage:
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As climate change fuels costly weather events, insurance payouts skyrocket in the UK
Increased weather-related insurance claims have pushed UK payouts to a seven-year high as climate change worsens storm and flooding damage.
In short:
- The Association of British Insurers (ABI) reports that insurance payouts reached £1.4bn in the second quarter of 2024, driven by weather-related claims amounting to £144m.
- The UK experienced significant weather events, including four named storms, leading to economic disruptions and impacting consumer spending.
- Last year, UK insurers paid out a record £573m in weather-related claims, which is £150m more to their payouts in 2022.
Key quote:
"Urgent government action to tackle surface-water flooding and maintain flood investments and maintenance will also help reduce the future impact of flooding."
— Louise Clark, policy adviser at the ABI.
Why this matters:
Rising insurance payouts highlight the increasing financial strain climate change places on both individuals and the economy. With severe weather events becoming more frequent, there's a growing need for policies focusing on prevention and resilience to safeguard communities and reduce economic disruption.
Related: Insurance woes increase as climate change impacts profitability
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