weather
Newsletter
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Outdated US rail system faces increasing delays from extreme weather
Amtrak’s aging infrastructure struggles to maintain operations as climate change causes more frequent extreme weather events, leading to record delays.
In short:
- Amtrak's passengers faced over 4,010 hours of weather-related delays in the 2023 fiscal year.
- Heat waves were the largest contributor, causing nearly 1,200 hours of delays due to track deformities.
- High temperatures also impact power systems, further disrupting rail services.
Key quote:
“Amtrak is beginning to see climate conditions impact on-time performance and is taking action.”
— Olivia Irvin, spokeswoman for Amtrak
Why this matters:
Increased train delays due to extreme weather highlight the urgent need for infrastructure modernization to adapt to climate change. Without significant investments, travel disruptions and safety risks will continue to escalate.
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Extreme weather exacerbates refugee camp hardships
Displaced women in Jordan, Bangladesh, and South Sudan face worsening conditions as extreme weather compounds the challenges of refugee life.
In short:
- In Jordan, Hamda al-Marzouq copes with extreme heat, impacting daily life and health in the Za’atari refugee camp.
- Umme Solima in Bangladesh struggles with landslides and damaged infrastructure, making daily survival difficult in Cox’s Bazar.
- Nyapuoch Phan Dak in South Sudan endures relentless flooding, limiting food supplies and mobility in the Rubkona camp.
Key quote:
“We walk long distances in the water, sometimes in the rain, and at times, we would even get no milk. But sometimes we’re able to get milk and sell to get something to feed our children.”
— Nyapuoch Phan Dak, refugee, widow, and mother of four in a South Sudan camp
Why this matters:
Extreme weather linked to climate change worsens the already dire conditions in refugee camps, threatening the survival and dignity of millions.
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Credit: Paul Brennan/Pixabay
Rebuilding coastal communities post-hurricanes is complex and transformative
As coastal communities rebuild after hurricanes, the process is expensive and can drastically alter local character.
Dorany Pineda and Rebecca Blackwell report for The Associated Press.
In short:
- Charles Long faces a $450,000 cost to rebuild his hurricane-damaged home on stilts, opting instead to create a pole barn for an RV.
- Rising insurance rates and high construction costs make rebuilding prohibitive, with some fearing gentrification and displacement.
- Resilient infrastructure projects vary by community, each impacting ecosystems, shoreline access, and community identity differently.
Key quote:
“You want to leave communities well protected, but you also want to preserve what makes them vibrant and worth living in.”
— Paul Gallay, director of the Resilient Coastal Communities Project at Columbia Climate School
Why this matters:
Coastal communities face growing challenges from climate change, with rising sea levels and stronger storms threatening long-term viability.
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Credit: Shamir Hunley/Unsplash
Some US cities are promoting themselves as climate refuges despite concerns
Climate change is prompting some cities to market themselves as safe havens from extreme weather, but experts question their ability to truly offer protection.
In short:
- Buffalo, New York, markets itself as a "climate refuge" due to its moderate climate and low risk of extreme weather events.
- Other cities like Duluth and Ann Arbor are also positioning themselves as climate havens to attract residents fleeing harsher climates.
- Experts warn that no city is immune to climate change and stress the need for adaptation and infrastructure investment.
Key quote:
"I'm not saying climate change is going to be good for Buffalo, or Buffalo is going to be an oasis. We’re not an oasis, we suck less.”
— Stephen Vermette, professor of geography at Buffalo State University.
Why this matters:
As climate change worsens, more areas will become uninhabitable, pushing people to relocate. Marketing certain cities as climate havens could strain their resources and infrastructure, potentially leading to new challenges in those areas.
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Credit: Amritanshu Sikdar/ Unsplash
Las Vegas, New Mexico officials ask residents to save water after flooding threatens city's supply
City officials in Las Vegas, New Mexico, urge residents to conserve water following severe flooding that threatens the city’s supply. The flooding was caused by storms over the burn scar of the 2022 Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak fire.
In short:
- Flooding overwhelmed Las Vegas's reservoirs, reducing the water treatment plant’s capacity to just over 3 million gallons.
- Ash from the fire and other debris also contaminated streams and rivers during flooding.
- Non-essential businesses are closed, and residents are limited to using water only for essential needs.
- Temporary measures, including a mobile filtration system, are being arranged but may take up to two weeks to implement.
Key quote:
"This was caused by Mother Nature, and Mother Nature cannot be controlled. We have to do whatever we can to conserve water until the day we know we can draw water from other sources. We don’t know how long that is."
— David Romero, mayor of Las Vegas, New Mexico
Why this matters:
City officials are emphasizing the need for conservation to ensure that clean water remains available as the city works to address the damage and restore normalcy. The recent floods have disrupted water management systems, leading to concerns about the long-term sustainability of the city’s resources. It's one more risk communities face from massive wildfires exacerbated by climate change.
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Credit: Frederick Warren/Unsplash
Climate change will continue to drive up consumer costs
Climate change is already causing price increases on everyday items, and researchers warn it will only worsen, impacting both the planet and the economy.
Sarah Kaplan and Rachel Siegel report for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Rising temperatures are linked to a 1.2 percentage point increase in annual global inflation by 2035.
- Extreme weather events are disrupting supply chains and pushing insurance costs higher.
- Food prices, particularly for climate-sensitive crops like olive oil and cocoa, are especially vulnerable.
Key quote:
“These are really big effects … and they are going to get worse. The clearest way we can limit that is just trying to limit climate change itself.”
— Max Kotz, climate economist at the Potsdam Institute
Why this matters:
From the grocery store to the gas pump, prices are rising, and researchers warn that the situation is poised to get worse. The economic impacts of climate change are being felt in myriad ways, as extreme weather events, shifting agricultural patterns, and disrupted supply chains drive up costs.
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Climate disruption skepticism persists among Australians
Despite widespread climate events, only 60% of Australians believe human activity causes climate disruption, a recent poll reveals.
In short:
- An international survey found Australians are among the most skeptical globally about human-caused climate disruption.
- The poll showed a drop in belief from 66% to 60% in 18 months, lower than the global average of 73%.
- Only 52% of Australians believe the costs of climate impacts will exceed the costs of ecological transition.
Key quote:
"We need to do more work in telling the stories about the facts."
— Richard Kirkman, chief executive of Veolia in Australia
Why this matters:
Australia's skepticism about climate disruption hinders effective climate action, as public and political support is crucial for meaningful environmental policies. Misinformation and political messaging impact public understanding and response to climate change.
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