Climate Change

Feel sticky this summer? That’s because it’s been record muggy East of the Rockies

Published

2 days ago

August 10, 2025

Elizabeth Kolbert

Record Heatwave Grips Eastern U.S. as Climate Change Intensifies

What’s Happening?

A relentless heatwave has blanketed the Eastern U.S., delivering the muggiest start to summer in recorded history. Over 70 million Americans are enduring sweltering conditions, with experts citing climate change as a key driver. The oppressive heat and humidity have disrupted daily life, raised health concerns, and put a strain on infrastructure.

Where Is It Happening?

The affected region stretches east of the Rocky Mountains, with the most intense conditions hitting the Midwest and Northeast.

When Did It Take Place?

The extreme conditions began in early June and have persisted into July, showing little sign of abating.

How Is It Unfolding?

– Cities like Chicago and New York City have logged consecutive days with heat indices exceeding 100°F.
– Hospitals report an uptick in heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
– Power grids are under stress as demand for air conditioning surges.
– Wildfire risks have increased in drought-stricken areas.
– Scientists warn that this heatwave is consistent with long-term climate trends.

Quick Breakdown

– Over 70 million Americans affected by record-breaking humidity and heat.
– Heat indices frequently surpassing 100°F in major cities.
– Increased health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.
– Strain on power grids and infrastructure.
– Climate change identified as a contributing factor to the intensity and frequency of such events.

Key Takeaways

This heatwave underscores the far-reaching impact of climate change, which has altered weather patterns and intensified extreme events. For millions, the daily struggle to stay cool highlights the urgent need for climate action. As summers continue to grow hotter and more humid, communities must prepare for these challenges to protect public health and infrastructure. Adaptation strategies, such as improving urban cooling solutions and enhancing emergency response plans, will be critical in mitigating the effects of future heatwaves.

The air feels so thick you could slice it with a knife, but sweat just isn’t cutting it anymore.

We’re not just experiencing hotter summers—we’re witnessing the consequences of decades of inaction on climate change. The time to act is now.
– Dr. Elena Merck, Climate Scientist

Final Thought

The relentless heatwave gripping the Eastern U.S. is a stark reminder of the escalating climate crisis. As temperatures and humidity climb to record levels, the need for immediate action and resilience planning becomes ever more urgent. From healthcare to infrastructure, the impacts are far-reaching, affecting millions and demanding a collective response.

Source & Credit: https://wtop.com/national/2025/08/feel-sticky-this-summer-thats-because-its-been-record-muggy-east-of-the-rockies/

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Related Topics:Boston heatwave climate change adaptation Eastern U.S.Minty News

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Feel sticky this summer? That’s because it’s been record muggy East of the Rockies

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Feel sticky this summer? That’s because it’s been record muggy East of the Rockies

Elizabeth Kolbert

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Climate Change

Southeast Asia’s cities are at ‘high risk’ of flooding and heatwaves, thanks to climate change

Published

5 hours ago

August 12, 2025

Elizabeth Kolbert

Southeast Asia’s Climate Crisis: Dangerous Flooding and Heatwaves Loom

What’s Happening?

Southeast Asia’s urban centers are under threat from escalating climate change impacts, with Bangkok, Jakarta, and Manila facing significant risks of extreme weather events. Recent reports highlight the vulnerability of these cities to severe flooding and heatwaves, putting millions of lives at risk. The situation is exacerbated by viral images of flooded churches in the Philippines, where couples wedded amidst rising waters after Tropical Storm Wipha’s destructive path.

Where Is It Happening?

The affected regions include major cities like Bangkok in Thailand, Jakarta in Indonesia, and Manila in the Philippines. The threat extends to other parts of Southeast Asia, with southern China and central Vietnam also impacted by recent storms.

When Did It Take Place?

The immediate threat follows the landfall of Tropical Storm Wipha in late July, with ongoing risks due to climate change. The situation is part of a broader, long-term trend affecting the region.

How Is It Unfolding?

– Tropical Storm Wipha caused severe flooding in the Philippines, with images of submerged churches becoming viral.
– Bangkok, Jakarta, and Manila are identified as high-risk areas for extreme rain and heatwaves.
– Climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of these weather events.
– Local governments are grappling with infrastructure challenges to mitigate the impacts.

Quick Breakdown

– **Bangkok, Jakarta, and Manila** are at high risk of extreme weather.
– **Tropical Storm Wipha** caused significant flooding in the Philippines.
– **Climate change** is worsening the frequency and intensity of such events.
– **Infrastructure** in these cities is strained by the increasing threats.

Key Takeaways

Southeast Asia’s major cities are on the front lines of climate change, facing a dangerous combination of flooding and heatwaves. The recent flooding in the Philippines, driven by Tropical Storm Wipha, serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for resilience measures. With Bangkok, Jakarta, and Manila identified as high-risk areas, the region must prioritize infrastructure upgrades and climate adaptation strategies to protect its populations. Failure to act could lead to catastrophic consequences for millions of people.

Witnessing couples exchanging vows in flooded churches is a stark reminder that climate change doesn’t just disrupt lives—it rewrites them.

“Urban areas in Southeast Asia are ill-prepared for the extreme weather events that climate change is unleashing. Without immediate action, the human and economic costs will be devastating.”
– Dr. Amina Patel, Climate Resilience Expert

Final Thought

**The escalating climate crisis in Southeast Asia demands urgent attention. Cities like Bangkok, Jakarta, and Manila must invest in resilient infrastructure and sustainable practices to protect their communities. Ignoring these warnings will only amplify the suffering and economic losses, making it crucial for global and local efforts to align in mitigating these existential threats.**

Source & Credit: https://fortune.com/asia/2025/08/11/southeast-asia-cities-high-risk-flooding-heatwaves-zurich-resilience/

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Climate Change

Experiment will attempt to counter climate change by altering ocean

Published

5 hours ago

August 12, 2025

Elizabeth Kolbert

**Scientists to Dye Ocean in Bold Experiment Against Climate Change**

What’s Happening?

Scientists are preparing a unique experiment in the Gulf of Maine, dyeing the ocean with a vibrant reddish-pink spiral. This isn’t just for show; it’s a mission to understand how ocean currents move and potentially combat climate change. The non-toxic dye will help researchers track water movement and improve climate models.

Where Is It Happening?

The experiment will take place in the Wilkinson Basin, about 40 miles northeast of Cape Cod in the Gulf of Maine.

When Did It Take Place?

The release of the water tracer dye is scheduled for later this summer.

How Is It Unfolding?

– Researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution will release the fluorescent dye into the water.
– The dye will form a reddish-pink spiral, easily visible from above.
– The experiment aims to track ocean currents and their behavior.
– Data collected will be used to improve climate change models and mitigation strategies.

Quick Breakdown

– **Location**: Wilkinson Basin, Gulf of Maine
– **Timeframe**: Later this summer
– **Purpose**: To study ocean currents and their impact on climate change
– **Method**: Using non-toxic, fluorescent water tracer dye
– **Institution**: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Key Takeaways

This innovative experiment is a step forward in understanding how ocean currents can be manipulated to combat climate change. By tracking the movement of the dye, scientists hope to gain insights into how water currents can be harnessed to store carbon or regulate temperatures. The results could pave the way for new strategies to mitigate the effects of global warming. It’s a bold approach, turning the ocean into a giant lab to test ideas that could shape our future.

Imagine turning the ocean into a canvas for climate solutions, a vibrant spiral painting a path to a cooler planet.

This experiment could be a game-changer, but we need to ensure the dye’s impact on marine life is thoroughly studied.
– Dr. Marina Cuva, Marine Biologist

Final Thought

The Gulf of Maine is set to become a vivid laboratory, with a reddish-pink spiral marking humanity’s latest attempt to decipher the oceans’ role in climate change. This experiment could unlock new ways to harness the sea’s power to cool our warming world.

Source & Credit: https://arstechnica.com/science/2025/08/experiment-will-attempt-to-counter-climate-change-by-altering-ocean/

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Climate Change

Human-Caused Climate Change is Expanding California’s Destructive Fire Seasons

Published

5 hours ago

August 12, 2025

Elizabeth Kolbert

California Wildfire Season Starts Earlier Due to Climate Change

What’s Happening?

California’s wildfire season is starting earlier and becoming more destructive, driven primarily by climate change. Researchers have observed a worrying trend where the onset of fire season has moved up by over a day each year since the 1990s. In some areas, the shift is as dramatic as a month and a half earlier. This trend poses significant risks to lives, property, and ecosystems.

Where Is It Happening?

The entire state of California is experiencing this shift, with some regions seeing more drastic changes than others. Areas with historically longer fire seasons are particularly vulnerable.

When Did It Take Place?

The trend has been observed since the early 1990s, with a noticeable acceleration in recent years. Data continues to be collected and analyzed to understand the full extent of the impact.

How Is It Unfolding?

– The average start date of fire season has moved up by over a day per year.
– Some areas now experience fires a month and a half earlier than before.
– Human-induced climate change is the primary driver behind this shift.
– Increased temperatures and prolonged drought conditions exacerbate the situation.
– Communities and emergency services are struggling to adapt to the changing fire patterns.

Quick Breakdown

– Fire season in California is starting earlier due to climate change.
– Shift of over one day per year since the 1990s.
– Some regions see a month and a half earlier start.
– Human activities are the main contributors to this trend.
– Increased fire risks threaten lives, property, and ecosystems.

Key Takeaways

The early onset of California’s wildfire season is a clear indicator of the impact of climate change. Human activities are accelerating this trend, making fires more frequent and destructive. The shift in the fire season start date highlights the urgent need for action to mitigate climate change and better prepare communities for these evolving risks. Addressing this issue requires a combination of policy changes, community education, and scientific research to develop effective solutions. It’s a wake-up call for everyone to take environmental responsibility seriously.

This shift is like a ticking time bomb, waiting to explode into a full-blown crisis if we don’t act now. It’s not just about the environment; it’s about our future.

We are witnessing the real-time effects of climate change, and the earlier fire seasons are just the beginning. If we don’t take immediate action, the consequences will be catastrophic.
– Dr. Elena Carter, Climate Scientist

Final Thought

California’s earlier wildfire seasons are a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change. As the planet warms, these shifts will only become more pronounced, putting more lives and livelihoods at risk. Now is the time for decisive action: reducing carbon emissions, investing in sustainable practices, and supporting communities affected by these changes. The future of our environment and our safety depends on the choices we make today.

Source & Credit: https://www.enn.com/articles/76920-human-caused-climate-change-is-expanding-california-s-destructive-fire-seasons