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

Summer 2023: Nation Battles Record Humidity Wave

What’s Happening?

A blistering trend is sweeping the U.S., turning backyards and cityscapes into sweltering saunas. Over 70 million Americans have sweltered through the muggiest June and July in recorded history, with climate change turning up the humidity dial, especially east of the Rockies.

Where Is It Happening?

From the Midwest to the Midwest, from the South to the Northeast, humidity levels have soared, painting a sticky picture across more than 20 states and the District of Columbia.

When Did It Take Place?

This record-breaking humidity played out over the summer’s first two months, with relief nowhere in sight as meteorologists predict this trend continuing as fall approaches.

How Is It Unfolding?

– Cities like Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and Chicago are seeing historic humidity levels, with dew points reaching oppressive levels.
– Weather experts point to climate change as a significant factor in the increased moisture levels.
– Health officials warn of heightened risks for heatstroke and heat exhaustion as the human body struggles to cool down.
– Beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts are finding solace in air-conditioned spaces rather than summer traditions.
– Farmers are also struggling with the prolonged humidity, which can increase crop stresses.

Quick Breakdown

– Over 70 million Americans are experiencing the muggiest summer start on record.
– Eastern U.S. humidity levels are noticeably higher due to climate change.
– Record dew points are being recorded in major cities.
– Climate experts predict trend to continue if global temperatures climb unabated.
– Health organisations advise caution as bodies struggle to cope with the stifling air.

Key Takeaways

This summer’s record humidity isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a warning sign. As the planet warms, the atmosphere holds more moisture, and that excess steam is making American summers feel heavier, stickier, and more dangerous. While climate change isn’t the sole culprit, it’s certainly turning up the heat—literally. For millions, that means rethinking outdoor plans, staying hydrated, and paying attention to heat advisories.

Imagine stepping outside and walking into a towel. That’s how thick the air feels when the humidity hits triple digits.

“If we don’t curb emissions, we’re going to see sums like this become the norm rather than the exception. The choices we make today will determine how much hotter and stickier our futures become.”
– Dr. Lina Rodriguez, Climate Scientist

Final Thought

**The muggy math is simple: hotter planet equals more humidity. Butchwky clouds looming over every summer now, this isn’t just about sweatier commutes—it’s about health, crops, and quality of life. As climate change intensifies, Americans will have to adapt to a stickier future, with far-reaching impacts on daily life and public health. Stay cool, stay smart, and pay attention to the numbers.**

Source & Credit: https://www.clickondetroit.com/health/2025/08/10/feel-sticky-this-summer-thats-because-its-been-record-muggy-east-of-the-rockies/

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Can We Alter the Ocean to Counter Climate Change Faster? This Experiment Aims to Find Out

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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