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Persistent reliance on fossil fuels and inadequate climate adaptation are causing millions of deaths annually, with heat-related mortality up 23% since the 1990s and 2.5 million deaths each year linked to fossil fuel air pollution. Climate change is intensifying health threats, food insecurity, and economic losses, while delays in action and political backsliding risk worsening these impacts. Transitioning to clean energy and healthier diets could prevent millions of deaths.
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A new flight emissions calculator, ATP-DEC, provides more accurate estimates of aviation’s climate impact by including full life-cycle emissions, non-CO2 effects such as nitrogen oxides and contrails, and real-world flight path data. Results show actual emissions can be more than double those reported by standard calculators, especially for premium passengers.
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Horsetail plants exhibit extreme triple oxygen isotope fractionation, producing water isotope ratios similar to those in meteorites. This unique process clarifies puzzling isotope data in desert plants and enables more accurate climate reconstructions. Fossilized horsetail phytoliths may preserve these ratios for millions of years, offering a new method to infer ancient humidity and climate conditions.
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Earth’s vital climate indicators show record deterioration, with 22 of 34 tracked metrics at unprecedented levels. 2024 was the hottest year in at least 125,000 years. Rapid fossil fuel phaseout, ecosystem restoration, and food system reforms could significantly reduce emissions and risks. Immediate, coordinated action remains essential to limit further warming and safeguard planetary health.
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Viewing drought through a social lens highlights impacts beyond water shortages, including economic disruption, mental health challenges, and community resilience. The SIDE framework integrates physical data, social media, and news to assess both environmental and societal effects, enabling earlier detection of community stress and more responsive management during drought and other crises.
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Global greenhouse gas emissions are projected to decline by about 10% by 2035 compared to 1990, based on current national pledges, but this is far below the 60% reduction needed to limit warming to 1.5 °C. Most climate plans now cover all economic sectors and include adaptation and finance, yet the gap between commitments and required action remains substantial.
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Australia’s marine protected areas are projected to experience extreme ocean conditions, including higher temperatures, increased acidity, and lower oxygen levels, by 2040. These changes will threaten biodiversity even in key refuges, as current protections do not address climate-driven impacts. Rapid and substantial reductions in carbon emissions are necessary to mitigate these risks.
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A $14 billion investment is proposed to protect and restore kelp forests globally, aiming to safeguard three million hectares and restore one million hectares by 2040. Kelp forests, which support biodiversity and absorb carbon, have declined by up to 60% over 50 years. The funding target aligns kelp conservation with major global initiatives and addresses a significant gap in marine ecosystem investment.
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Hurricane Melissa caused extensive destruction across the Caribbean, with severe flooding, damaged infrastructure, and at least 10 fatalities in Haiti. The storm reached maximum sustained winds of 120 mph, tying the 1935 record for intensity in Jamaica. Communications remain disrupted, and authorities warn of ongoing risks. Warmer ocean temperatures linked to climate change are increasing cyclone intensity.
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Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with 185 mph winds, struck western Jamaica after stalling south of the island and then turning northeast. Its path was shaped by atmospheric steering currents, the position of the Bermuda high, and a jet stream trough. Advances in forecasting, including machine learning models and improved in-storm data collection, enhanced prediction accuracy and evacuation timing.
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Fat bike trail sustainability is threatened by climate change, which causes unpredictable weather and increased maintenance demands, and by volunteer burnout due to rising workloads and insufficient recruitment. While fat biking is growing in popularity, volunteer support is not keeping pace. Effective management and recruitment strategies are needed to maintain trail quality and support long-term recreation.
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Electric vehicles (EVs) offset their higher manufacturing emissions within two years of use, resulting in significantly lower lifetime CO2 emissions compared to gasoline vehicles. Over their lifespans, gas vehicles cause at least twice the environmental harm. As the electricity grid incorporates more renewables, the emissions advantage of EVs is expected to increase further.
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Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica with 185 mph winds, tying Atlantic hurricane records for wind speed and barometric pressure at landfall. The storm underwent extreme rapid intensification, resisted typical weakening factors, and was fueled by ocean waters up to 2 °C above average. The frequency of Category 5 Atlantic hurricanes has increased markedly since 2016, consistent with climate change projections.
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Hurricane Melissa, after reaching Category 5 intensity with winds up to 185 mph (295 km/h) over Jamaica, weakened to Category 3 before making landfall in Cuba with sustained winds of 120 mph (195 km/h). Jamaica was declared a disaster area due to catastrophic damage, widespread flooding, and infrastructure loss. Over 735,000 people were evacuated in Cuba.
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As Hurricane Melissa approaches southeast Cuba with winds exceeding 185 km/h, residents evacuate coastal areas amid heavy rain and rising seas. Preparations include securing homes, gathering provisions, and anticipating power and water outages. Authorities and troops assist evacuations, with shelters readied for those fleeing the storm.
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Record rainfall in central Vietnam caused severe flooding, resulting in at least four deaths, five missing persons, and over 100,000 homes inundated. More than 150 landslides occurred, 2,200 hectares of crops were destroyed, and over 21,000 people were evacuated. Ongoing heavy rain and swollen rivers continue to pose risks, with climate change contributing to increased extreme weather events.
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The EU aims to cut carbon emissions by 90% by 2040 compared to 1990, but internal divisions and concerns over economic competitiveness have delayed agreement on binding targets. A non-binding interim goal of 66.25–72.5% reduction has been proposed, falling short of Paris Agreement obligations. Key disputes involve carbon credits and carbon sinks, with ongoing negotiations ahead of COP30.
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