Greenland’s ice melt has doubled in frequency since the mid-20th century, with recent decades marked by unprecedented melting episodes driven by global warming. Researchers found that extreme melt events, tied to warming Arctic temperatures and atmospheric patterns, now account for up to 50% of melting in colder regions, affecting even higher elevations previously untouched by ice loss. This melting contributes significantly to sea level rise and disrupts atmospheric circulation, potentially altering Europe’s climate and exacerbating climate extremes. The findings underscore the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate accelerating polar ice loss and its global impacts.
Source: Scitechdaily
Scientists warn that without intervention, rapidly melting ice sheets in Antarctica and Greenland could contribute to up to one meter of sea level rise by 2100, threatening low-lying cities and displacing millions. While reducing carbon emissions remains critical, they argue that geoengineering glaciers could provide a temporary solution to slow the melt and buy time. Proposed techniques include placing protective curtains around glacier bases or drilling to drain ice streams. The report, stemming from a 2024 European Geosciences Union conference, urges immediate research into geoengineering to evaluate its risks and benefits before future crises demand hasty action.
Source: The Guardian
New data reveals the past 12 months (July 2023–June 2024) were the hottest on record, with global temperatures averaging 1.64°C above pre-industrial levels. This streak underscores a “large and continuing shift” in the climate, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service. While leaders aim to limit warming to 1.5°C by 2100, short-term temperature spikes are already exposing ecosystems and people to severe risks, including violent weather and potential tipping points.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that even 1.5°C of warming could destroy up to 90% of tropical coral reefs, with worse outcomes likely if warming exceeds 2°C. Scientists emphasize that each fraction of a degree matters, significantly affecting local climates and amplifying human and ecological suffering.
Experts stress the need to cut emissions urgently to prevent worsening impacts while also preparing for a warmer future through robust adaptation measures. The current trajectory signals a climate crisis requiring immediate and sustained global action.
Source: The Guardian
New research confirms that human-induced climate change has significantly increased rainfall variability over 75% of the Earth’s land area, particularly in Australia, Europe, and eastern North America. This growing volatility results in longer dry spells and more intense downpours, heightening the risks of both severe droughts and extreme flooding. The study attributes the changes to greenhouse gas emissions, which have made the atmosphere hotter and more humid, amplifying storm intensity. For Australia, the trend exacerbates drought risks and threatens to overwhelm infrastructure during flash floods. Policymakers must prioritize adapting to this variability while urgently reducing emissions to mitigate worsening impacts.
Source: The Conversation
The UNDP’s Peoples’ Climate Vote 2024, the largest standalone global climate opinion survey, reveals that the majority of people worldwide want geopolitical unity and ambitious action to address climate change. The survey, conducted across 77 countries and polling over 75,000 individuals, found that 80% of respondents support stronger climate action, and a majority favor a rapid transition to clean energy. Additionally, 56% of people think about climate change regularly, with over half expressing increased concern compared to last year. Climate anxiety is particularly high in vulnerable regions like small island developing states (71%) and least developed countries (63%), with 69% globally reporting that climate concerns affect major life decisions. UNDP leaders stress the urgency for policymakers to heed this call as countries refine their climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Source: UN News
More info : Peoples Climate Vote 2024
May 2024 marked the warmest May globally on record, with temperatures reaching 1.52°C above the pre-industrial average, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service. This continued a 12-month streak of record monthly temperatures, contributing to a 1.63°C rise over the past year. The World Meteorological Organization now projects an 80% chance that average annual temperatures will temporarily exceed 1.5°C in at least one of the next five years, a critical threshold set by the Paris Agreement.
In Madagascar, May 2024’s extreme heat has worsened droughts, reduced forest cover, and damaged biodiversity, while ocean warming and rising sea levels are impacting fishing communities. WWF is promoting ecosystem-based adaptation strategies, such as restoring mangrove forests and implementing “ridge to reef” approaches in coastal regions to enhance carbon sequestration, protect biodiversity, and sustain local livelihoods. WWF Madagascar’s Tantely Andriambololona stresses the urgency of collaborative efforts and individual actions to mitigate and adapt to climate impacts.
Source: WWF
Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is experiencing its worst coral bleaching on record, with 79% of 1,080 surveyed reefs showing bleaching and nearly half exhibiting high to extreme levels of bleaching. This widespread damage, affecting all regions of the reef, was triggered by increased water temperatures since December. The southern region has seen record-high thermal stress levels, with up to 90% bleaching in some areas. As one of the world’s richest ecosystems, the reef provides critical habitat, coastal protection, and carbon storage. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority stresses that only rapid reductions in greenhouse gas emissions can mitigate future thermal stress and climate impacts on the reef.
Source: Aljazeera
A study published in Nature predicts that the climate crisis will reduce global average incomes by nearly 20% by 2049 compared to a scenario without climate impacts. Annual destruction costs due to rising temperatures, extreme weather, and heavy rainfall are estimated to reach $38 trillion by mid-century, six times higher than the cost of limiting global warming to 2°C. This economic toll, the highest ever projected, will disproportionately affect countries least responsible for emissions, exacerbating inequality. By 2100, continued emissions could lead to over 60% income losses, but reducing emissions to net zero by mid-century could stabilize declines at around 20%. Countries like Germany, France, the US, and the UK will see significant losses, with the hardest hit being hot regions such as Botswana, Mali, and Iraq. The study emphasizes the need for stronger adaptation strategies and shows that mitigating emissions is far cheaper than enduring unchecked climate damage.
Photograph: Nhac Nguyen/AFP/Getty Images
Source: TheGuardian
RAF’s mission is to prove that MCB can brigthen marine clouds enough to cool the planet and thereby refreeze the Arctic. We have no time to waste. Donate today.