Houston Wreck -Most Important News On The Environment 5/17/24

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Huge storms hit Texas and left 800,000 people without electricity. Wind speed neared 100 miles per hour, and several buildings and homes were badly damaged. Climatecrisis247 believes this is part of a pattern of massive storms ranging from Texas to Minnesota in the last two weeks. These storms are more frequent and powerful than at this time in most years. The costs of the storms have also risen, and with that, so have insurance rates. This can negatively affect property values.

The Pope’s Opinion –Rich Nations And Climate

US Pollution –Can China Help?

Much of the news from Somalia is about civil wars that have gone on for years and caused danger to, and often the displacement of, millions of people. The Economist points out that there is another critical problem. Over the last three years, the county has had its worst drought in four decades. The magazine reports that UN aid, which has totaled $2.4, has supported part of the population. However, more severe weather will make this sum insufficient partially because of recent floods, which have washed away much of the nation’s farmland. Climatecrisis247 believes that as poor parts of Africa are ravaged by the effects of climate change, there will not be sufficient long-term money from richer nations to support them. And people who live in these areas do not have other places with better climates to move to. They are trapped, with little hope for improvement.

Honda’s Big EV Commitment

Honda has decided to do something most other huge car companies have abandoned or delayed. Management said it will invest $60 billion into EV development and production. According to The Wall Street Journal, “Honda said it remains committed to having electric vehicles, including fuel-cell cars, represent 100% of its global vehicle sales by 2040.” Much of the investment will be made in China, the world’s largest EV market. Climatecrisis247 believes that Honda is making this investment as many other global car companies have retreated from aggressive EV plans due to a lack of demand. GM and Ford are among them. Also, the world’s largest car company, Toyota, is placing its largest bet on hybrids. This makes the Honda decision risky.

Maui Trouble Lingers

The effects of climate change-driven disasters can linger with people in the long term. According to a new study about people involved in the Maui fires, “exposure to smoke, ash, and debris is strongly associated with worse physical health outcomes and reported symptoms.” Climatecrisis247 believes that the effects of climate change disasters can last for years, with health and financial consequences.