Climate Crisis AM Edition 3/4/24 Texas Wildfire Becomes Overwhelming.
The wildfires burning in Texas are now the largest in the state’s history. They threaten both human lives and economics through infrastructure and cattle. High winds and drought make it likely these fires will not be controlled for days. What is called the Smoke Creek Fire has moved into Oklahoma. Firefighters say it is less than 20% contained. US Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas commented, “We, as a country and as a world, have to be ready for the increasing effects of extreme weather caused by climate change. It’s a remarkable phenomenon, and it will manifest itself in the days to come, and we have to prepare for it now.” Among the most significant concerns is that wildfire season usually does not start for a few months. A fire of this size in winter is unprecedented and shows the extent to which climate change affects drought and heat conditions.
Another City Out Of Water —Singapore
AI And Climate —Data Center Challenge
Climate change has affected tourism patterns. People have started to vacation near places where climate change has dramatically changed the environment. According to The New York Times, “As the Earth warms, natural wonders — coral reefs, glaciers, archipelagos — are at risk of damage and disappearance. This has motivated some travelers to engage in “last-chance tourism,” visiting places threatened by climate change before it’s too late.”
China EVs To US?
The potential presence of Chinese EVs in the US has increased worry that these could overwhelm the sales of EVs sold by major manufacturers and even Tesla. According to our own story, “China Builds Better EVs?” “The test of what people want is approaching quickly. China EV giant BYD wants to push into the EU market by making cars in Thailand and to the US through factories in Mexico.” Most Chinese EVs sell for less than those made by Japanese, European, and US-based manufacturers. High prices have been on the list of why Americans do not buy EVs in more significant numbers.
2024 will likely be the hottest year on record based on global temperatures. In a new research paper titled “Enhanced risk of record-breaking regional temperatures during the 2023–24 El Niño‘“ the authors wrote: “The likelihood of global mean SAT (surface air temperature” exceeding historical records, calculated from July 2023 to June 2024, is estimated at 90%, contingent upon annual-mean sea surface temperature anomalies in the eastern equatorial Pacific exceeding 0.6 °C.” The conclusion comes as no surprise. Several other studies show temperatures rising across the globe, including in the North Atlantic, Arctic, and Antarctica. There is also no evidence that very modest efforts by governments and industries have cut greenhouse gas emissions.
