Douglas McIntyre reports on the risks associated with the 62,000 dams in the United States, which average sixty-three years in age. These dams are critical for hydroelectric power and flood protection but face increasing danger due to climate change-induced heavy rainfall. Recent breaches have highlighted the growing risk of flooding from these aging structures. With…
Doug McIntyre explains that half of the U.S. cities at the greatest risk of flooding due to climate change are in Florida. The frequency and intensity of hurricanes, impacting both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Florida, pose a significant threat. Hurricanes often travel beyond Florida, affecting the Carolinas and even New York. Additionally, rising…
Douglas McIntyre reports that falling oil prices, now at a three-year low, are detrimental to climate efforts. The drop is driven by record oil production in the U.S. and decreased demand from China, the world’s largest oil consumer. Lower oil prices make fossil fuels more financially appealing compared to renewable energy sources like solar and…
Doug McIntyre reports that climate change is accelerating the deterioration of bridges across the U.S. An expert likened this to Tinker Toys, suggesting that just as these toys fall apart easily, so do bridges under the stress of extreme weather. Rising temperatures can warp steel, while increased rainfall and flooding damage concrete and cause structural…
Doug McIntyre explains that car insurance rates are rising across the U.S. due to increasing weather-related damages from climate change. Frequent storms, floods, and hail in areas like Florida, the Midwest, and along major rivers are causing significant damage to vehicles. When cars are submerged in water, engines often require costly repairs or replacement, which…
Doug McIntyre discusses the increasing threat of mosquitoes in the U.S. due to climate change. Warmer temperatures and longer summers allow mosquitoes to thrive in regions further north and west, bringing with them dangerous diseases like West Nile virus. Americans face growing risks from these mosquito-borne illnesses, but with limited options for widespread mosquito control,…
Doug McIntyre highlights the intense heatwave affecting the American West even after summer’s end. Cities like Phoenix, Las Vegas, and parts of California face temperatures exceeding 110 degrees, with Phoenix experiencing nearly 100 consecutive days of extreme heat. This unprecedented heat is a stark sign of worsening climate change, with dangerous consequences: people can’t go…
Doug McIntyre discusses a study warning that thirteen Florida cities, including Miami, are at extreme risk for flooding due to rising sea levels. Currently, half of Miami is below sea level, and by 2060, over two-thirds of the city could be submerged. Though long-term forecasts are often inaccurate, large hurricanes could flood parts of Miami…
Doug McIntyre reports on NOAA’s decision to adopt AI-driven weather forecasting, a shift that could outperform traditional physics-based models. NOAA’s move to invest in AI technology indicates a growing trust in artificial intelligence’s ability to predict weather more accurately. However, this advancement raises concerns about job losses for human forecasters. If AI proves superior in…
Doug McIntyre discusses Elon Musk’s ambition to create a fully AI-powered self-driving car, a major leap from the current technology that still requires driver attention. If achieved, this innovation could allow passengers to fully relax during travel—reading, sleeping, or playing with children while the car handles all driving tasks. McIntyre suggests that China may be…
Doug McIntyre highlights the growing risk of violent conflicts over water scarcity, as climate change worsens the global water crisis. Several regions are facing critical shortages, forcing people to migrate in search of water. This mass movement creates tensions between countries and regions, often leading to military conflicts. McIntyre cites India as an example, where…
Doug McIntyre explains how Volvo’s ambitious goal to fully transition its fleet to electric vehicles by the end of the decade is faltering due to poor sales. Volvo has reduced its target to 90%, but even that is doubtful. McIntyre highlights that EVs remain unpopular, and Chinese automakers with cheaper alternatives are poised to enter…
Doug McIntyre discusses the struggles of Ford’s EV division, particularly with the F-Lightning, the electric version of its top-selling F-150 truck. Despite strong overall sales for Ford, the F-Lightning sold fewer than 3,000 units in August. McIntyre highlights that Ford’s $30 billion investment in EVs failed to account for the market’s preference for Tesla and…
Doug McIntyre highlights Tesla’s impressive customer loyalty, with 72% of Tesla owners choosing to buy another Tesla after trading in or selling their vehicle. This high retention rate gives Tesla a significant advantage, as the company doesn’t need to focus heavily on attracting new customers from other brands, unlike many other car manufacturers. McIntyre compares…
Doug McIntyre discusses England’s recent decision to close its last coal-fired power plant, marking the end of coal use for electricity after 140 years. While this shift to renewable energy sources like solar, nuclear, and natural gas is a win for the UK, McIntyre emphasizes that it has minimal global impact. He points out that…
Doug McIntyre highlights the ongoing extreme heat in Phoenix, where temperatures over 100 degrees have persisted for 100 consecutive days, with forecasts predicting the streak to extend to 110 days. The extended heatwave sets a new record, surpassing the previous mark of 73 days. McIntyre emphasizes the growing concerns over human health, increased energy consumption,…
Doug McIntyre discusses how earlier predictions of a record-breaking hurricane season have now been revised, with fewer storms expected. AccuWeather’s new forecast shows a surprising cooling of the Atlantic, contrary to previous expectations that warmer waters would intensify hurricane activity. McIntyre points out that this unpredictability is a common feature of climate change, with forecasters…
Doug McIntyre discusses the prohibitive costs of electric school buses, which are three times more expensive than their diesel counterparts, making widespread adoption unlikely. Only 2.5% of school buses are currently electric, and tight school budgets make this transition difficult. He compares it to the slow adoption of electric vehicles, with only 8-9% of cars…
Doug McIntyre explains how Tornado Alley, traditionally in Texas and Iowa, is shifting eastward due to climate change. More tornadoes are now affecting areas from Michigan to Florida, with potential westward movement into places like Minnesota. This change is linked to rising storm intensity and greater temperature fluctuations between the ground and the air. As…
Doug McIntyre discusses Tesla’s introduction of a new six-seat electric vehicle (EV) aimed at increasing demand in the competitive car market. Both American and Chinese consumers desire three-row vehicles, which have already been offered by competitors like BMW, Mercedes, and various U.S. and Chinese car manufacturers. As China is one of Tesla’s largest markets, this…
Doug McIntyre discusses the increasing number of deaths in the Grand Canyon due to extreme heat, which has already reached the yearly average of fourteen with months still left in the season. The heat, exacerbated by climate change, creates dangerous conditions for hikers, leading to wet bulb syndrome—a deadly inability to cool the body due…
