LOGIN

A PEEK AT THE CLIMATE: What you must see and understand today

by Ryan Lee
5 comments
fokus keyword: climate

As depicted in a photo by Big Big News’ photographer Rick Bowmer.

Residents are pondering the ways in which they, along with their town, will recover from fires that not only destroy properties but also have detrimental effects on the environment.

Here’s the current scoop on matters related to extreme weather and climate:

— In the wake of Typhoon Doksuri’s remnants, China has reported severe flooding in the northern province of Hebei this month, resulting in at least 29 deaths and economic damages reaching into the billions of dollars.

— Jakarta has once again earned the top spot as the world’s most polluted city on Friday, according to rankings by a Swiss air quality technology firm. The primary reason is inefficient, polluting vehicles that often get trapped in traffic jams for extended periods.

— On Friday, the U.S. Energy Department announced a $1.2 billion investment in two initiatives aimed at extracting carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Though direct air capture is not yet a significant technology, and critics argue the funds could be better utilized elsewhere, the department is pressing forward.

— The Biden administration has expressed its intention to potentially initiate a thorough analysis of the risks associated with vinyl chloride, a carcinogenic substance that burned during a recent train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.

— California is considering the postponement of shutting down three gas-fired power plants until 2026. Authorities believe these plants are crucial to ensuring power during severe weather conditions like heatwaves, but activists argue that the state should expedite the addition of renewable power.

— The U.N.’s global climate summit’s forthcoming leader, UAE minister Sultan al-Jaber, informed Caribbean nations that they have been disproportionately affected by climate change’s severe consequences, emphasizing the need for increased funding to combat the issue.

— According to the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration, the combination of record-hot oceans and a growing El Nino phenomenon has led to a doubling of the likelihood of a severe Atlantic hurricane season in the coming months.

— Reports have emerged that heavy monsoon rains in Myanmar have resulted in five deaths and the displacement of around 60,000 people since mid-July.

NOTABLE QUOTE:

“I have lost everything. As a disabled veteran, I’m now a homeless one too.” — Thomas Leonard, a retired mail carrier and Vietnam veteran, speaking after a fire in Lahaina, Hawaii, razed his apartment and melted his Jeep. Leonard took refuge from the flames behind a seawall for several hours.


Big Big News’ climate and environmental reporting is backed by various private foundations. Discover more about AP’s climate effort at this link. The AP retains full control over all content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword: climate

What extreme weather events are mentioned in the report?

The report mentions severe flooding in China’s Hebei province, remnants of Typhoon Doksuri, Jakarta’s persistent pollution problems, heavy monsoon rains in Myanmar, and potential bad Atlantic hurricane seasons due to record-hot oceans and rising El Nino.

Who is leading the U.N.’s global climate summit later this year?

United Arab Emirates minister Sultan al-Jaber will lead the U.N.’s global climate summit later this year, expressing concerns to Caribbean nations about their particular vulnerability to climate change.

What is the U.S. Energy Department’s stance on direct air capture?

The U.S. Energy Department has committed $1.2 billion to two projects focusing on direct air capture of carbon dioxide. Although the technology doesn’t yet exist on a meaningful scale and some critics argue the funds could be better spent elsewhere, the department is pursuing this path.

What’s happening with gas-fired power plants in California?

California is contemplating delaying the closure of three gas-fired power plants until 2026. While officials believe these plants are essential for guaranteeing power during major weather events, activists insist the state needs to transition to renewable power more quickly.

Who made a poignant quote about losing everything in the Lahaina, Hawaii fire?

Thomas Leonard, a retired mailman and Vietnam veteran, said, “I have lost everything. As a disabled veteran, I’m now a homeless one too,” after a fire destroyed his apartment and melted his Jeep in Lahaina, Hawaii.

More about fokus keyword: climate

You may also like

5 comments

Sara R. August 12, 2023 - 5:50 pm

Those poor people in China and Myanmar 🙁 Flooding is just devastating… more should be done to help.

Reply
Melanie T August 12, 2023 - 9:10 pm

My heart goes out to Thomas Leonard. I can’t even imagine losing everything like that. Does anyone kno if there’s a fund to help him?

Reply
James M. August 12, 2023 - 9:13 pm

Can’t believe Jakarta tops the pollution list again. what are they doing about it? This needs attention ASAP.

Reply
Brian W. August 12, 2023 - 11:55 pm

1.2 billion for air capture? sounds like a waste to me, but i’m no expert, just hope its the right decision.

Reply
Timothy F August 13, 2023 - 2:28 am

california needs to step up with renewables already! tired of hearing excuses, we need acton now

Reply

Leave a Comment

logo-site-white

BNB - Big Big News is a news portal that offers the latest news from around the world. BNB - Big Big News focuses on providing readers with the most up-to-date information from the U.S. and abroad, covering a wide range of topics, including politics, sports, entertainment, business, health, and more.

newsletter

Editors' Picks

US Adds 209,000 Jobs in June, Demonstrating Resilient Economy

Thrill Seekers Flock to Spain’s San Fermin Festival for First Running of the Bulls Security Incident Involving Britney Spears and Spurs Rookie Victor Wembanyama in Las Vegas Introducing Threads: Meta’s Answer to Twitter—All Your Questions Answered

Latest News

New Laws Criminalizing Voter Assistance Specifically Target Asian Americans Thrill Seekers Flock to Spain’s San Fermin Festival for... US Adds 209,000 Jobs in June, Demonstrating Resilient Economy Biden launches a new push to limit health care...

© 2023 BBN - Big Big News

Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube Envelope