Global Climate Change


Zika virus is transmitted to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito, the mosquitoes that alos spread dengue and chikungunya viruses.

American College of Physicians Calls for Global Climate Action

"The American College of Physicians urges physicians to help combat climate change by advocating for effective climate change adaptation and mitigation policies, helping to advance a low-carbon health care sector, and by educating communities about potential health dangers posed by climate change," said ACP President Dr. Wayne J. Riley

In Columbia, S.C., on Oct. 13, 2015, workers lifted a vehicle from an area that flooded; FEMA reported both bridge approaches were washed away by the floodwaters. Climate change is making floods and storms more frequent and more severe. (FEMA/Bill Koplitz photo)

Report Assesses Climate Change's Impacts on Workers

Most at risk are outdoor workers, including agricultural workers, commercial fishermen, construction workers, transportation workers, and first responders, but workers in hot indoor environments such as warehouses and factories are also at risk of heat illnesses.

Arctic Sea Ice Set New Low in Early 2016, Center Reports

"The Arctic is in crisis. Year by year, it's slipping into a new state, and it's hard to see how that won't have an effect on weather throughout the Northern Hemisphere," said Ted Scambos, NSIDC's lead scientist.

Global Power Generation Could be Severely Affected by Global Water Shortfall in 2030

Global Power Generation Could be Severely Affected by Global Water Shortfall in 2030

A 2016 research paper in the Journal Nature predicts a 40 percent shortfall of available water across the globe by 2030 with effects not just for drinking, food production, hygiene and public health, but also for 98 percent of global electric power generation.

CARB Chair Unfazed By Clean Power Plan Delay

Stating that the U.S. Supreme Court's preliminary ruling "does not disturb the CPP's status as enacted federal law," Air Resources Board Chair Mary D. Nichols announced that the board will move forward on planning for implementation of the plan, including by hosting public workshops and proposing amendments that will allow California to submit a final CPP plan if the board approves it.

WHO Warns of El NiƱo's Public Health Impacts

Based on the latest UN figures, the report estimates 60 million people will be affected by El Niño this year, with many of them suffering health consequences.

First January Atlantic Hurricane Since 1938 Forms

"Remarkably, Alex has undergone the transformation into a hurricane," the National Hurricane Center announced Jan. 14. "A distinct eye is present, embedded within a fairly symmetric mass of deep convection."

The time is right to begin looking beyond the tailpipe and instead consider the full life cycle emissions of vehicles.

Beyond the Tailpipe to Considering Life Cycle Emissions

The time is right to begin looking beyond the tailpipe and instead consider the full life cycle emissions of vehicles. The trend is not unlike what has happened in the construction industry over the last several years.



December's Storm Related Losses Topped $4 Billion

While preliminary data show a higher-than-normal number of disasters, overall losses were below normal, in terms of economic and insured losses. The United States represented 60 percent of all global insured losses in 2015, according to the company.

The Sustainable Development Goals stress zero poverty, zero hunger, good health, clean water and sanitation, and affordable clean energy.

UN's Sustainable Development Goals Now in Place

The 17 goals build on the eight Millennium Development Goals that sought to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, achieve universal primary education, reduce child mortality; ensure environmental sustainability, and more.

Living Shorelines Blunt Effects of Climate Change, Study Shows

"Shoreline management techniques like this can help reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere while increasing coastal resilience," said Russell Callender, Ph.D., acting director of NOAA's National Ocean Service.

Paris Accord, Disaster Risk Agreement Among UN Leader's 2015 Highlights

The Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction was agreed on in March and points the way toward resilience.

World Leaders Hail Paris Climate Deal

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the Paris Agreement "is a monumental triumph for people and our planet. It sets the stage for progress in ending poverty, strengthening peace, and ensuring a life of dignity and opportunity for all."

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Key Climate Meeting Under Way

The United Nations Conference on Climate Change, #COP21, got under way Nov. 30 in Paris with a host of world leaders participating and a huge security force deployed. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a global solar energy alliance that will be headquartered in India.

Pollution Prevention Grant Aids NYC Restaurants

"This project will help restaurant owners reduce food waste and reduce the use of pesticides and chemicals, while also conserving energy and water. By taking steps to eliminate waste at the source, New York City restaurants can become models for sustainable practices," said EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck.

ArcticNet Scientific Director Wins 2015 Northern Science Award

Dr. Louis Fortier, scientific director of ArcticNet, was awarded the 2015 Northern Science Award on Nov. 18, Polar Knowledge Canada announced.

WHO Calls for Strong Climate Agreement at UN Conference

WHO estimates that climate change is already causing tens of thousands of deaths per year from shifting patterns of disease, extreme weather events, and from the degradation of air quality, food and water supplies, and sanitation.

INTERPOL Meeting Highlights Environmental Crimes

Experts participating in the Security and Environmental Crime conference issued a 15-point call for action to raise awareness and encourage greater involvement by the global community.

President Obama Rejects TransCanada's Keystone Project

He said the proposed pipeline "would not make a meaningful long-term contribution to our economy" and that "shipping dirtier crude oil into our country would not increase America's energy security."

$20 Million Carbon XPRIZE Contest Under Way

Registration opened Sept. 29 in the contest, which will last 4.5 years, with competing teams challenged to develop breakthrough technologies that convert the most carbon dioxide into one or more products with the highest net value.