summer
Newsletter
Credit: weyo/Big Stock Photo
The world endured its hottest summer with devastating impacts
This summer was the hottest on record, with severe heat, storms and rising diseases affecting every continent.
In short:
- Global temperatures rose 1.5°C above preindustrial levels, driven by climate change and El Niño.
- Deadly heat waves, wildfires and extreme weather events, including a record-breaking hurricane, hit multiple regions.
- Antarctica experienced unprecedented heat, shrinking sea ice levels and puzzling scientists.
Key quote:
“Within five to 10 years ... what we’re experiencing right now will be looked back upon as a mild year. We are inevitably in for a rough ride.”
— Johan Rockström, director of Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
Why this matters:
Rising temperatures lead to more extreme weather, threatening lives, ecosystems and economies. Without urgent action to cut greenhouse gases, the situation will worsen, impacting everyone globally.
Related:
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Photo by Fré Sonneveld on Unsplash
Winter strains on electric grids match summer challenges
In a shift from past trends, electric grids now face significant strain during winter months, matching the challenges traditionally seen in summer.
In short:
- Electric grids, initially designed for peak summer demand, are increasingly strained by winter usage due to growing electricity needs and aging infrastructure.
- The North American Electric Reliability Corporation predicts winter electricity demand may surpass summer usage by 2050, with current trends showing a rapid increase in winter demand.
- Challenges include inefficient electric heat pumps in extreme cold, reduced power imports from Canada, and the need for grid upgrades to accommodate changing demand patterns.
Key quote:
"We’re seeing both summer and winter peaks growing, but we’re seeing winter peaks growing faster."
— Jim Robb, chief executive of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation.
Why this matters:
This evolving trend in electricity usage underscores the need for grid modernization and adaptation, especially as it impacts health and safety during extreme weather. It also highlights the broader challenge of transitioning to sustainable energy sources while maintaining reliable power supply.
More people on the planet have access to electricity than ever before, however, the world is on pace to fall short on the goal of affordable and sustainable energy for all by 2030.
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Photo by Zach Rowlandson on Unsplash
UK weather: 2023 was second warmest year on record, says Met Office
The 10 warmest years in the UK have all occurred since 2003 according to provisional Met Office data.
Newsletter
Photo by Andrey Metelev on Unsplash
The US power grid quietly survived record summer heat waves without outages
With little acknowledgment and no applause, the power grid across the continental United States this summer quietly pulled off what may have been its most impressive feat ever.
Big Stock Photo
How Japan’s salarymen embraced short sleeves through ‘cool biz’
Under “Cool Biz,” salarymen and government workers don short-sleeved shirts in the summer as offices are kept above 82 degrees Fahrenheit to save energy.
Newsletter
Pixabay
After summer's extreme weather, more Americans see climate change as a culprit
Kathleen Maxwell has lived in Phoenix for more than 20 years, but this summer was the first time she felt fear, as daily high temperatures soared to 110 degrees or hotter and kept it up for a record-shattering 31 consecutive days.
Photo by Daniel Lee on Unsplash
Texas winter swayed by El Nino, climate change
This year’s terrible summer has made some folks fear that the upcoming winter could be just as severe. But will it?
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