Heat Deaths Jump in Southwest United States, Puzzling Officials

WASHINGTON — Heat-related deaths have increased sharply since 2014 in Nevada and Arizona, raising concerns that the hottest parts of the country are struggling to protect their most vulnerable residents from global warming. 

A morning walk at the South Mountain Preserve in
Phoenix last month. Afternoon highs in Phoenix last
summer averaged 106 degrees Fahrenheit, almost
3 degrees hotter than the average for the second half
 of the 20th century.

In Arizona, the annual number of deaths attributed to heat exposure more than tripled, from 76 deaths in 2014 to 235 in 2017, according to figures obtained from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heat-related deaths in Nevada rose almost fivefold during the same period, from 29 to 139. 

Read the story from The New York Times - “Heat Deaths Jump in Southwest United States, Puzzling Officials.

Researchers probe the link between climate change and global conflict

Climate change is expected to exacerbate armed conflict, even as military efforts themselves serve as a driving source of global warming. This is the conclusion of multiple reports published this week probing the relationship between climate change and global conflict.

Drought in India.

The dynamic between climate change and global stability has been a source of contention for years, with experts largely agreeing that a link between the two does exist, even if on a minute level. But a series of reports released this week indicate that the connection between rising temperatures and conflict is becoming increasingly clear.

According to one of the studies, global warming that rises beyond the dangerous 2 degrees Celsius threshold is likely to substantially escalate clashes and conflicts within countries. These findings echo another report this week that warns climate change will harm global peace and stability within the next decade.

Read the Think Progress story by E.A. Crunden - “Researchers probe the link between climate change and global conflict.”

New epoch demands we face reality

Our government appears unable to face up to and accept the fact that we are entering, or have entered, a new epoch.

Human-induced climate change has altered the game plan and what was once appropriate behaviour is now inadequate and can now be shown, with little endeavour, to be counter to what is in the best interests of the broader community.

An illustration as to why climate change needs to be addressed in any and every way possible can be seen through the story published today in the Sydney Morning Herald: “Australia to face stronger El Nino weather patterns from global warming”.

The SMH story was based on a report published in Nature.