By Tessa Augsberger
The Clim8
11.29.20-12.5.20
WMO predicts that 2020 will be the second-warmest year on record (BBC News)
Mostly attributed to high temperatures in the Siberian Arctic this year, 2020 will likely rank as one of the three hottest years on record (behind 2016 and before 2019), according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Find the WMO's report, The State of the Global Climate 2020, here.
Climate change impacts seasonal patters of Arctic animals (NASA)
After comparing the movement of several species with data from climate change indicators, a study published in Science discovered several trends, such as changes in the timing of seasonal migrations and when certain species have their offspring, which could heavily impact Arctic ecosystems.
Various countries commit to net zero emissions (UN News)
The "race to net zero" is a global movement towards decreased carbon emissions, and the exploration of how and when we can achieve that goal. Countries across the world have banded together to work towards “net zero” by 2050 by using clean energy, modern technology and nature-based systems for removing carbon from the atmosphere.
Doctors find new link between climate change and health (NPR)
Data reveals poor air quality and rising temperatures are leading to heat-related illnesses and premature death.
The IUCN updates the status of the Great Barrier Reef to "critical" (CBS News)
Since 1995, the Great Barrier Reef has suffered from climate change impacts such as warming temperatures and ocean acidification. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) listed climate change as the most significant threat to World Heritage Sites.
Find the IUCN's Conservation Outlook Assessment here.
The Malala Fund finds connection between educating girls and fighting climate change (Fast Company)
Malala Yousafzai's nonprofit organization will receive a donation from Apple to fund its work on female empowerment. Not only does climate change affect girls' access to education, but educated girls are better able to have a positive impact on the planet.
UN Paris Climate Agreement goals may be achieved (BBC News)
The Climate Action Tracker's (CAT) "optimistic analysis" indicates a rise in temperature of 2.1 degrees Celsius by 2100, which is at least 0.6 degrees lower than the expected rise of 2.7-3.1 degrees Celsius, in light of China's, Japan's, North Korea's, South Africa's and Canada's net zero commitments and the Biden administration's climate plan. However, it does not reach the target set by the UN Paris Climate Agreement of limiting temperature rise to 2 degrees Celsius by the end of the century.
Find the CAT's temperature projections for 2100 here.
Trump administration rushes sale of Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling corporations (Inside Climate News)
The government plans to auction off large areas of the refuge, pushing forward without the typical public comment period in order to fulfill an early promise of Trump’s to lease the land before Inauguration Day