The Clim8
08.01.21-08.07.21
No Snow: Years of low snowfall, brought on by global warming, are leaving mountains bare (The Guardian)
The Andes mountain range is experiencing severe droughts, leading to a rapid decrease in snow coverage, as confirmed by recent satellite images. The consequences of low snowfall include suffering economies and mountain communities. One main attraction for tourists is skiing, which can’t be done without sufficient snow. Also, without enough snowfall, communities are lacking water supply.
Crop yields suffering due to climate change (Science Daily)
As global warming persists, crop diseases are expected to target tropical regions such as Brazil and Southeast Asia. As well, in places further from the equator (where tropical regions are located), the risk of disease will increase. The University of Exeter released a study in which it states that changes will occur in crop produce across the globe. Data implies that rising temperatures will lead to tropic regions with little to no crop yield gains. This lack of produce will not only affect tropic communities, but can impact the global market.
Low-income countries disproportionately affected by climate change (BBC)
Even while countries make efforts to prevent the damage that comes as a result of the climate crisis, they’ve “already been outpaced by climate-induced disasters.” The IIED, International Institute for Environment and Development, says that countries like the Carribean, Pacific islands, and Uganda would need at least 40 billion dollars each year in order to execute their adaptation plans, but between the years 2014 and 2018 these countries only received 5.9 billion dollars of these adaptation finances.
How is climate change affecting the Nathusius’ pipistrelle species (ABC)
A bat that flew from Britain to Russia could offer insight into how climate change is affecting the Nathusius’ pipistrelle species. Research has shown that bats are spending the winter season further North than in the past; researchers believe that this could have a possible link to climate change. Scientists hope that more research on the bat’s flight patterns will continue to reveal the effects of climate change on the bat species.
Destabilization of the Gulf Stream serves as a global climate tipping point (The Guardian)
Scientists warn that a continued increase in CO2 emissions could test one of Earth’s tipping points, rapid and irreversible changes to our climate. One of these tipping points is the collapse of the Gulf Stream’s Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) currents. Research has shown that the currents are becoming unstable which could have catastrophic and long term life threatening consequences worldwide.
Zero Waste shops across the UK stay afloat as their communities become more environmentally conscious (BBC)
No waste grocery and home good stores give consumers the option to shop sustainable and plastic-free. Although many zero waste shops struggled during the pandemic, retailers report that covid-19 inspired people to care about sustainability. A retail expert is optimistic that these green shops have a lasting business model because of the growing interest in sustainability.
Check out Zero Green, a no waste shop in Bristol, UK, to learn more about their mission.
Satellite data shows an increase in the amount of flood-prone populations (Phys)
A change in rainfall patterns due to climate change has exposed areas not historically prone to flooding to deadly floods in the last two decades. Because most flood maps miss these areas, some researchers developed the Global Flood Database to better understand and model global flooding. Reducing the effects of climate change will be vital to protecting flood prone populations.
Mass wildfires could restrict travel to the American West (NY Times)
In a region heavily visited by tourists for its hiking, boating, and other outdoor activities, fires are becoming increasingly larger and occurring more frequently. Tourism in the western states of the US, from Montana to Washington to Hawaii, has been affected by these wildfires. Considering outdoor recreation is one of this region’s major sources of revenue - amounting to $51 billion in profits annually and creating around 451,000 jobs in the Pacific Northwest - these fires are sure to cause massive financial damages. Their consequences are already being seen, with several resorts in the area either having to turn away visitors or restrict their outdoor programming.