Climate Change

Hole in the ozone layer to fully heal by mid-century

Hole in the ozone layer to fully heal by mid-century

A new assessment of Earth’s depleted ozone layer shows that efforts to repair the vital atmospheric shield are working, according to a panel of U.N.-backed scientists. Scientists said the ozone’s recovery should also serve as proof that societies can join to solve environmental problems and combat climate change.

Join CCL Briefing on Fifth National Climate Report, Dec. 12th
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Join CCL Briefing on Fifth National Climate Report, Dec. 12th

The Fifth National Climate Assessment (a report mandated by Congress every 4 years) was released on November 14th. Join CCL Research Coordinator Dana Nuccitelli for a training that will discuss this latest report at 5 pm Pacific, Dec. 14th, on this Zoom.

Click here to RSVP for a day-of reminder and to dd to your calendar.

I’m a Climate Scientist. I’m Not Screaming Into the Void Anymore

I’m a Climate Scientist. I’m Not Screaming Into the Void Anymore

Kate Marvel, a climate scientist at the environmental nonprofit Project Drawdown, was a lead author on the Fifth National Climate Assessment. This letter is must-read for every CCLer who encounters climate grief, frustration, or fatalism. (Join CCLs briefing on the Fifth National Climate Assessment on Dec. 14th, 5pm PST, on Zoom.

September shattered global heat record — and by a record margin

September shattered global heat record — and by a record margin

Global warmth surged far above previous records in September — even further than what scientists said seemed like astonishing increases in July and August, The Post’s Scott Dance reports.  The record was shattered by more than half a degree Celsius (0.9 degrees Fahrenheit), marking the largest monthly margin ever observed.

Earth’s Hottest August on Record Followed a Record-Breaking June and July

Earth’s Hottest August on Record Followed a Record-Breaking June and July

Temperature records continue to topple. Last month was the planet’s warmest August in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s 174-year record, agency officials said on Thursday. The global surface temperature for the month was 2.25 degrees Fahrenheit, or 1.25 degrees Celsius, above the 20th century average.

Scientists found the most intense heat wave ever recorded — in Antarctica

Scientists found the most intense heat wave ever recorded — in Antarctica

In March 2022, temperatures near the eastern coast of Antarctica spiked 70 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius) above normal — making it the most intense recorded heat wave to occur anywhere on Earth, according to a recent study. At the time, researchers on-site were wearing shorts and some even removed their shirts to bask in the (relative) warmth. Scientists elsewhere said such a high in that region of the world was unthinkable.

Another Harbinger of Climate Change:  Only Half Days at Schools

Another Harbinger of Climate Change: Only Half Days at Schools

Susan Eckert teaches advanced placement biology at Montclair High School. Her room sits on the second floor, under a black tar roof. On hot days, Eckert cracks the windows in her classroom early. By the afternoon, though, nothing stops the heat. Eckert has bought five fans for her classroom, which she said registered 90F (32C) on the thermostat this week. 

Judge rules in favor of Montana youths in landmark climate decision

Judge rules in favor of Montana youths in landmark climate decision

In the first ruling of its kind nationwide, a Montana state court decided Monday in favor of young people who alleged the state violated their right to a “clean and healthful environment” by promoting the use of fossil fuels. The court determined that a provision in the Montana Environmental Policy Act has harmed the state’s environment and the young plaintiffs, and is, accordingly, unconstitutional.

Behind All the Talk, This Is What Big Oil Is Actually Doing

Behind All the Talk, This Is What Big Oil Is Actually Doing

If you’ve been listening to the world’s major energy companies over the past few years, you probably think the clean energy transition is well on its way. But with fossil fuel use and emissions still rising, it is not moving nearly fast enough to address the climate crisis. In June, Shell became the latest of the big oil companies to curb plans …