Climate Change

Hurricane Melissa makes landfall in Jamaica as category 5 storm

October 28, 2025 Theo Klein

Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest Atlantic storms on record, struck Jamaica as a category 5 hurricane on October 28, 2025, fueled by unusually warm sea surface temperatures linked to climate change. Meteorologists expressed alarm over its rapid intensification and potential for catastrophic damage, including up to one meter of rain. Three people died in preparations for the storm.

Melting ice strengthens southern ocean carbon barrier

Freshwater from melting ice and increased precipitation is temporarily trapping carbon dioxide in the deep Southern Ocean, countering predictions of a weakening carbon sink. Scientists from the Alfred Wegener Institute explain this stabilizing effect in a new study. However, intensifying winds may soon reverse this protection, potentially releasing stored CO2 into the atmosphere.

Bill Gates says climate change is serious but not apocalyptic, urging focus on reducing human suffering

October 29, 2025 Petra Hartmann Fact checked

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates writes in a new memo that climate change, while a major problem, "will not lead to humanity’s demise" and argues policymakers should prioritize reducing human suffering—especially in poorer countries. The memo arrives ahead of next month’s United Nations climate summit in Brazil.

Study shows fossil fuel companies own little renewable energy

A new academic study reveals that major oil and gas companies own just 1.42 percent of global renewable energy projects. This finding underscores concerns about fossil fuel influence at upcoming climate talks. The research highlights a stark gap between industry promises and actual investments in the energy transition.

Reducing household refrigerator CO2 emissions

Refrigerators contribute about 4% of a home's carbon emissions, equivalent to 89 kg of CO2 per year. Recent updates highlight ways to lower this impact through maintenance, efficient settings and choosing low-GWP models. Global efforts, including the Kigali Amendment, aim to phase out high-impact refrigerants by 2036.

Water crisis in São Paulo escalates to alert

Seven weeks before summer, the water crisis in São Paulo state intensifies with low reservoir levels and containment measures in planning. The Cantareira system recorded its lowest September level in ten years, affecting 9 million people in the metropolitan region. Experts warn of the need for swift actions to avert rationing.

Palestinian teens gear up for global robotics competition

Five teenagers from Palestine are set to compete in Panama next week at one of the world's largest youth robotics events. Amid a fragile ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, they have finalized a robot designed to tackle climate change simulations. Their aim is victory followed by teaching STEM to war-displaced peers.

Conservationists race to save appalachia's brook trout

In the wake of Hurricane Helene's devastation in September 2024, the Southern Appalachian brook trout faces intensified threats from climate change in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Anglers and scientists are working to protect this native species, which has lost 80 percent of its range since 1900. The fish's decline signals broader risks to regional ecosystems and economies tied to trout fishing.

U.S. power outages increase due to aging grid and severe weather

Power outages in the United States grew more frequent in 2024, exceeding 2023 levels by over 50%, primarily from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. A 2025 Department of Energy report warns that blackout hours could rise 100-fold by 2030 amid an aging infrastructure and climate pressures. Rural areas and homeowners face higher risks than urban dwellers and renters.