Hurricanes are getting so strong in a warming world that a Category 6 intensity should be added to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind scale, a new study finds.
Why it matters: The research shows how significantly climate change is altering storm intensity and other characteristics, as well as further underscoring the limitations of the scale.
Some early data is in on global temperatures in January 2024, and it likely set a record for the warmest January.
The big picture: The information, gleaned from the Japan Meteorological Agency's JRA-55 data set, shows that January now makes nine straight months that have set record highs.
Exxon is pressing on — at least for now — with litigation against activist shareholders pushing the firm to set tougher climate targets, even though they withdrew the resolution that sparked the conflict.
Why it matters: Filed in a Texas district court, the unusual federal lawsuit is a new wrinkle in environmental and social governance (ESG) if it continues — or if the prospect of costly legal fights deters more advocacy.
One look at Saudi Arabia's latest growth figures explains why the Gulf giant has struggled mightily to boost global crude prices.
Driving the news: With oil prices capped despite widespread geopolitical turmoil, Saudi Arabia's growth turned grim in 2023, with gross domestic product tumbling by -0.9 percent, compared with 8.7 percent in 2022.
Extreme weather events worsened by climate change are chipping away at sites linked to the Holocaust and endangering historical buildings, archives and artifacts, according to an international advocacy group.
The big picture: Mass graves and sites of former concentration camps hold the record of the Holocaust. As the last generation of the Holocaust ages, these sites are the final living memory of what happened.
A powerful storm slamming California triggered evacuations and left over 800,000 residents without power into Monday, as forecasters warned "dangerous flooding rains," strong winds and heavy snow would impact central and southern areas for several days.
The big picture: California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an emergency proclamation for eight southern counties, including Los Angeles — which was at "high risk" from potentially deadly flooding during this atmospheric river event that Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said had "the potential to be historic."
California's governor proclaimed a state of emergency for eight southern counties as a rapidly intensifying storm off the central coast brought a "high risk" of potentially deadly flooding to Los Angeles Sunday and Monday.
Threat level: It is rare for any major city, let alone a city as large as LA, to be under a high risk for excessive precipitation, but LA is in that category for Sunday and Monday, indicating the prolonged nature of the flood threat.
