July was the hottest month on record worldwide, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Why it matters: When it comes to establishing new climate milestones, the Earth is on a roll, thanks in large part to the burning of fossil fuels for energy, as well as deforestation.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said Friday that July was the world's hottest month ever recorded, calling it an "unenviable distinction."
What they're saying: "In this case, first place is the worst place to be," NOAA administrator Rick Spinrad said in a statement. "This new record adds to the disturbing and disruptive path that climate change has set for the globe."
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft will be returned to a factory to fix four stuck propulsion system valves that forced the company to scrub an uncrewed test launch of the capsule last week, the company announced Friday.
Why it matters: The Starliner — designed to one day carry NASA astronauts to the International Space Station — has been repeatedly troubled by technical malfunctions, and its latest mission has been delayed multiple times.
Wildfires are raging in Canada, the U.S. and Siberia, emitting carbon dioxide, soot, and other planet-warming pollutants, while also destroying homes and fouling air quality. Now new data shows just how large the fires' carbon footprint may be.
