Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Hello and welcome to The Independent's weekly roundup of top climate stories.

New Mexico declared a state of emergency following deadly flooding in the state that left two dead and forced the rescue of hundreds of others over the weekend.

Democratic Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said signing an emergency declaration would unlock $1 million in funding for relief efforts. 

"I'm grateful for the swift actions taken by local authorities and our state departments to help communities in need," she said. "My administration is on the ground assisting and will continue to provide robust support for relief efforts."

Vehicles are submerged after flash flooding hit the New Mexico county of Chaves over the weekend. (Chaves County Sheriff's Office/Facebook)

The flooding in New Mexico came as extreme weather also threatened other cities around the globe. 

Storm Ashley battered the United Kingdom, with hurricane-force winds forcing travel cancelations. 

Major flooding was also reported in France, Spain, Italy, and across the Atlantic in Canada and Mexico.

Julia Musto

US Science and Climate Correspondent |@JuliaElenaMusto

Top climate headlines

Dolphins are inhaling microplastics just like humans, study finds

By Stuti Mishra

Lab-grown meat: will Britain embrace food grown in a bioreactor?

By Hannah Twiggs

Climate change could lead to $11bn in weather damage at NFL stadiums by 2050, experts warn

By Julia Musto

Life in the climate crisis

There's a reason why the leaves are still so green, writes nature expert Matt Gaw – and chaotic weather is to blame for stressing out our trees and the alarming new era of 'compressed autumn'.

As we reach the official second month of autumn and many of the trees in the UK remain resolutely green, questions have been asked. Pamela Smith, senior national consultant for gardens and parklands at the National Trust, says the reason is simple: it is a case of "nature being chaotic again".

She adds, "I always say it's going to be autumn, it will happen, but we're not sure to what extent."

Read more

Cop16: What is the UN nature summit and what will negotiations involve?

Countries gather for UN biodiversity summit to negotiate halting nature crisis

Ellen MacArthur: World has 'once-in-a-lifetime' chance with UN plastics treaty

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INDYBEST / BEST BUYS

CLIMATE IN NUMBERS

20

Cocoa beans, which are used to make chocolate, can only thrive about 20 degrees north and south of the Earth's equator. The beans are being impacted by climate change, leading to global shortages.

Read more 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

I think it's the challenge of our liftime

Motor sport star Sebastian Vettel spoke out on sustainability from the Blue Earth Summit in London last week. The four-time Formula One world champion has said the climate crisis played a role in his decision to retire in 2022.

Read more

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