Okay, this not a diary about climate catastrophe, global warming, rising sea levels, arctic melting or the science of climate change. This is simply a picture diary about weather, in particular extreme weather events in recent days. Some of the images and videos from around the world are even mesmerizing to watch; these images of nature’s fury and deadly beauty are awe-inspiring, so far as they are not anywhere close to where we live.
One can debate whether any of the individual events have anything to do with climate change. But, seeing them all together, compressed in such a short span of time, does draw one’s attention to global warming and climate change. I will leave it to scientists and climatologists to draw the conclusions and to explain the links.
Tornadoes in South Dakota. This one put on a display for almost an hour.
Extreme hail in Mexico. At this time of the year?
The Midwest Floods in spring will have long-lasting effects. And it’s not over yet.
Severe Thunderstorms in Illinois
Europe is sizzling.
Wildfires in Spain.
Reservoirs and ground water drying out in India.
Monsoon rains have brought heat relief to certain parts of the country, but the drought situation is grim -
The Himalayas under stress. So too are the billion+ people who rely on its waters.
Drought in China
Drought in Africa
Heavy Rains in Japan
Authorities is southwestern Japan order 1 million people to evacuate as heavy rains cause landslides and flooding.
Greenland slipping and sliding
Arctic ice turning into lakes.
Brunt Ice Shelf in Antarctica about to break free.
Volcanoes join the melee, although they are not weather related.
Is this the new normal?
New York and London declare climate emergencies -
Extreme weather is more than a few days of suffering -
The Climate Record so far -
The science is clear and the evidence overwhelming.
But there are powerful interests, whose profits are threatened by climate action -
The U.S., once the leader, is now a pariah.
To calm nerves down, here are some beautiful images of nature, when it is less angry.
What do you say?