WEATHER ALERT
Brevard County ranks among areas with biggest jump in ocean temperature
Read full article: Brevard County ranks among areas with biggest jump in ocean temperatureBrevard County ocean temperatures are rising faster than other parts of the country, raising concerns about the impact of the warmer waters.
DeSantis, amid criticism, signs Florida bill making climate change a lesser state priority
Read full article: DeSantis, amid criticism, signs Florida bill making climate change a lesser state priorityFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a bill making climate change a lesser priority under state law and banning offshore wind turbines near the state's long coastline.
Images highlight just how drastic change in Great Lakes ice coverage has been in recent years
Read full article: Images highlight just how drastic change in Great Lakes ice coverage has been in recent yearsIce coverage for all the Great Lakes was at historical lows, with the coldest of the lakes — Lake Superior — having just 1% ice coverage as of Tuesday. The historical average is 40%.
July temperatures mark hottest on record, NASA, NOAA says
Read full article: July temperatures mark hottest on record, NASA, NOAA saysNASA held a news conference Monday morning to announce that climate scientists found that July 2023 shattered the previous record, set in 2019, by two-tenths of a degree Celsius.
WATCH LIVE: Julie Broughton, Jonathan Kegges talk coral reef bleaching on Take 6
Read full article: WATCH LIVE: Julie Broughton, Jonathan Kegges talk coral reef bleaching on Take 6The Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico are on fire. When it comes to Florida’s coral reefs, it’s not just that the water temperatures are blazing hot, it’s about how early the heat has come.
This deadly disease thrives in warmer waters, creating an uncertain future for marine life
Read full article: This deadly disease thrives in warmer waters, creating an uncertain future for marine lifeA deadly disease is thriving in warmer waters, creating an uncertain future for the Florida coast. Now, the government is putting aside differences to effect change. Volunteers are making a huge impact, as well.
‘Packing a bigger punch:’ Hurricane season sees stronger storms with global warming
Read full article: ‘Packing a bigger punch:’ Hurricane season sees stronger storms with global warmingAs hurricane season approaches, you may be asking, “What effect, if any, does climate change have on future storms?” Well, these weather experts have the answer.
Study: Climate change causing more 'heat stress' in Europe
Read full article: Study: Climate change causing more 'heat stress' in EuropeA report shows Europeans, particularly in the south of the continent, are being subjected to more heat stress during the summer months as climate change causes longer periods of extreme weather.
‘Use your voice now:’ Environmental activists unveil new mural before Orlando climate conference
Read full article: ‘Use your voice now:’ Environmental activists unveil new mural before Orlando climate conferenceA new mural was unveiled in Orlando to help spread awareness about the effects of climate change.
Cocoa Beach ranked 4th most threatened surf spot in nation, study says
Read full article: Cocoa Beach ranked 4th most threatened surf spot in nation, study saysOne of Florida’s most iconic spots to surf has been ranked as one of the most threatened by rising sea levels, according to a national study by the Surfrider Foundation.
Inflation Reduction Act could help Central Florida coastal communities prepare for storms
Read full article: Inflation Reduction Act could help Central Florida coastal communities prepare for stormsThe U.S. Senate’s Inflation Reduction Act passed over the weekend contains several climate provisions that could help some Central Florida coastal communities.
Forecasting Change: Feeling more like Mexico by 2100
Read full article: Forecasting Change: Feeling more like Mexico by 2100Since June 1 we have only had three days with a normal daytime high. We had one day, June 4, when we were below normal. Every other day, all 42 of them, have been hotter than normal.
Used cooking oil from Orlando restaurants powers passenger airplanes
Read full article: Used cooking oil from Orlando restaurants powers passenger airplanesUsed cooking oil collected from restaurants near Orlando area attractions is being collected and converted into a fuel that can help fly the tourists who visit there.
Always wanted to start composting? This is how you can begin
Read full article: Always wanted to start composting? This is how you can beginYou probably already recycle, and it’s absolutely an easy way to reduce your carbon footprint, but are there any more things you could be doing around the house to be a little bit more green?
Watch how climate change has impacted Earth since 1984
Read full article: Watch how climate change has impacted Earth since 1984With Earth Day 2021 rapidly approaching, Google Earth has released a feature that might really open some eyes when it comes to how certain parts of the globe have changed in recent decades.
Eternal Reefs are a unique way to bury a loved one and help combat climate change
Read full article: Eternal Reefs are a unique way to bury a loved one and help combat climate changeWe all know that losing a loved one is tough, and it’s just as challenging to figure out a proper way to honor them. Do you bury them? Cremate? Have a funeral? Purchase a casket?
Have a ‘Solutionaries’ idea? Please share! Plus, help us report on the mental strain of climate change
Read full article: Have a ‘Solutionaries’ idea? Please share! Plus, help us report on the mental strain of climate changeNow that we’ve launched our new “Solutionaries” digital newscast, we want to know: Have you seen an episode? How about the latest one? Do you have any ideas for the future?
How to calculate your carbon footprint -- and why you should care
Read full article: How to calculate your carbon footprint -- and why you should careThink about all the food you eat in a day. Some people track their calories, which measure the energy you’re getting from the things you consume. A lot of adults likely know a rough daily estimate of what they eat, in terms of calories. But what about your carbon footprint? Do you know what your number is?
How environmentally friendly are you? The results are in!
Read full article: How environmentally friendly are you? The results are in!Do you do more for the planet, less for the planet, or about average, compared to your peers? We posed a series of poll questions just last month, trying to help you determine how environmentally friendly you are.
Want to be a ‘street scientist?’ Volunteering might be easier than you think
Read full article: Want to be a ‘street scientist?’ Volunteering might be easier than you thinkEnvironmental groups in cities are often looking for volunteers, which also can be known as “street scientists,” to collect data that can help a city deal with urban heat islands, and such data is easier than you think to collect.
How environmentally friendly are you? Take these quick polls to help determine exactly that
Read full article: How environmentally friendly are you? Take these quick polls to help determine exactly thatWhen it comes to climate change and environmental issues, it might feel like a lot to wrap your head around: The problems are so widespread and complex -- so if you’ve ever thought to yourself, “What can one person even DO?”, you’re likely not alone.
It’s electric: 100 new vehicle charging stations popping up throughout Orlando
Read full article: It’s electric: 100 new vehicle charging stations popping up throughout OrlandoThe City of Orlando in partnership with the Orlando Utilities Commission, along with American Cities Climate Change, installed 100 new EV stations throughout Orlando.
Forecasting Change: 90 degree temperatures arriving earlier
Read full article: Forecasting Change: 90 degree temperatures arriving earlierThere are 4 consecutive days in the 7-day planning forecast that have daytime highs of 90 degrees or higher. The graphic below from Climate Central shows that Orlando should not supposed to be this hot this soon. First 90 degree day coming earlier. Over the past 50 years, the first 90-degree readings have happened somewhere within the second or third week of April to the end of March or early April. This next graphic shows that summer is extending its reach by starting earlier and ending later.
Forecasting Change: Why it’s getting more dangerous for seniors along the coast
Read full article: Forecasting Change: Why it’s getting more dangerous for seniors along the coast(AP Photo/Ellis Rua, File)ORLANDO, Fla. – This week Forecasting Change will focus on our senior population and the threat they are facing from rising sea levels. Consider the fact that in Hurricane Katrina 70% of the deaths were seniors, even though they represented only 15% of the population. Increasing flood riskNow to be clear, Climate Change and sea level rise are a threat to us all. But much like the elderly are more likely to die from COVID-19 they are also the most vulnerable to bad weather events. If they live in an area that is endangered by rising water, evacuation and shelter are also huge threats to their lives.
Pollen season has grown longer, more severe over past 30 years
Read full article: Pollen season has grown longer, more severe over past 30 yearsORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida’s pollen season has kicked into high gear this year, with the return of spring-like temperatures. This then would mean temperatures strongly influence not only the length of pollen season, but also its intensity. Studying their 60 pollen reporting stations across the country, the pollen season has become 20 days longer compared to what it was 1990. Because pollen concentrations are highly sensitive to temperature and carbon dioxide, this study found that human-caused climate change was responsible for at least half of the additional days of pollen season. These findings concern doctors, as these drastic changes to our pollen season across the country could impact many who suffer from asthma and allergies.
Forecasting Change: Is a real or fake tree better for the environment?
Read full article: Forecasting Change: Is a real or fake tree better for the environment?In this week’s Forecasting Change I want to show you the energy numbers of real vs. fake Christmas trees. Also, it is much better for the energy consumption if you use LED lights. LED holiday lights are 90% more efficient than older incandescent versions, with one-fifth the carbon footprint of traditional lights. Carbon footprints or real vs fake trees. If you do use a real tree, consider mulching it instead of letting it go to a landfill.
A look at what made the 2020 Hurricane Season so active
Read full article: A look at what made the 2020 Hurricane Season so activeThis week in Forecasting Change I want to say goodbye to the 2020 Hurricane Season. Check out the graphic below:The rapid intensification of tropical storms is what can make them deadly hurricanes. (Copyright 2020 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.) (Copyright 2020 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.) (Copyright 2020 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)
How the Orlando Utilities Commission is trying to end coal-fired generation
Read full article: How the Orlando Utilities Commission is trying to end coal-fired generation“You really have to pair battery storage, we call it energy storage, with solar,” Ferrone explained. Ferrone said there is a lot of technology involved with solar energy and it continues to change. If you would like to know more about how OUC plans to achieve Net Zero CO2 Emissions by 2050, use the links below download this week’s episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate. Each week they have a guest host who helps give an irreverent look at the issues impacting the Sunshine State. Listen to the full episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate on iTunes here or on Sticher here.
Here’s why these wax figures were left to melt away in the Florida sun
Read full article: Here’s why these wax figures were left to melt away in the Florida sunORLANDO, Fla. – A new exhibit left outside Orlando City Hall on Thursday is melting away under the Central Florida sun to raise awareness about climate change. “Melting Florida” is a statewide campaign designed by the CLEO Institute, which calls itself a nonpartisan organization dedicated to climate change education. “Rising temperatures and the climate crisis are impacting our way of life,” said Executive Director Yoca Arditi-Rocha. Previous exhibits in Miami and Tampa have brought awareness to how climate change affects weather and Florida’s wildlife. At Orlando’s exhibit, people are encouraged to take pictures with the figures and use a nearby QR code to learn more about steps to combat the impacts of climate change.
Florida birds at risk of extinction due to climate change, study says
Read full article: Florida birds at risk of extinction due to climate change, study says“Here comes a nice spoonbill coming along,” Jeff Gordon said. “Florida is low-lying and has lots of water,” Jeff Gordon said. According to a study by the Audubon Society, two-thirds of the birds in North America are at risk of extinction over the next 30 years due to what they called a “global temperature rise.”The Audubon Society's study predicts two-thirds of North American birds are at risk of extinction due to climate change. “I do see a difference in the amount of birds,” Jeff Gordon said. “Things are definitely changing, and it’s like we’re rolling some pretty big dice,” Jeff Gordon said.
Dune restoration to protect launch operations at Kennedy Space Center from rising sea levels
Read full article: Dune restoration to protect launch operations at Kennedy Space Center from rising sea levelsDon Dankert, with KSC’s environmental planning office, says this three-mile restoration project should be finished this year. The work follows the 2016 and 2017 hurricanes and NASA said if rising sea levels damage the beach in the future, it would rebuild the dunes again. Senior Project Manager Keith Britton, also a member of the Oviedo City Council, called preparing for rising sea levels, “a long-term approach.”Britton said the good news is if sea levels rise here an estimated three-feet over the next 60 or 70 years, KSC's buildings would still not be flooded out. “The bottom line is we’re not really threatened at this time but now’s the time we’re going to start looking at how to mitigate sea-level rise when it does occur,” Britton said. NASA said in the last 100 years, the average global sea-level rise is seven inches.