Saturday, May 24, 2025
More

    Hurricanes and Denial | Politicians Pour Fuel on an Overheating Planet

    Date:

    Sharing is SO MUCH APPRECIATED!

    By David Suzuki

    Florida has been slammed by two devastating hurricanes in less than a month. Experts agree that climate change is fuelling the deadly storms. But in May, Florida’s governor signed legislation to remove all references to climate change from state law and repeal a range of grants for renewable energy projects. The law even prohibits local governments from creating alternative energy programs and prevents gas stove bans.

    Some people, including many charged with looking after their constituents’ interests, believe that if they ignore global heating, it won’t exist.

    According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Hurricane Helene, which blew into Florida on September 26, was among the most powerful to ever hit the United States. Hurricane Milton made landfall two weeks later, bringing tornadoes, torrential rains, death and destruction in its wake.

    The overall number of hurricanes hasn’t increased, “But the storms that do form are more likely to become more intense, with higher wind speeds, heavier rainfall, and more severe storm surge,” NPR reports. Research shows that in the 1980s, the U.S. averaged about one hurricane every four months that caused more than US$1 billion in damage (adjusted for inflation). Now it’s seeing two every month!

    Since 2017, the U.S. has experienced as many category 4 or 5 Atlantic hurricanes as in the previous 57 years.

    Climate change is driving ocean temperatures to record highs. The El Niño climate cycle added to this year’s hotter seas. Worldwide, ocean temperatures have been hitting record highs every month since April 2023. Along with hotter air, this exacerbates the intensity of storms and causes them to pick up more water, leading to heavier rainfall and severe flooding. Rising sea levels also amplify dangerous storm surges.

    NASA points out that, according to the law of thermodynamics, for every degree Celsius Earth’s temperature rises, water vapour in the atmosphere increases by about seven per cent. That’s a lot, as seen in the “astronomical amount of precipitation” from Hurricane Helene.

    Overheating oceans aren’t just fuelling hurricanes. Warming waters threaten coral reefs off the Florida coast and put fish and other marine species at risk globally.

    None of this is surprising. Scientists and climate experts have been warning of these consequences for decades. But climate impacts — caused by wastefully burning excessive amounts of coal, oil and gas and destroying carbon sinks such as forests, wetlands and peat bogs — are exceeding their worst predictions.

    The ever-increasing devastation is horrifying. These two hurricanes alone have caused untold suffering, death and displacement and caused billions of dollars in damage. We’ve known with certainty about climate change and its potential for decades, if not centuries. Even the fossil fuel companies — including Exxon, Chevron and Shell — knew from their own research as early as the 1950s that using their products as intended would cause climate chaos.

    But those companies, along with their lobby groups and supporters in media and politics, have put enormous resources into downplaying and covering up the evidence. They’re still at it. Profit is more important to them than human survival.

    As one outlet put it the day before Hurricane Milton brutalized Florida, “In 1991, the Bush administration rejected proposed emissions caps that would ‘hurt the nation’s economy in the short term.’ The long term is expected to make landfall just around midnight tomorrow.”

    Short-term gain for long-term pain is the prevailing attitude.

    People are already reeling under the accelerating impacts of a heating planet, while scientists issue increasingly alarming warnings that “the future of humanity hangs in the balance” as 25 of Earth’s 35 “vital signs” are worse than ever recorded and we’ve exceeded six of nine planetary boundaries that enable human life to exist and flourish and are nearing a seventh.

    We’ve pushed our life-support systems beyond the brink and, rather than doing everything to keep things from getting worse, we elect politicians who roll back effective climate policies and ignore the crisis.

    Political leaders need to show some courage and imagination and address this emergency with the seriousness it warrants. But they won’t as long as we the people fail to hold them to account.

    We’re all in this together. It’s past time to act. Our lives and the lives of our children and grandchildren and those yet to be born depend on it.

    David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation. Written with David Suzuki Foundation Senior Writer and Editor Ian Hanington.

    Learn more at davidsuzuki.org.

    REFERENCES:

    Florida’s governor signed legislation:

    Hurricane Helene:

    https://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/news/hurricane-helene-makes-landfall-florida

    Hurricane Milton:

    https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/09/hurricane-milton-florida-landfall-storm-surge

    NPR reports:

    https://www.npr.org/2024/10/08/nx-s1-5143320/hurricanes-climate-change

    As many category 4 or 5 Atlantic hurricanes:

    https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/08/hurricane-milton-strength-intensity-explainer

    Ocean temperatures have been hitting record highs:

    https://www.npr.org/2024/08/14/nx-s1-5051849/hot-oceans-climate-science

    NASA points out:

    https://science.nasa.gov/earth/climate-change/steamy-relationships-how-atmospheric-water-vapor-amplifies-earths-greenhouse-effect

    Astronomical amount of precipitation:

    https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/helene-and-other-storms-dumped-40-trillion-gallons-of-rain-on-the-south

    Knew from their own research:

    https://davidsuzuki.org/story/climate-crisis-who-knew-turns-out-the-oil-industry-did

    One outlet put it:

    https://thefuckingnews.substack.com/p/milton-threatens-to-deplete-national

    25 of Earth’s 35 “vital signs” are worse than ever:

    https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/08/earths-vital-signs-show-humanitys-future-in-balance-say-climate-experts

    Six of nine planetary boundaries:

    https://www.stockholmresilience.org/research/planetary-boundaries.html

    Sharing is SO MUCH APPRECIATED!

    POPULAR

    More Good Stuff!
    Related

    Ignorance of nature will push us over the edge

    By David Suzuki A major initiative in the U.K. has...

    Nicolle Wallace: FBI internal letter is ‘an urgent warning for every American’

    NBC News investigative correspondent Tom Winter and former federal...

    Break and Enter Investigation Leads OPP to Arrest

    (MIDLAND, ON) -Officers from the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial...

    Mr. Malloy shares “What a Dictator Looks Like”

    The Trump executive orders that threaten democracy. Amid the...

    Glacial Erratic | BANDCAMP EXCLUSIVE RELEASE of PRFCT 432.081 hz

    BANDCAMP EXCLUSIVE RELEASE w/ @glacialerraticmusic (DM for link ) We...

    VIDEO: How a battle between Barbara Walters and Diane Sawyer affected Connie Chung’s career

    CNN’s Erin Burnett sits down with legendary reporter and...

    Town of Collingwood Celebrates International Women’s Day 2025

    Collingwood, ON  — The Town of Collingwood is excited to...

    BE CAUTIOUS OF CRYPTOCURRENCY TRACING SERVICES

    Cryptocurrency Recovery Scam (ORILLIA, ON) - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)...

    What Does Standing Up for Canada Mean to YOU?

    Standing Up for Canada: A Reflection on National Identity...

    TRAFFIC TIP LEADS TO IMPAIRED DRIVING CHARGES

    (CLEARVIEW TOWNSHIP, ON) - The Huronia West Detachment of the...

    COMING OF AGE | Harbour Street Fish Bar | July 12

    Harbour Street Fish Bar - Friday July 12th -...

    Town of The Blue Mountains Transitions to Digital-Only Parking Passes

    The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to...

    The buzz on wild bees versus honeybees

    By David Suzuki For many people “bees” means “honeybees” —...

    Collingwood Council meets with Community | S.P.A.R.C Event

    A wonderful contingent from the community attended tonight's S.P.A.R.C...

    Let’s leave gas in the past — especially for buildings

    By David Suzuki Heat pumps are more efficient and affordable...

    ✨🌙 Horoscopes by Orion Moonsong 🌙✨

    Week of February 24, 2025 Orion Moonsong, celestial eavesdropper extraordinaire... While...

    A WHOLE NEW WORLD OF MUSIC IS COMING TO COLLINGWOOD!

      Hello Theatre Lovers! I am beyond thrilled to invite you...

    The Ambassador: Canada Is Consistently Ranked Among the World’s Most Respected

    Esteemed North Star: Unpacking Canada's Global Reputation Canada consistently earns...

    Statement from Mayor Hamlin

    Collingwood, ON - When the first suggestion of President...

    TBM Fire Department Reminds Residents to “Spring Forward” by Changing Clocks and Alarm Batteries

    The Town of The Blue Mountains Fire Department would...

    Walking Through the Fire – A Powerful Celebration of Indigenous Collaborations with Sultans of String

    Collingwood, ON - Prepare for an unforgettable evening...

    VIDEO: America’s Lonely Future: David Frum on Trump’s “Predatory” Foreign Policy

    With Trump's inauguration on the horizon, conversations continue about...

    OJ REELS RETURNS, LEAGUE PODCAST DEBUTING SOON

    Veteran junior hockey media commentator Alex Bastyovanszky will host...

    Where Fun Meets Fitness | Best Electric Bikes for 2025

    E-Biking: Where Fun Meets Fitness E-bikes have revolutionized cycling by...

    Collingwood receives $40K Rural Economic Development Grant

    Collingwood, ON – Earlier today, Steve Pinsonneault, Parliamentary Assistant...

    Enchanted Evening and Fundraiser | Save Georgian Bay

    Join us with like-minded neighbours and friends on August...

    Baptiste asks “Why Are China’s Youth Boycotting Pensions?”

    China’s pension system is under stress and could potentially...

    SCOUTS FROM NHL, WORLD JR. A CHALLENGE, COLLEGE, CHL HEADED TO ‘BATTLE OF ONTARIO’ IN SMITHS FALLS NOV. 19-20

    Twelve-game All-Star, Prospects tournament pits CCHL against OJHL October 30,...

    People want climate action!

    By David Suzuki Most people understand that the climate crisis...

    #BIGEVENT Hockey Day in Collingwood | Wednesday, January 15th

    Good Luck to all Collingwood Minor Hockey players taking...

    Greatest Baby Goat Jumping and Parkour Compilation!

    Enjoy a smile or a laugh, you deserve it!...

    VIDEO: 張哲瀚Zhang Zhehan 紀錄片《八月》

    《八月》是中國演員張哲瀚首次擔任導演的紀錄片,2024年4月14日上線。 該片記錄了張哲瀚在2021年8月突遇網路風暴,演藝人生頃刻被顛倒後的一次自我療愈之旅。 當舞臺與燈光不再,當事業與生活被網路上的不實資訊和惡意扭曲震碎,張哲瀚選擇在兩年後的8月,以自己熱愛的方式向著真實的世界重新出發。從香格里拉到拉薩的騎行之路上,他遇見雪山和冰川,遇見草木牛羊,遇見許多個普通而動人的面孔;他傾聽天地之聲,傾聽陌生人的故事,也傾聽內心的痛和愛。 曾經的8月還未終結,以後的8月依然會來。而這一個《八月》意義非常。 #zhangzhehan_super3 #張哲瀚 #張哲瀚八月 #紀錄片八月 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLwMG6XoJ34&t=11s

    The election is over. Now what?

    By David Suzuki As increasing turmoil shook the world during...

    Town Set to Celebrate Volunteers on Wednesday, April 30

    The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to...

    Ally Vitally | The Verdict: GUILTY of ALL 34 CHARGES

    In the heart of Manhattan, the courtroom was packed...

    County of Simcoe celebrates Nursing Week

    Midhurst/May 12, 2025 – The County of Simcoe has proclaimed...

    Storm Chaser Jordan Hall | Tornado tears apart homes near Birch Tree, Missouri

    Storm Chaser Jordan Hall A series of devastating tornadoes recently...

    Dreaming Small: Why Small Home Communities Are the Future of Housing

    Sick of the grind? Endless bills, cookie-cutter suburbs, and...

    Announcing the Release of Jillian Morris’s Debut Poetry Book: “born, genes, and quash”

    Collingwood, ON - Collingwood's Poet Laureate, Jillian Morris, shares...

    2 Arrested in Stolen Vehicle for Thornbury LCBO Thefts

    (THE BLUE MOUNTAINS, ON) - Just before noon on March...

    Meaford Harbour 5K Run in Support of Meaford Hospital

    Join Us! Saturday July 13, 2024 - 9am sharp! ONLINE REGISTRATION...

    New Councillor Appointed to Collingwood Council

    Collingwood, ON - Collingwood Council appoints Ian MacCulloch as...

    Custom Designed Home for Sale | Edmonton, Alberta

    $1,050,000 | 11030 122 ST NWEdmonton, Alberta T5M0B2 MLS® Number: E4384806 Call Peter...

    Canada’s new government must show courage on climate

    By David Suzuki It’s easy as an environmentalist to be...

    Get Ready, Wasaga Beach & Region! Canadian Country Music Star Tim Hicks

    Get ready, Wasaga Beach! Join us for an unforgettable...

    Four Winds Music Fest | July 12-14 at the gorgeous Riverstone Retreat

    Four Winds Music Fest is a boutique music festival...

    Festive Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (R.I.D.E.) Programs on Roadways and Trails This Weekend Here in North Simcoe

    (MIDLAND, ON) - Members of the Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment  have been...

    Public Survey Regarding Joint Multi-Use Recreation Feasibility Assessment Now Open

    Collingwood, ON – The Town of The Blue Mountains...

    ‘Grotesque’: Trump under fire as crypto conflicts grow | VIDEO

    President Trump hosted an exclusive dinner at Trump National...

    OJHL ANNOUNCES JANUARY PLAYERS OF THE MONTH

    Collingwood, Stouffville, Toronto players recognized for outstanding January play. February...

    Why Cohousing Communities are the Future of Living

    Green Grove is a fun-loving, vibrant, family-friendly community embracing...

    The Sadies Special Acoustic Show – DJ Shane pre-show @ 7pm

    Sat, May 24 | Clarksburg, 187 Marsh St, Clarksburg,...

    Gord’s Gold – Lightfoot Songs LIVE | The Simcoe Street Theatre

    Step into the world of a true Canadian icon...

    Nation’s top vaccine official quits over RFK Jr’s ‘lies’

    Top FDA vaccine official Dr. Peter Marks is resigning...

    The Power of NOT Reacting | 12 Habits to Control Your Emotions

    Not reacting is a powerful way to control your...

    FALSE ALLEGATIONS OF THREATS TOWARD SCHOOL

    (Huronia West, ON) - Members from the Huronia West Ontario...

    Wasaga Beach Santa Claus Parade

    🎉 Join us for the Wasaga Beach Santa Claus...

    Great Adventures in Iceland with Our Collingwood Girl Guides

    Our Collingwood Girl Guides spent two years fundraising and...

    Yanis Varoufakis: What to watch for in 2025 – Trump, the US dollar, and China

    Yanis Varoufakis dives into the key global trends and...

    10 minute Stress Relieving Stretch | Somatic Chair Yoga

    Please join me for this relaxing yet uplifting chair...

    TWO VEHICLE COLLISION LEADS TO IMPAIRED DRIVING CHARGES

    (WASAGA BEACH, ON) - The Huronia West Detachment of the...

    Remembering the Heroes of D-Day: An Eternal Salute | Collingwood Pays Respect

    Photo: Piper Al Wallace, Bugler Rob Chamber, Cadets CMWO...

    Ask Gracelyn: How long should I wait before introducing my partner to my family?

    Dear Gracelyn: How long should I wait before introducing...

    Meaford’s 150th Birthday Party

    Parade - 1pm St. Vincent Street to the Harbour You're...

    4K Travel Video | Unesco World Heritage Sites: Preserving Global Treasures

    UNESCO World Heritage Sites are places of significant cultural...

    Town of Collingwood Celebrates Earth Day with a Series of Eco-Events throughout April

    Collingwood, ON - The Town of Collingwood is...

    A New Era: Claudia Sheinbaum’s Journey to Mexico’s Presidency

    A Story of Determination and Hope In the vibrant and...

    Save the climate, tax the rich

    By David Suzuki Do you ever wonder where opposition to...

    Frankie Malloy shares his friend “BRUNO” – Waiting For The Right Family #RESCUE

    Our resident chaos coordinator “Frankie Malloy” is staging another...

    Industry hijacks global climate and biodiversity summits

    Under global consumer-capitalism, power and wealth are concentrated in...

    OPP Encourages Community Partnership Through CamSafe Program to Enhance Crime Solving

    (COLLINGWOOD, ON) - The Collingwood and The Blue Mountains Detachment...

    Greenland – The Nation Explained

    This video is the first release from a month-long...

    Jean Chrétien hits it out of the park! Message to Donald on his 91st Birthday

    Jean Chrétien hits it out of the park -...

    The Ambassador: Canada’s Northern Strategy Amid Russian Aggression

    The Canadian Arctic represents not only a vast geographical...

    The Ambassador: Canada’s Smart Strategy for Handling a Difficult U.S. Administration

    In the complex realm of international relations, few bilateral...

    Ontario Police Kick Off Festive R.I.D.E. Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug-Impaired Driving

    (Oakville, ON) - The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police...

    How Las Vegas’ Sphere Actually Works

    Sitting in the Sphere should make you feel like...

    Can I Add a Garden Suite to My Lot | ATTIMO Homes

    What Every Homeowner Needs to Check First With rising housing...

    Trump’s Plan to Distract and Overwhelm, EXPLAINED

    “It is about numbing us. It is about making...

    The Festive in Europe: Day 9 | Retiring at the Speed of Life

    By Susanne Mikler Our final day of the trip is...

    OPP SEEKING PUBLIC’S ASSISTANCE IN RELATION TO A THEFT IN THE TOWN OF WASAGA BEACH

    (TOWN OF WASAGA BEACH, ON) - The Huronia West Detachment...

    How to Lie Your Way to $44 Billion | Saigon Commercial Bank Fraud

    What happens when one person owns a bank and...

    Marsh Street Community Centre – EXCITING 2025 Upcoming Events!

    Connecting people through Community, Culture and Creativity​. - Jan 25th...

    Province Announces Funding for a New Collingwood Hospital

    Collingwood, ON - Deputy Premier and Minister of...

    Affordable Housing Seed Funding Awarded

    Collingwood, ON  Collingwood now has a new non-profit housing...

    Music in the Park is back | Sunday, July 7th – ​The British Invasion

    Presented by the Blue Mountain Legacy Fund SUNDAYS, JULY 7TH...

    THREE IMPAIRED DRIVERS IN LAST 24 HOURS

    The last 24 hours have been busy at Huronia...

    VIDEO | This is How China is making the classroom of the future

    Shenzhen is also well known for having some of...

    THINK BEFORE YOU ANSWER: DURING FRAUD PREVENTION MONTH THE OPP WARNS OF CALLER ID SPOOFING SCAMS

    (OTTAWA, ON) - Ontario residents continue to receive deceptive phone calls...

    Horoscopes by Orion Moonsong | March 23-30, 2025

    Orion Moonsong, celestial eavesdropper extraordinaire… While we’re all busy with...

    The Town of The Blue Mountains | Postal Workers Strike Impacts

    The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to...

    OJHL HALL OF FAME OPENS NOMINATIONS FOR CLASS OF 2025

    Up to five people to be inducted during spring...

    Rewind At Blue | SATURDAY JULY 20TH – SUNDAY, JULY 21ST

    SATURDAY, JULY 20TH - SUNDAY, JULY 21ST Get ready to...

    PROJECT ATLAS LIVE CHAT: Crypto Scams Unmasked

    OPP Reveals the Dark Side of Digital Investments (OTTAWA, Ont.) - The...

    Collingwood welcomes a second new family Doctor to Town through Council recruitment funding

    Collingwood, ON - Collingwood now has another new family...

    DRIVER CHARGED WITH IMPAIRED IN COLLINGWOOD

    (COLLINGWOOD, ON) - Members of the Collingwood and Blue Mountains...

    SUSPICIOUS PERSONS INVESTIGATION LEADS TO ARREST OF LOCAL MAN

    (SPRINGWATER TOWNSHIP, ON) - Members of the Huronia West Detachment...