Climate change dominates headlines with record heatwaves, floods, and glacier melt—highlighting urgent global crises and political setbacks.
As of February 5, 2026, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is steering Canada to diversify trade away from the US amid President Trump's tariffs and sovereignty threats. Meanwhile, US officials have met multiple times with Alberta separatists seeking independence, sparking Canadian leaders' warnings. Carney aims to boost electric vehicle production and maintain Canadian sovereignty amid escalating US-Canada tensions.
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has moved the Doomsday Clock to 85 seconds to midnight, reflecting heightened global risks from nuclear tensions, climate change, and artificial intelligence. Experts cite leadership failures and geopolitical conflicts as key drivers of this shift, warning of increasing danger of global catastrophe.
The EU and UK are increasing support for renewable energy projects, including combined heat and power (CHP) plants and wind turbines. The EU's scheme offers a 10-year subsidy for high-efficiency CHP projects, while the UK is investing in onshore wind and Chinese floating wind technology amid geopolitical considerations. These initiatives aim to meet climate targets and boost domestic manufacturing.
Recent heavy rains caused catastrophic flooding across Mozambique, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Eswatini, with a year's worth of rain falling in days. Studies attribute the increased severity to human-caused climate change, worsened by La Niña conditions. The floods have resulted in loss of life, infrastructure damage, and humanitarian crises.
Recent reports show the US experiencing its lowest snow cover in decades, driven by record warmth and climate change. The West faces a historic snow drought affecting water supplies and wildfire risks, while the East endures cold and snow. The situation underscores ongoing climate challenges.
Recent articles highlight a complex global energy transition. China and India reduce coal use amid rising renewables, while the US expands gas capacity driven by AI data centers, raising climate concerns. Romania decouples from pollution, contrasting with China's coal buildout and US fossil fuel surge. The story underscores the ongoing energy shift.
A rare prolonged cold spell across the US, driven by climate change, has led to historically low temperatures. Experts note that many Americans are experiencing the cold more intensely due to shifting climate patterns, with some under 30 facing what could be their coldest week ever. The cold presents safety risks and highlights changing weather norms.
Recent reports highlight unprecedented heatwaves and wildfires across Australia, South America, and Africa, driven by climate change. Temperatures are reaching new highs despite La Nina's weakening influence, with experts warning that El Nino could further intensify these events in 2026. The fires threaten ecosystems and communities worldwide.
On February 12, 2026, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the repeal of the 2009 'endangerment finding' that classified greenhouse gases as threats to public health. Led by the Trump administration and EPA head Lee Zeldin, this marks the largest climate deregulation in US history, removing federal greenhouse gas emission standards for vehicles and threatening broader climate regulations. The rollback aims to reduce costs for automakers and fossil fuel industries but faces strong opposition from environmental groups and legal challenges.
Recent articles highlight escalating climate impacts on ecosystems and communities worldwide. In the DRC, a militant attack on a wildlife park killed seven, exposing security gaps. Meanwhile, Arctic and North American regions face rising risks from melting ice, affecting traditional livelihoods and safety. These stories underscore urgent environmental and security challenges today.
Recent studies reveal that most coastal hazard assessments have underestimated sea levels by about 30cm, especially in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific. This miscalculation suggests more land and populations are at risk from rising seas than previously thought, with impacts likely to occur sooner.
Severe weather has been recurring across the US, with tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds reported in recent days. Forecasts indicate similar conditions will persist through Tuesday and Wednesday, especially in regions affected last week. Warm temperatures are also expected to increase risks of storms and flooding.
Heavy rains since early March have caused severe flooding across Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia, resulting in at least 125 deaths, over 11,000 displacements, and infrastructure damage. Emergency responses are ongoing amid climate change concerns, with authorities deploying military rescue teams and calling for lasting solutions.
Rising temperatures due to climate change are affecting the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, with athletes facing poor snow conditions and safety concerns. The IPC is considering moving the Games earlier to ensure better conditions, amid ongoing climate impacts.
A new report from the Austrian Alpine Club documents significant glacier retreat in Austria during 2024-2025, with some glaciers shrinking over 100 meters. The retreat reflects ongoing climate change impacts, with implications for water, energy, and ecosystems across Europe.
The UK has announced significant reductions in its overseas aid budget, including cuts to climate, health, and development programs. These cuts, driven by fiscal constraints, risk reversing decades of progress on issues like child mortality and climate resilience, with experts warning of increased global suffering and security risks.
The 2026 allergy report ranks Boise as the worst city for pollen allergies, driven by climate change and weather patterns. Early spring symptoms are affecting many, with Western cities experiencing longer, more intense pollen seasons due to warmer temperatures and drought. Experts advise early treatment and lifestyle adjustments.
Following an attack on Ukraine’s Novodnistrovsk hydro plant on March 7, Moldova faces river pollution and water shortages. Moldova blames Russia, which denies involvement. Authorities declared a 15-day environmental alert, cut water supplies, and seek aid from Romania amid ongoing pollution monitoring.
The US is experiencing unprecedented weather extremes in March, including severe heatwaves on the west coast, snow in the south, and chaotic temperature swings across regions. Experts link these patterns to climate change, with jet stream shifts causing simultaneous extremes. These events highlight the intensifying impact of the climate crisis.
A large-scale heat dome is causing unprecedented temperatures across the US, with record-breaking highs in multiple states. The heat is expected to persist into early April, driven by climate change and atmospheric patterns, impacting millions and setting new climate records.
The annual conservative conference CPAC in Texas saw notable absences, including Donald Trump, amid shifting dynamics within the Republican Party. Discussions focus on future leadership, Iran, and the party’s direction post-Trump, with new figures like Liz Truss making appearances and debates about the party's ideological future.
New York is delaying green energy projects and extending Diablo Canyon's operation to 2045 amid rising costs and energy demand. The state is reconsidering its 2019 Climate Act goals, with officials citing economic and reliability concerns. These developments reflect ongoing challenges in balancing climate ambitions with practical energy needs.
Recent studies reveal ecosystems can recover within decades, with animals rebounding faster than trees. UNESCO sites maintain wildlife stability despite global declines, but face threats from climate change and habitat loss. Conservation efforts and genomic research are shaping future resilience strategies.
Labour MPs have criticised the UK government's shift towards renewable energy, calling for increased North Sea oil and gas exploration. Meanwhile, US President Trump has urged Britain to open North Sea oil fields, arguing it will boost energy security amid tensions in the Middle East. The debate highlights tensions between energy independence and climate commitments.
Oil and gas companies have benefited from the Iran conflict, with profits reaching hundreds of billions of dollars. Major firms like Saudi Aramco, ExxonMobil, Shell, and Russian companies are experiencing record windfalls as oil prices stay high. Governments face pressure to impose windfall taxes to ease public burdens.
Recent studies show that climate change is extending fire seasons, increasing wildfire intensity, and making fires harder to control across the US. Record droughts, dead trees, and drier air are fueling larger, more frequent wildfires, especially in the East and West, with fires now lasting later into the night.
G7 environment ministers have agreed to prioritize biodiversity and ocean conservation at their meeting, avoiding direct discussion of climate change due to the U.S. administration's stance. France aims to boost funding for African national parks, while activists criticize the decision to sideline climate issues.