Unlocking the Secrets of 2024’s Warming: How NASA’s Insights Could Transform Climate Understanding – WEIS Local News, Sports & Weather

The climate crisis is here, and it’s affecting our lives directly. Hurricanes are getting stronger, wildfires are more frequent, and flooding is damaging homes. Plus, heat waves are changing how we live.

The silver lining? We have the knowledge to change this course. However, figuring out what steps to take can feel overwhelming with all the news and research coming our way.

That’s where the ABC News Climate and Weather Unit comes in. We aim to simplify the information, keeping you informed about what you need to protect your loved ones and your community. Our goal is to provide clear insights to help you deal with today’s and tomorrow’s climate challenges.

Navigating the Climate Changes: What’s Causing the Heat Spike?

Last year, 2024 shattered records as the hottest year the planet has seen. This worrying trend is largely due to the ongoing El Niño, mixed with long-term global warming. This combination has led to an unexpected rise in global temperatures.

Nasa’s latest satellite, PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem), will collect data that could explain how changes in atmospheric particles affect Earth’s energy balance. This new information could help scientists understand what’s contributing to rising temperatures.

Learn more about PACE here.

– Reported by Dan Peck, ABC News meteorologist

School Closures Affect Millions Due to Extreme Weather

A recent UNICEF report highlights a major issue: extreme weather disrupted education for about 250 million children worldwide last year. This adds to the growing learning crisis around the globe.

At least 242 million students from 85 nations faced school interruptions due to heat waves, storms, flooding, and other climate disasters. In fact, over 118 million students were affected by severe heat alone last April, particularly in South Asia.

September proved to be another tough month, with weather events like Typhoon Yagi leading to school suspensions in 16 countries. Most affected students were in low-income nations, but no region was untouched by the climate crisis.

UNICEF emphasizes the importance of considering education in climate discussions. As extreme weather continues to rise, it threatens not just children’s health and safety, but their futures as well.

– Reported by Kelly Livingston, ABC News climate unit

Funding Climate Obligations After the Paris Agreement Withdrawal

After President Trump announced plans to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, Bloomberg Philanthropies stepped in. They, along with other organizations, pledged to help ensure the U.S. meets its climate commitments.

Simon Stiell, of the United Nations, stated that these contributions are vital in supporting countries to fulfill their climate goals. Trump’s previous withdrawal from the agreement was based on concerns over job losses and economic costs, but clean energy jobs have seen rapid growth since then.

Michael Bloomberg, a key figure in the climate action movement, is determined to assist states and cities in cutting greenhouse gas emissions by a substantial margin by 2035. He emphasized that more Americans are feeling the impacts of climate disasters, and the push for clean energy is crucial for both the economy and the environment.

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