CLIMATE CHANGE

Help us report on the mental strain of climate change

Investing in green energy earlier would have meant cheaper electricity now, the boss of Octopus energy says.

One 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.

Calling the deadly rainfall and flash floods “apocalyptic,” Pakistan’s climate minister called on global partners to scale up their emissions efforts.

More than 1,000 people have died since monsoons began in June, with new floods this week.

The U.S. Senate’s Inflation Reduction Act passed over the weekend contains several climate provisions that could help some Central Florida coastal communities.

New Zealand Climate Plan FILE - New Zealand's Climate Change Minister James Shaw speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in his office in Wellington, New Zealand, Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021. (AP Photo/Sam James, File) (Sam James)WELLINGTON, New Zealand — (AP) — New Zealand's government on Wednesday released its first-ever climate adaptation plan, which includes the possibility of moving some communities to higher ground. Climate Change Minister James Shaw told reporters that about 70,000 coastal homes in New Zealand were at risk from rising seas, and many more inland homes were at risk from flooding rivers. He said New Zealand had been slow to adapt to climate change, which would end up costing more money over time. “We had to start somewhere.”The National Adaptation Plan includes the possible relocation of low-lying homes and assets as rising seas and increased storms make flooding more common.

Unless ‘climate change’ becomes a non-issue... there may be no moment when we can declare victory." Since then, the approach has softened as the impact of climate change has become more apparent. “The debate (over climate change) was manufactured by the fossil fuel industry in the 1990s, and we are living with that history right now." While the percentage of overall Americans who say they're concerned about climate change has risen, Republicans are increasingly skeptical. The trade group was behind the 1998 “victory memo" that laid out the industry's strategy to respond to concerns about climate change.

Since 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 collected from restaurants near Orlando area attractions is being collected and converted into a fuel that can help fly the tourists who visit there.

Did you see me “Showing My Stripes” this week? I posted the picture above on Facebook and other social media sites Tuesday afternoon.

Dealing with a decline in sea ice, the bears are changing the way they hunt in order to survive.

The federal government is investing in machines that suck giant amounts of carbon dioxide out of the air in the hopes of reducing damage from climate change.

Since 1970 the average temperature in Orlando has gone up 1.5 degrees. For Florida as a whole the warming is even higher.

You 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?

With 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.

This week in Forecasting Change, we look at the prolonged "megadrought" in the West.

The 21st century tornado problem is far different from ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ Killer tornadoes hit the Southeast far more than they do in Kansas, Oklahoma or Texas.

Parts of Antarctica Friday hit 70 degrees warmer than normal.

Hurricane Harvey dumped more than 50 inches of rain on parts of the Texas coast in 2017.

We 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?

Now 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?

Think 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?

A 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.

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.

If you just finished watching our latest episode of “Solutionaries,” then you know we focused on the environment and all things climate change-related.

Cities, especially urban ones, are often plagued by an issue most commonly referred to as heat islands.

Environmental 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.

If you’ve walked through a heavily populated city with a bustling downtown in the middle of summer, then you know just how hot it can be.

Climate change is an issue affecting everyone and just about everything.

Mountain glaciers may have less ice than previously thought, according to a study published Monday in the journal Nature, straining the world’s freshwater supply.

Falling snow is not a common sight in Central Florida.

If you’re a coffee lover or a self-proclaimed addict, you might rate its level of importance on your daily life fairly high.

When 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.

The City of Orlando is taking drastic steps to lower its carbon footprint by transforming its entire fleet of vehicles to electric or natural gas.

"It’s a sign of hope that it’s doing well, and we need to keep protecting it," said marine biologist Gareth Philips.

The 2021 Florida Energy and Climate Summit kicked off Tuesday in Orlando.

Jera Slaughter stands outside her high-rise apartment building on Lake Michigan that has been affected by erosion

Earlier this year, a section of cliff and some homes' gardens were lost to a beach below.

Executives from Chevron, Exxon, Shell, BP, the American Petroleum Institute and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will speak for the first time about reports that they tried to mislead the public about climate change.

Bangladesh says it will present its “climate prosperity plan” aimed at mitigating the effects of global warming on economic development at the forthcoming U.N. climate talks in Glasgow

Biden unveiled a report on Friday to fight the threat climate change poses to the economy, with a top economist saying "inaction is not an option."

New Zealand AP Interview James Shaw New Zealand's Climate Change Minister James Shaw speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in his office in Wellington, New Zealand, Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021. But when it comes to dealing with a slower-moving threat like climate change, he says, we're "terribly bad." (AP Photo/Sam James) (Sam James)WELLINGTON, New Zealand — (AP) — The coronavirus pandemic has shown that humans are very good at responding to an immediate crisis, says New Zealand's Climate Change Minister James Shaw. But it has also faced criticism for talking a lot about climate change and not taking action quickly enough. He said the Cook Islands, for instance, spends about a quarter of its national budget on mitigating the effects of climate change.

New Zealand AP Interview James Shaw New Zealand's Climate Change Minister James Shaw speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in his office in Wellington, New Zealand, Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021. But when it comes to dealing with a slower-moving threat like climate change, he says, we're "terribly bad." (AP Photo/Sam James) (Sam James)WELLINGTON, New Zealand — (AP) — The coronavirus pandemic has shown that humans are very good at responding to an immediate crisis, says New Zealand's Climate Change Minister James Shaw. But it has also faced criticism for talking a lot about climate change and not taking action quickly enough. He said the Cook Islands, for instance, spends about a quarter of its national budget on mitigating the effects of climate change.

As weather becomes more extreme and unpredictable caused by climate change, transit officials say that more needs to be done to prepare the East Coast's vital transit systems. In China, Premier Li Keqiang has pledged to hold officials accountable after 14 people died and hundreds of others were trapped in a flooded subway line in Zhengzhou in July. But there are no concrete proposals yet for what might be done to prevent deadly subway flooding. Copenhagen's underground City Circle Line, which was completed in 2019, features heavy flood gates, raised entryways and other climate change adaptations. But that mammoth spending bill, which includes money for climate change preparedness, is still being negotiated in Congress.

As weather becomes more extreme and unpredictable caused by climate change, transit officials say that more needs to be done to prepare the East Coast's vital transit systems. In China, Premier Li Keqiang has pledged to hold officials accountable after 14 people died and hundreds of others were trapped in a flooded subway line in Zhengzhou in July. But there are no concrete proposals yet for what might be done to prevent deadly subway flooding. Copenhagen's underground City Circle Line, which was completed in 2019, features heavy flood gates, raised entryways and other climate change adaptations. But that mammoth spending bill, which includes money for climate change preparedness, is still being negotiated in Congress.

A grassroots effort involving veterans in dive gear has its sights set on saving Florida’s coral from the brink of extinction.

Meteorological summer came to an end this week. Long story short, it was a hot one.

A new report warns that outdoor workers are at risk of lost wages and dire health consequences if greenhouse gas pollution continues. People of color are especially vulnerable to harm.

As the drought worsens across the West, cattle ranchers are among those feeling the pain.

This week in Forecasting Change we take a look at “Extreme Weather.”

Forecasters explain the impact climate change is having on storms.

Florida will spend hundreds of millions of dollars over the next few years to protect against coastal flooding under a bill signed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.

If you’re known to blindly toss anything paper or plastic into the recycling bin, you’re probably not alone.

The consequences that come with deforestation affect everything from nutrition to infections.

In advance of Earth Day, Major Garrett investigates where the U.S. and the world stand in the fight against climate change.

The City of Orlando in partnership with the Orlando Utilities Commission, along with American Cities Climate Change, installed 100 new EV stations throughout Orlando.

There 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.

(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.

ORLANDO, 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.

Bill Gates says climate change is biggest challenge ever faced by humanity "The amount of change, new ideas. It's way greater than the pandemic. And it needs a level of cooperation that would be unprecedented," Gates tells Anderson Cooper about combating climate change. See the interview, Sunday on "60 Minutes."

What it would take to reach 1 million COVID vaccinations a day

Brian Sicknick, officer who died after riot, to lie in honor at Capitol

"It's time to act": Biden rolls out new actions on climate change

"It's time to act": Biden rolls out new actions on climate change

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.

This 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.)

“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.

ORLANDO, 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.

“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.

Don 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.

After seven years of debate, President Obama has handed environmentalists a victory. He denied permission to move forward on the Keystone XL Pipeline. According to the president, his decision was based on his belief the 1,100 mile pipeline between Canada and the Gulf of Mexico would undermine American leadership on climate change.

Ahead of Earth Day, the president wants America to focus on the dangers of global warming