climate

New data indicates the current El Niño is the strongest ever recorded, driving a major shift in global weather patterns. The development is expected to bring intensified droughts, floods and heatwaves to different regions, and scientists are closely monitoring how the unusually powerful event will affect temperatures, agriculture and extreme weather worldwide in the months ahead.

Attention is focused on claims that the current El Niño event is unlike anything previously observed. Commentators describe it as unprecedented in strength or behaviour, raising concerns about extreme weather, record global temperatures, and impacts on agriculture and ecosystems worldwide. Many are calling for closer monitoring of how this exceptional pattern could shape climate conditions in the months ahead.

The UN General Assembly's annual high-level week is underway in New York, an event often called the biggest gathering in world diplomacy. Heads of state and government from nearly every country converge to deliver speeches, hold side meetings and negotiate on conflicts, climate and development. Observers are focused on which leaders attend, what major addresses signal, and what bilateral meetings on the margins may produce for global affairs.

Germany has for the first time formally committed to phasing out fossil fuels, setting a target date of 2045. The pledge, reported by the Guardian, marks a significant step in the country's climate policy and has drawn attention internationally as one of Europe's largest economies commits to ending reliance on coal, oil and gas.

The sixth and final day of the UN General Debate has concluded in New York, with speakers and organisers urging member states to convert the week's promises into concrete measures. UN News's daily wrap-up highlighted the closing message that declarations on climate, peace and development must now be matched by delivery back home.

The European Union plans to delay its methane emissions rules following opposition from member governments, according to Reuters. The postponement affects measures targeting methane leaks, a potent greenhouse gas, and highlights resistance within the bloc to parts of its climate agenda. The move is likely to draw criticism from environmental groups and scrutiny of the EU's commitment to its emissions reduction targets.

World leaders continued addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York on the sixth day of the annual high-level debate. The sessions, broadcast live, feature speeches from heads of state and government on topics ranging from conflict and security to climate and development, drawing international attention to the diplomatic calendar's most prominent gathering.

Powerful storms are striking opposite sides of the United States at the same time, and meteorologists point to El Niño as the driving force. The climate pattern, marked by warmer Pacific waters, is reshaping jet streams and fueling severe weather on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, drawing wide attention to its growing impact.

World leaders, citing climate change as an existential threat, are demanding that the United Nations function effectively on the issue. The call reflects frustration among governments over stalled international climate action and the UN's struggles to deliver coordinated global responses to warming, extreme weather and rising sea levels affecting member states.

US Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito has recused himself from a major climate-change case just days before it was set to be heard. The New York Times reported the surprise withdrawal, which removes one justice from proceedings that could shape how climate litigation proceeds in the United States. No reason for the recusal was given in the initial reporting, and legal observers are watching closely for what it means for the case's outcome.

Climate activists are protesting the rapid expansion of AI data centers and Amazon's plan to build what would be the largest gas power plant in the United States, arguing the tech boom is driving new fossil fuel infrastructure. Critics say the enormous energy demands of artificial intelligence are being met with gas rather than renewables, and campaigns against data center projects are gaining attention.

The Trump administration is moving to roll back clean car regulations that were designed to reduce climate-warming emissions from vehicles. The plan would weaken emissions standards for cars and light trucks, reversing one of the flagship US climate policies of recent years. Environmental groups are expected to oppose the move, while automakers face uncertainty over which rules will apply.

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito has recused himself from a major climate change case the Court is set to decide. No reason for the recusal was given in the report, but his withdrawal means the case will be decided by the remaining eight justices, potentially increasing the chance of a split ruling on an issue with far-reaching environmental and regulatory consequences.

Scientists are developing new ways to control mosquitoes, the animal that kills more people than any other on Earth. As the climate warms, mosquito seasons are growing longer, giving the insects more time to spread dangerous diseases such as malaria and dengue. Reports highlight how extended warm periods are expanding the threat to new regions and prompting research into novel control methods.

The Trump administration has sharply scaled back federal fuel economy requirements for new cars, easing standards that pushed automakers toward more efficient vehicles. The rollback is expected to lower compliance costs for carmakers while raising long-term fuel consumption and emissions, drawing criticism from environmental groups and praise from parts of the auto industry.

Analysts are explaining the consequences of global warming surpassing the 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement. Crossing this limit is tied to more severe heatwaves, droughts, and sea-level rise, and would signal that governments have fallen short of their climate pledges. Commentators stress the milestone carries both symbolic and practical weight for global climate policy.

US Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito will no longer take part in a pending climate change case before the court. The announcement, reported by SCOTUSblog, removes one justice from a dispute with potential consequences for climate regulation, leaving eight justices to decide the outcome. Reasons for the withdrawal were not stated in the report.

The 2023-24 El Niño is described as record-shattering, with analysis of its wide-ranging effects on global temperatures, weather patterns and ecosystems. The event has driven exceptional ocean warming in the tropical Pacific, contributing to record global heat, shifts in rainfall, droughts and flooding in various regions, and stress on fisheries and agriculture. Commentators are weighing how much of the recent temperature surge should be attributed to El Niño versus longer-term climate change.

The Trump administration has moved to sharply scale back US fuel economy standards, easing requirements that automakers improve the efficiency of cars and light trucks. The rollback, reported by The New York Times, is likely to be welcomed by carmakers seeking lower compliance costs but criticised by environmental groups who say it will increase emissions and fuel consumption.

Leaders of Pacific island nations used their addresses at the UN General Assembly to highlight the existential threats climate change poses to their countries, including rising sea levels and extreme weather. They urged the international community to take stronger action on emissions and to support vulnerable states facing displacement and loss of land.

Italy and the Czech Republic are preparing to call on the European Union to soften its rules on carbon permits and energy supply, according to a Reuters report. The joint push signals growing resistance within the bloc to strict emissions trading requirements, amid concerns over energy costs and security of supply. The move could complicate the EU's green transition agenda and will be watched closely by other member states.

The Vatican has formally described the destruction of the environment as an 'ecological sin', a move championed by Pope Francis as part of his push to make climate protection a moral and religious duty. The framing, promoted through France 24's 'Down to Earth' programme, has drawn attention to how the Catholic Church is seeking to mobilise its global followers around environmental responsibility and the ethics of caring for the planet.

The United Nations has declared that solving climate change is a 'decisive test of global solidarity', framing collective action on emissions and adaptation as the defining challenge for international cooperation. The statement underscores growing pressure on governments to deliver coordinated commitments, with the UN urging countries to set aside divisions and treat the climate crisis as a shared responsibility requiring joint effort.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres used his final address to the UN General Assembly to warn that superpowers alone cannot solve the world's problems, touching on climate change and global cooperation. The speech, covered by The Guardian, is being shared widely as it marks the end of his tenure and delivers a pointed message to major powers about shared responsibility.