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Climate Change and El Niño Produce World’s Hottest Days

After a historically warm June 2023, as well as record-breaking hot days in July, some headlines suggested that these heat events were solely due to climate change. While climate change has driven the vast majority of this heat, a significant portion is also due to El Niño: a natural phenomenon in the tropical Pacific Ocean that impacts global weather patterns and slightly boosts temperatures.

This episode of “Tip of the Iceberg” breaks down recent extreme heat events from around the world, explains the role of El Niño, and contemplates why neglecting to cover El Niño’s influence could reduce enthusiasm for climate action.

More From Tip of the Iceberg

Opinion: Blame and Finger-Pointing Don’t Solve Environmental Disasters

August 17, 2023

When a Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous materials derailed in East Palestine, a national debate was sparked over who was to blame.

Amid Severe Drought, Arizona Turns to Sustainable Farming

July 26, 2023

As temperatures continue to soar in the Southwest and freshwater supplies dwindle, locals are turning to Indigenous farming practices.

Unenforced Building Codes Worsened the Impacts of the Earthquake That Hit Turkey and Syria

July 12, 2023

Turkey and Syria’s fragile infrastructure includes multiple layers of disregarding the region’s vulnerability to earthquakes.

Gen-Z Plaintiffs Impress in Montana’s Constitutional Climate Trial

July 6, 2023

The Held V. Montana case made international headlines for the plaintiffs’ ages, and the historic nature of a constitutional climate case.

Wildfires Can Be Mitigated, Even in a Changing Climate

June 29, 2023

Weeks of unprecedented wildfires across Canada have scorched millions of hectares and displaced over 100,000 people.

Permitting Reform: The Bipartisan Climate Issue of 2023

June 14, 2023

Permitting reform may be the hot topic of the summer, with both Republican and Democratic legislators putting forth proposals.

39% of Climate Scientists Report Online Harassment

June 7, 2023

A recent survey from Global Witness found over a third of climate scientists have experienced online harassment or abuse.

Arizona v. Navajo Nation: A Crucial Legal Battle Amidst the Southwest’s Drought Crisis

May 31, 2023

The Navajo Nation is involved in a Supreme Court case about water access on the reservation. How will the justices rule?

Solutions Abound in the Latest IPCC Report

May 25, 2023

The 2023 IPCC synthesis report outlines optimistic solutions to the climate crisis, which seemed to be buried under doom-and-gloom headlines.

Willow Snatched the Spotlight from a Massive Climate Win

May 19, 2023

A drilling project in Alaska’s North Slope was approved, leading to outrage over social media. But why do many locals support Willow?

Blame Versus Accountability: Responding to the East Palestine Train Derailment

May 10, 2023

After a train derailed and spilled over 100,000 gallons of chemicals, accountability and common ground are needed in Ohio.

Earthquake Solutions Are Climate Solutions

May 4, 2023

In reflecting on the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake, it's clear that many earthquake solutions also happen to be climate solutions.

Five Signs of Nuclear Fusion Progress Around the World

April 19, 2023

Despite the demand and capacity for renewable energy increasing, nuclear fusion is not yet available for mass production.

Nuclear Fusion Is Not the “Holy Grail” of Clean Energy

April 19, 2023

A nuclear fusion reaction created a net gain of energy for the first time, but there's still a long way to go before this technology is implemented.

How Climate Change May Impact Winter Storms

April 12, 2023

This latest winter season in the U.S. included extreme rains and flooding. How did climate change affect these extreme weather events?

Stop Calling Storms “Once-in-a-Generation”

April 12, 2023

Winter Storm Elliot in December of 2022 brought up the question of whether a "once-in-a-generation" label is accurate for weather events.

How the UN Biodiversity Conference Impacts Indigenous Communities

April 5, 2023

During COP15, Indigenous communities spoke about their integral role in land stewardship and conservation. They also requested more support.

The United States Hasn’t Ratified an Important Biodiversity Treaty

April 5, 2023

The United States has yet to ratify the treaty that established the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity.

COP27 Establishes Historic Loss and Damage Fund

March 29, 2023

Nearly 200 countries agreed to the ‘Loss and Damage Fund’ proposed at COP27, but the conference’s outcome still had limitations.

New Loss and Damage Fund Is a Win-Win

March 29, 2023

A new fund to help developing countries recovering from climate change was created at COP27. Why is this beneficial, even for the U.S.?

COP27’s Indigenous Turnout Could Help Nature-Based Solutions

March 23, 2023

Nature-based solutions were a headline of COP27. How can world leaders ensure Indigenous stewardship and land rights moving forward?

No, the 1.5°C Climate Target Is Not Dead

March 23, 2023

COP27's agreement did not include India's proposal for a phase down of fossil fuels, but there is still a chance for optimism and hope.

Was “Implementation” the Right Theme for COP27?

March 15, 2023

Ethan Brown analyzes the plans presented at the United Nations COP27 and identifies which issues still require solutions to be found.

Why Was COP27 Accused of Greenwashing?

March 15, 2023

Limited access for community groups and a sponsorship from large plastic producer Coca Cola are among the reasons COP27 was accused of greenwashing.

Opinion: Are Big Banks Really Climate Activists?

March 8, 2023

An October 2022 subpoena of six banks overemphasized the climate efforts of big banks when in fact they’re still conducting business as usual.