Strong El Nino threatens global food supplies
The El Nino weather pattern has officially arrived, and forecasters warn that this event could be one of the strongest in decades. Australia's weather bureau declared the pattern underway, with global forecasters predicting disrupted rainfall, higher temperatures, and risks to crops from cocoa to coffee. India's Mumbai began rationing water supply as June rainfall hit a 12-year low. The UN's food agencies are seeking $202 million to shield 8.8 million people from El Nino's effects.
Tropical Storm Arthur forms near Texas coast
Tropical Storm Arthur formed near the Texas coast, threatening life-threatening flash flooding across the Gulf region. The storm forced the closure of Houston's World Cup Fan Festival as wild weather set to hit the area. The storm is the first named system of what is forecast to be a below-average hurricane season, due in part to the strong El Nino's tendency to suppress Atlantic hurricane formation.
Scientists identify reefs that can survive climate change
In a rare piece of positive environmental news, scientists have identified 64,000 square miles of coral reef capable of surviving the climate crisis. The reefs, located in areas with favorable ocean conditions, could serve as refuges for marine biodiversity. Separately, UNICEF reported that almost all of the world's children are now exposed to at least one climate hazard, with 1.8 billion threatened by droughts and 1.2 billion by extreme heat. Formula One also announced a 35% drop in its carbon footprint since 2018.