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Amazon Rainforest Experiences Rapid Increase in Climate Extremes, New Region of Concern Identified

Amazon Rainforest Experiences Rapid Increase in Climate Extremes, New Region of Concern Identified

The Amazon rainforest is undergoing a rapid increase in climate extremes, with a new region in the central-northern Amazon identified as experiencing the greatest rates of increase in extreme temperature and vapor-pressure deficit (VPD). While the southern Amazon has been recognized as the fastest-warming region on average, this central-northern area, rich in forest cover, native savannas, and indigenous territories, is now showing alarming rates of change in extreme conditions. Over the past 43 years (1981-2023), the 95th percentile of mean temperatures in the Amazon increased by at least 0.30 °C per decade, totaling 1.29 °C. During the driest periods, the maximum temperature at the 95th percentile increased by 0.49 °C per decade, a 2.11 °C rise over 43 years, which is 2.34 times higher than the annual mean central trend. VPD also saw significant increases, with the 95th percentiles rising about one-third higher than the central trend. These changes are driving significant reductions in maximum cumulative...

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Historic El Niño could bring heavy winter storms

Historic El Niño could bring heavy winter storms

NOAA predicts a historic El Niño this winter, bringing higher chances of heavy rain and flooding to California.

Old Farmer's Almanac Predicts Milder U.S. Winter with Regional Snow Variations

Old Farmer's Almanac Predicts Milder U.S. Winter with Regional Snow Variations

The Old Farmer's Almanac forecasts a predominantly mild winter for the U.S. during the 2026-2027 season, influenced by a strong El Niño event. This climate phenomenon, characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific, is expected to alter jet stream patterns, leading to wetter conditions in the West and South and drier weather in some northern regions. The Almanac predicts above-normal snowfall in the Northeast, Appalachians, Intermountain West, Pacific Northwest, and Alaska, while the Southern states are likely to experience a mild winter with minimal snowfall. NOAA's August outlook aligns with these predictions, indicating a 90% chance of a very strong El Niño event this fall and winter.

Brazil's Flávio Bolsonaro under graft, money laundering, tax evasion probe over payments from banker

Brazil's Flávio Bolsonaro under graft, money laundering, tax evasion probe over payments from banker

Brazilian presidential candidate Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro is under investigation for corruption, money laundering and tax evasion for receiving millions of dollars from a disgraced banker to finance a movie about his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro

Cuban Doctors File Lawsuit Against Pan American Health Organization Alleging Forced Labor

Cuban Doctors File Lawsuit Against Pan American Health Organization Alleging Forced Labor

A group of Cuban doctors, now residing in the U.S., has filed a lawsuit seeking $129 million in damages from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). The lawsuit alleges that 3,500 Cuban doctors were subjected to forced labor during their deployment to Brazil between 2013 and 2018. According to the plaintiffs, the Cuban government earned over $2.3 billion from their services but paid the doctors less than 10% of their wages. The doctors claim they were not informed that 90% of their earnings would be withheld by the Cuban government. They also report being under constant surveillance by Cuban intelligence, pressured to spy on Brazil, and threatened with an eight-year ban from returning to Cuba if they left their missions. In some cases, family members in Cuba were allegedly held hostage. PAHO, partly financed by the U.S. government, is accused of acting as the financial intermediary, charging a 5% handling fee for brokering these medical missions. The U.S. State Department has previously characterized ...

Latin American Merchants Face Significant eCommerce Revenue Loss Due to Chargebacks

Latin American Merchants Face Significant eCommerce Revenue Loss Due to Chargebacks

Latin American Merchants Face Significant eCommerce Revenue Loss Due to Chargebacks

Lake Mead Water Levels Stabilize After Record Lows

Lake Mead Water Levels Stabilize After Record Lows

Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States, has shown signs of stabilization after reaching record-low water levels earlier this year. As of September 10, 2026, the reservoir stands at 1,038.83 feet above sea level, approximately 190 feet below its full-pool elevation. This follows a year of severe drought and long-term strain on the Colorado River system. Federal projections suggest that while the rapid seasonal decline has slowed, the reservoir remains under significant pressure. Seasonal patterns typically see water levels flattening in late summer, with potential increases during winter snowpack accumulation. However, experts caution that even a strong El Niño event this winter may only provide temporary relief, as the basin faces structural water shortages due to decades of overuse and climate change.

El Niño Expected to Bring Wetter Conditions to Southern California, Scientists Monitor Potential 'Super' Event

El Niño Expected to Bring Wetter Conditions to Southern California, Scientists Monitor Potential 'Super' Event

Southern California is bracing for a potentially significant El Niño event, a natural climate pattern originating in the tropical Pacific Ocean. El Niño is characterized by unusually warm water near the equator, which can alter global weather patterns. This phenomenon is part of the larger El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle, with its counterpart, La Niña, involving cooler water in the same region. While La Niña typically leads to drier conditions in Southern California, El Niño often brings increased rainfall, larger surf, coastal flooding, and warmer ocean temperatures. Scientists from UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography are closely monitoring the current El Niño, with forecast models indicating a moderate-to-large event, and some suggesting it could be the strongest in 150 years. Sea-surface temperatures in the relevant Pacific region are currently 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit above average, leading to a greater than 90% probability of a very strong El Niño during the fall and winter.

Strong El Niño to Reshape U.S. Winter Weather Patterns

Strong El Niño to Reshape U.S. Winter Weather Patterns

A strong El Niño event is developing, with a 90% chance of reaching historic intensity during the 2026-27 winter season. This climate pattern is expected to bring wetter conditions to the southern United States, while the northern Plains and Rockies may experience warmer and drier weather. The phenomenon, caused by warming waters in the equatorial Pacific, is influencing jet streams and altering precipitation and temperature trends across the country.

Indigenous Territories in Ecuador's Amazon Match Official Reserves in Forest Protection

Indigenous Territories in Ecuador's Amazon Match Official Reserves in Forest Protection

A recent study highlights that indigenous territories within the Ecuadorian Amazon are as effective as, if not more effective than, formally designated conservation areas in protecting forest health. The research indicates that in northern Ecuador, 78.6% of analyzed pixels in government-protected forests showed declining vegetation greenness, compared to 57.1% in indigenous territories. This suggests that community-led stewardship is a powerful and legitimate conservation strategy. The Amazon rainforest, spanning across several South American countries including Ecuador, is a critical global ecosystem, home to diverse plant and animal species, and plays a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide and regulating the planet's climate. However, it faces significant threats from human activities such as deforestation, oil exploration, and agriculture. The study underscores the importance of local participation and governance in sustainable forest management.

Brazil Explores China as Carbon Credit Buyer, Aims for Bilateral Accord by COP31

Brazil Explores China as Carbon Credit Buyer, Aims for Bilateral Accord by COP31

Brazil is actively pursuing China as a potential buyer for its carbon credits, with high-level discussions scheduled to take place in Wuhan from September 14 to 18. Brazilian carbon market secretary Cristina Reis indicated that the goal is to finalize a bilateral carbon market agreement by the COP31 global climate summit in November 2026. This initiative is part of a broader effort involving a Brazil-China-EU coalition of carbon market jurisdictions, which collectively cover approximately 42% of global emissions. This coalition is set to approve a work plan aimed at gradually aligning and integrating their trading systems. The trip to China will also assess whether China could become a buyer of internationally transferred mitigation outcomes (ITMOs), a type of carbon credit that contributes to countries' official emission tallies under the Paris Agreement. Currently, Brazil's carbon credits are primarily traded in voluntary markets, but new legislation approved in 2024 will enable Brazil to implement its o...

US Records Warmest Summer in History, NOAA Reports

US Records Warmest Summer in History, NOAA Reports

The United States experienced its hottest summer on record during the meteorological summer of 2026, spanning June to August. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the average temperature was 74.4°F (23.6°C), surpassing previous records set in 1936 and 2021 by 0.4°F. This year also marked the warmest August since records began in 1895, with an average temperature of 75.6°F. Most of the mainland United States saw above-average temperatures, with only parts of the northern Plains and Midwest experiencing near-average conditions. The trend is attributed to human-induced climate change and the intensifying El Niño pattern, which is expected to bring record heat in 2027 and potentially make 2026 the hottest year on record.