Helen Jackson
@helenj.bsky.social
I'm using #AI/#NLP/#LLMs to monitor how climate change is affecting human welfare and economic activity worldwide with ClimateNode: https://www.climatenode.org. Mostly posting #extremeweather news #climaterisk
I just want to thank everyone on Bluesky who behaves like a normal human being with compassion, tolerance, humour, intelligence and equanimity. I'm sure I can't be the only one who wants social media to be more like that. I am always very much reassured by your presence.
February 2, 2025 at 4:49 PM
I just want to thank everyone on Bluesky who behaves like a normal human being with compassion, tolerance, humour, intelligence and equanimity. I'm sure I can't be the only one who wants social media to be more like that. I am always very much reassured by your presence.
I expect the plan is to blame DEI when agencies can't respond to extreme weather emergencies because roads and bridges have been trashed
January 31, 2025 at 7:32 PM
I expect the plan is to blame DEI when agencies can't respond to extreme weather emergencies because roads and bridges have been trashed
"We can adapt", they say, except we're not - interesting views from two fire experts in California:
• neighbourhoods can be designed and hardened to stop embers spreading fires from house to house
• building codes failed to address this
www.latimes.com/california/s...
• neighbourhoods can be designed and hardened to stop embers spreading fires from house to house
• building codes failed to address this
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Inconvenient truths about the fires burning in Los Angeles from two fire experts
For years, renowned fire experts Jack Cohen and Stephen Pyne have tried to shift the conversation on fire prevention strategies. This week’s destruction, they say, could have been minimized.
www.latimes.com
January 12, 2025 at 9:31 AM
"We can adapt", they say, except we're not - interesting views from two fire experts in California:
• neighbourhoods can be designed and hardened to stop embers spreading fires from house to house
• building codes failed to address this
www.latimes.com/california/s...
• neighbourhoods can be designed and hardened to stop embers spreading fires from house to house
• building codes failed to address this
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Reposted by Helen Jackson
In recent decades, wildland fires have been enabled by many factors, including the legacy of fire suppression, human settlement and distribution patterns, other management actions, and even natural climate variability. 1/
January 10, 2025 at 7:19 PM
In recent decades, wildland fires have been enabled by many factors, including the legacy of fire suppression, human settlement and distribution patterns, other management actions, and even natural climate variability. 1/
Reposted by Helen Jackson
TL;DR version: #ClimateChange, while certainly not only relevant factor, has indeed increased risk of extreme CA #wildfires. The main reason is increasing temperatures & atmospheric "thirstiness," but increased precipitation "whiplash"/seasonal shifts is also an emerging factor.
January 9, 2025 at 10:07 PM
TL;DR version: #ClimateChange, while certainly not only relevant factor, has indeed increased risk of extreme CA #wildfires. The main reason is increasing temperatures & atmospheric "thirstiness," but increased precipitation "whiplash"/seasonal shifts is also an emerging factor.
Reposted by Helen Jackson
Is there a link between #ClimateChange & increasing risk/severity of #wildfire in California--including the still-unfolding disaster? Yes. Is climate change the only factor at play? No, of course not. So what's really going on? [Thread] #CAfire #CAwx #LAfires iopscience.iop.org/a...
January 9, 2025 at 10:05 PM
Is there a link between #ClimateChange & increasing risk/severity of #wildfire in California--including the still-unfolding disaster? Yes. Is climate change the only factor at play? No, of course not. So what's really going on? [Thread] #CAfire #CAwx #LAfires iopscience.iop.org/a...
Yet again, as with many other disasters, people stupidly fail to acknowledge that maybe BOTH there have been adaptation failures and climate change has been a factor. Los Angeles didn't used to have wildfires in winter. Grotesque, deliberate, politically-motivated stupidity.
January 9, 2025 at 11:58 AM
Yet again, as with many other disasters, people stupidly fail to acknowledge that maybe BOTH there have been adaptation failures and climate change has been a factor. Los Angeles didn't used to have wildfires in winter. Grotesque, deliberate, politically-motivated stupidity.
There needs to be a much stronger push for practical things to happen on the ground on climate adaptation from the climate movement. Otherwise it will cede that political space to its right wing critics.
January 9, 2025 at 9:58 AM
There needs to be a much stronger push for practical things to happen on the ground on climate adaptation from the climate movement. Otherwise it will cede that political space to its right wing critics.
"Hydrants are designed for fighting fires at one or two houses at a time, not hundreds". It is reasonable to ask why expanding the capacity of hydrant systems, given the growing threat from wildfires, has not been on anyone's radar.
apnews.com/article/wild...
apnews.com/article/wild...
Fire hydrants ran dry in Southern California just when they were needed most
Some Los Angeles fire hydrants ran dry in recent days as demand soared for water to quell fast-moving wildfires.
apnews.com
January 9, 2025 at 9:47 AM
"Hydrants are designed for fighting fires at one or two houses at a time, not hundreds". It is reasonable to ask why expanding the capacity of hydrant systems, given the growing threat from wildfires, has not been on anyone's radar.
apnews.com/article/wild...
apnews.com/article/wild...
People casually say we can just adapt to climate change, but the reality is that engineers can foresee a disaster 20 years out, draw up a plan to prevent it, but nothing happens, and 200+ people die
NEW: The largest map I've made at the @financialtimes.com, highlighting the tragic events in Valencia.
@barneyjopson.bsky.social report looks into the failed implementation of risk reduction plans, building on known flood zones and failure to heed warnings on the day
ft.com/content/6199...
#dataviz
@barneyjopson.bsky.social report looks into the failed implementation of risk reduction plans, building on known flood zones and failure to heed warnings on the day
ft.com/content/6199...
#dataviz
December 22, 2024 at 3:12 PM
People casually say we can just adapt to climate change, but the reality is that engineers can foresee a disaster 20 years out, draw up a plan to prevent it, but nothing happens, and 200+ people die
Reposted by Helen Jackson
What would you spend £10bn on, if you wanted to improve flood defences in the UK? Andrew's ideas:
Oh lord that’s a good question. Is that per year or over a few years?
First thing would be building a top class warning / response system - a lot of software and modelling, and pretty cheap.
Next, probably go to the most dangerous river catchments and pay hill farmers to store water on their land
First thing would be building a top class warning / response system - a lot of software and modelling, and pretty cheap.
Next, probably go to the most dangerous river catchments and pay hill farmers to store water on their land
November 26, 2024 at 9:15 AM
What would you spend £10bn on, if you wanted to improve flood defences in the UK? Andrew's ideas:
A pub, a rugby club and a lido flooded again after extensive refurbishment – are we being honest to at-risk communities about the likelihood of repeat flooding from now on?
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Pontypridd residents angry after Storm Bert causes flooding
In Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taf, residents say lessons have not been learned from Storm Dennis.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 25, 2024 at 10:13 AM
A pub, a rugby club and a lido flooded again after extensive refurbishment – are we being honest to at-risk communities about the likelihood of repeat flooding from now on?
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Insurers seeking to raise insurance rates by 42% on average in North Carolina; by 20% in areas recently affected by Helene
www.thenassauguardian.com/ap/business/...
www.thenassauguardian.com/ap/business/...
Home insurers argue for a 42% average premium hike in North Carolina
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — With many western North Carolina residents still lacking power and running water from Hurricane Helene, a hearing began Monday on the insurance industry’s request to raise
www.thenassauguardian.com
October 8, 2024 at 3:28 PM
Insurers seeking to raise insurance rates by 42% on average in North Carolina; by 20% in areas recently affected by Helene
www.thenassauguardian.com/ap/business/...
www.thenassauguardian.com/ap/business/...
"Critical situation" in Borno State, Nigeria, one month on from floods which affected 1 million + people: stagnant water, damage to infrastructure including schools; cholera outbreak
businessday.ng/life/article...
businessday.ng/life/article...
Borno faces critical situation, health emergency - Businessday NG
Borno State is faced with dire outbreak of diseases and dislocation of school calendar as well as infrastructure weeks after severe floods....
businessday.ng
October 8, 2024 at 8:18 AM
"Critical situation" in Borno State, Nigeria, one month on from floods which affected 1 million + people: stagnant water, damage to infrastructure including schools; cholera outbreak
businessday.ng/life/article...
businessday.ng/life/article...
Global river flows at the lowest levels in the 33-year history of the UN's State of Global Water Resources in 2023
"Overall, 50% of global catchment areas showed abnormal conditions, with most being in deficit & reducing water availability for agriculture and industry"
www.scmp.com/news/world/a...
"Overall, 50% of global catchment areas showed abnormal conditions, with most being in deficit & reducing water availability for agriculture and industry"
www.scmp.com/news/world/a...
Record low river flows in 2023 threaten global water supplies, UN warns
This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for action to protect water resources in a changing climate.
www.scmp.com
October 7, 2024 at 3:59 PM
Global river flows at the lowest levels in the 33-year history of the UN's State of Global Water Resources in 2023
"Overall, 50% of global catchment areas showed abnormal conditions, with most being in deficit & reducing water availability for agriculture and industry"
www.scmp.com/news/world/a...
"Overall, 50% of global catchment areas showed abnormal conditions, with most being in deficit & reducing water availability for agriculture and industry"
www.scmp.com/news/world/a...
Flooding and landslides in Bosnia
apnews.com/article/floo...
apnews.com/article/floo...
Rainstorms and heavy floods hit large parts of Bosnia, killing at least 14 people
A severe rainstorm struck Bosnia overnight Friday, killing at least 14 people and flooding several towns and villages in central and southern parts of the country.
apnews.com
October 4, 2024 at 2:29 PM
Flooding and landslides in Bosnia
apnews.com/article/floo...
apnews.com/article/floo...
Tennessee authorities investigating factory which didn't allow its workers to leave in time to escape danger from Hurricane Helene, resulting in fatalities
wpln.org/post/helenes...
wpln.org/post/helenes...
Helene's flooding swept away 11 workers at a Tennessee factory. Now the state is investigating.
A Tennessee Bureau of Investigation spokesperson said Wednesday that the agency is investigating allegations involving Impact Plastics at the direction of the local prosecutor.
wpln.org
October 4, 2024 at 12:08 PM
Tennessee authorities investigating factory which didn't allow its workers to leave in time to escape danger from Hurricane Helene, resulting in fatalities
wpln.org/post/helenes...
wpln.org/post/helenes...
China taking scientific approach to making wine industry resilient to climate change
www.ibtimes.com.au/china-wine-i...
www.ibtimes.com.au/china-wine-i...
China Wine Industry Looks To Breed Climate Resilience
At a laboratory in Beijing, purple and green hybrid-species grapes are laid out on a board for testing, part of the strategy China's nascent wine industry is using to try to combat climate challenges.
www.ibtimes.com.au
October 4, 2024 at 12:02 PM
China taking scientific approach to making wine industry resilient to climate change
www.ibtimes.com.au/china-wine-i...
www.ibtimes.com.au/china-wine-i...
Fatalities, flooding and collapsed buildings in Acapulco from Hurricane John, less than a year on from Hurricane Otis
mexiconewsdaily.com/news/sheinba...
mexiconewsdaily.com/news/sheinba...
Residents plead with Sheinbaum for help in flooded Acapulco
New Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum's first official visit was to a disaster zone Wednesday, to assess storm damage from Hurricane John.
mexiconewsdaily.com
October 4, 2024 at 11:40 AM
Fatalities, flooding and collapsed buildings in Acapulco from Hurricane John, less than a year on from Hurricane Otis
mexiconewsdaily.com/news/sheinba...
mexiconewsdaily.com/news/sheinba...
North Carolina election officials say they will do everything in their power to function normally for the presidential election as 12 county election offices remain closed
www.theoaklandpress.com/2024/10/01/h...
www.theoaklandpress.com/2024/10/01/h...
Key swing state election faces ‘daunting’ level of uncertainty after storm ravages multiple counties
The level of destruction could have far-reaching implications beyond the immediate damage to the flooded communities, especially if it has any impact on voting.
www.theoaklandpress.com
October 4, 2024 at 11:35 AM
North Carolina election officials say they will do everything in their power to function normally for the presidential election as 12 county election offices remain closed
www.theoaklandpress.com/2024/10/01/h...
www.theoaklandpress.com/2024/10/01/h...
State of emergency in Dunedin following wettest day in over 100 years
www.9news.com.au/world/wettes...
www.9news.com.au/world/wettes...
Streets flooded as NZ city cops biggest soaking in 100 years
www.9news.com.au
October 4, 2024 at 10:46 AM
State of emergency in Dunedin following wettest day in over 100 years
www.9news.com.au/world/wettes...
www.9news.com.au/world/wettes...
Severe flooding and landslides in Nepal not getting any attention in the Western press:
"The physical damage has been simply staggering", says Himalayan Times
thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/nation...
"The physical damage has been simply staggering", says Himalayan Times
thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/nation...
Nation-wide floods and landslide: What is the way forward?
At a time when the country was preparing for the celebration of the national festivals Dashain, Tihar and Chhath, it had to face what is perhaps the worst spate of floods and landslides in the country...
thehimalayantimes.com
October 3, 2024 at 4:44 PM
Severe flooding and landslides in Nepal not getting any attention in the Western press:
"The physical damage has been simply staggering", says Himalayan Times
thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/nation...
"The physical damage has been simply staggering", says Himalayan Times
thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/nation...
Society of Hop Research in Germany figuring out which varieties will be resilient to a changing climate
japantoday.com/category/fea...
japantoday.com/category/fea...
Brewing cold beer on a warming planet is hard; Germany uses education to fight climate change
The keys to combating the climate change that's wreaking havoc on Germany's beer industry could lie inside a plant nursery — nicknamed "our kindergarten" — at the Society of Hop Research nor...
japantoday.com
October 3, 2024 at 4:28 PM
Society of Hop Research in Germany figuring out which varieties will be resilient to a changing climate
japantoday.com/category/fea...
japantoday.com/category/fea...
Spanish farmers turn to pistachios to adapt to drier growing conditions
kuwaittimes.com/article/1955...
kuwaittimes.com/article/1955...
Droughts drive Spanish boom in pistachio farming - kuwaitTimes
Two decades ago, Miguel Angel Garcia harvested grapes and grains on his farm in central Spain, like his father and grandfather before him. Now he produces pist...
kuwaittimes.com
October 3, 2024 at 3:45 PM
Spanish farmers turn to pistachios to adapt to drier growing conditions
kuwaittimes.com/article/1955...
kuwaittimes.com/article/1955...