Kevin Krajick

1 month ago | news.climate.columbia.edu | Kevin Krajick

Every few days now, a giant rocket blasts a fiery trail through the atmosphere, lofting satellites into orbit, carrying out space missions or performing other tasks. Since 2017, both the number of launches and the size of their cargo loads have grown dramatically, with ever bigger rockets carrying ever larger numbers of satellites and other objects per launch. In 2016, a total of 221 objects were launched into space; in 2023, the number was 2,644.

Dec 12, 2024 | scitechdaily.com | Kevin Krajick

Researchers have discovered a pattern of extreme heat waves that defy current climate models, occurring globally except in Antarctica, causing widespread fatalities and environmental damage. The year 2023 was Earth’s warmest year on record, with an average temperature 2.12 degrees F above the 20th-century average. This surpassed the previous record set in 2016. Notably, the ten hottest yearly average temperatures have all occurred in the past decade.

Dec 6, 2024 | news.climate.columbia.edu | Kevin Krajick

Many recent studies assume that elderly people are at particular risk of dying from extreme heat as the planet warms. A new study of mortality in Mexico turns this assumption on its head: it shows that 75% of heat-related deaths are occurring among people under 35―a large percentage of them ages 18 to 35, or the very group that one might expect to be most resistant to heat. “It’s a surprise.

Nov 26, 2024 | news.climate.columbia.edu | Kevin Krajick

Earth’s hottest recorded year was 2023, at 2.12 degrees F above the 20th-century average. This surpassed the previous record set in 2016. So far, the have occurred in the past decade. And, with the hottest summer and hottest single day, 2024 is on track to set yet another record.

Nov 21, 2024 | news.climate.columbia.edu | Kevin Krajick

Here is a guide to notable research presentations from the Columbia Climate School and its centers and affiliates at the Dec. 9-13 meeting of the American Geophysical Union, the world’s largest gathering of earth and space scientists. The meeting takes place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., and online across the globe. Talks here are in rough chronological order; times are U.S. Eastern.