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Sam's News — climate-change — 2026-07-31

TL;DR

Climate Change

Global rice production set to fall for first time in over a decade amid El Niño and climate impacts

A combination of the strongest El Niño on record and ongoing climate warming is driving severe drought conditions that threaten global rice production, with yields projected to plummet. U.S. rice production is expected to fall more than 50% to 40-year lows, affecting food security for more than half the world's population.

  • Global rice production projected to fall for first time in over a decade
  • U.S. rice production expected to drop more than 50% to lowest levels in 40 years
  • El Niño projected to be strongest on record, described as 'super El Niño'
  • High temperatures can substantially reduce rice yields, with farmers facing severe losses
  • Climate scientists predict continued intensification of drought in coming months

Sources: Grist Web Search

French court rules TotalEnergies must report emissions from customers using its oil and gas products

A French court has ordered the major European oil and gas company TotalEnergies to report not only its direct emissions and those of contractors, but also the emissions generated by customers who use its petroleum products—a landmark ruling that expands corporate climate accountability. The company has six months to comply and may set a precedent for similar EU regulations taking effect in 2028.

  • TotalEnergies must report customer emissions worldwide within six months
  • Ruling expands scope of French corporate responsibility law originally enacted after 2013 Bangladesh factory collapse
  • Decision may set precedent for EU-wide regulations requiring similar reporting from companies by 2028
  • Company must assess environmental, human rights, and health risks from those emissions and report reduction plans
  • Court did not directly order emissions reductions, stopping short of requiring reduced petroleum sales

Sources: The World from PRX Web Search

The World Health Organization has documented a sharp increase in heat-related deaths among people over 65, with an 85% rise over two decades as climate change drives exponential growth in exposure to extreme heat. Approximately 489,000 heat-related deaths occur annually, with significant regional variation and vulnerability shaped by age, health status, and socioeconomic conditions.

  • Heat-related mortality for those over 65 increased 85% from 2000–2004 to 2017–2021
  • Approximately 489,000 heat-related deaths occur annually worldwide
  • 45% of heat deaths occur in Asia, 36% in Europe
  • 2003 European heatwave killed 70,000; 2010 Russian heatwave caused 56,000 excess deaths
  • Negative health impacts are largely preventable with public health and multi-sectoral policies

Sources: World Health Organization Web Search