The Caribbean has been unusually warm. That’s not a good thing

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Washington Post or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: The Caribbean has experienced record-breaking heat over the past two years due to a combination of climate change, a persistent marine heat wave, and El Niño effects
• Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and other regions have repeatedly surpassed temperature records in 2023 and 2024, with San Juan setting 138 record warm lows in 2024
• Scientists are concerned as temperatures show no signs of significant decline, contrary to historical patterns

🔭 The context: The Caribbean’s climate is typically stable, but human-driven climate change and a prolonged marine heat wave have disrupted this norm
• A strong El Niño in late 2023 intensified warming, while weak winds and high atmospheric pressure prevented oceanic cooling
• Record high and low temperatures across the region in 2024 reflect the intensity of this phenomenon

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Rising temperatures in the Caribbean underscore the growing impact of global warming on marine and terrestrial ecosystems
• Heat waves damage coral reefs, disrupt marine life, and heighten risks to human health from extreme heat and humidity
• This warming trend serves as a warning about the intensifying effects of climate change worldwide

⏭️ What's next: Projections indicate warmer-than-average seas will persist through at least mid-2025, potentially setting new records
• With global warming exacerbating extreme weather patterns, the region may face increasing challenges, from economic disruptions to public health crises
• Long-term adaptation and mitigation strategies are urgently needed

💬 One quote: “There is a sense that this may be a permanent shift and a symptom of climate change,” said meteorologist John Morales

📈 One stat: San Juan recorded 138 warm low-temperature records and 37 warm high-temperature records in 2024, significantly surpassing previous years

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