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

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By illuminem briefings

· 2 min read


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

Click for more news covering the latest on climate change effects

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