Global Warming Speeds Up: North Carolina's Hotter Future

0:00In Durham, it's March 12th, and here's what is going on. A new study suggests global warming is picking up speed. Researchers found the warming rate over the past 10 years could push the planet past the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit before 2030, if it keeps going. That's the key target from the Paris Climate Agreement to avoid the worst effects. Scientists analyzed global temperature data and stripped out natural ups and downs like El Nino events in volcanoes. They spotted a clear jump in the long-term warming trend. The last decade was the hottest on record, and 2024 marked the warmest year ever. Experts say this means more scorching hot days in many places, even if the average rise seems small. Warmer oceans feel bigger sea level increases and fiercer storms. Some researchers urge caution, saying more years of data are needed to lock it in. In North Carolina, signs are already clear with hotter nights stressing health, farms, and wildlife. The state saw its warmest decade from 2009 to 2018, beating even the dust bowl years.

1:06Extreme rains are hitting more often too. Looking ahead, models predict 2-10 degrees Fahrenheit of warming here by 2100 unless emissions drop fast. That ramps of flood risks on coasts and inland heatwaves, turning weather events into billion-dollar headaches for everyone. This episode is brought to you by our sponsor. See the episode description. Soley Pillow is a pillow with built-in headphones, lay back, press play, and disappear into what you are listening to. S-O-L-I. SoleyPillow.com