Core Insights - Hurricane Melissa has been identified as the most powerful storm to hit Jamaica, significantly influenced by climate change factors such as warmer ocean waters and increased humidity in the atmosphere [1][2]. Climate Change Impact - The storm reached wind speeds of 185 mph, with climate change making such extreme winds five times more likely and 7% more intense [2]. - The rainfall associated with Hurricane Melissa was found to be 30% more intense in Jamaica due to climate change, and the likelihood of such intense rainfall was doubled compared to a scenario without greenhouse gas emissions [3]. - In eastern Cuba, the analysis indicated that climate change made the intense rainfall from Melissa nine times more likely [3]. Ocean Temperature Influence - The intensity of Hurricane Melissa was largely driven by sea temperatures that were nearly 1.5°C above average, with this warmth extending deep into the ocean, providing a significant energy source for the storm [4]. - The high surface temperatures in the Caribbean Sea were found to be six times more likely than in previous climate conditions [4]. Economic and Human Impact - The storm resulted in significant casualties across Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti, with estimates of losses in Jamaica reaching up to $7 billion, which is about one-third of the nation's projected GDP for 2024 [5]. - Insured losses in Jamaica are estimated at $4.2 billion, highlighting the vulnerability of the population, as less than 20% of homes are insured [5]. - The compounded effects of consecutive storms, such as Hurricane Beryl from the previous year, complicate recovery efforts for affected communities [6].

By dint of the immense size of its own emissions, China is one of the few countries capable of making a significant dent in the world’s emissions purely through its own actions https://t.co/8T2c7w3S93 ...

Climate & Energy Policy - Experts predict China, the world's top polluter, will exceed its new emissions-reduction targets [1] - The current emissions-reduction targets have been criticized as too timid [1]

Environmental Impact - Great Barrier Reef may partially recover if global warming stays below 2 degrees Celsius [1]

Climate activists dressed as world leaders staged a protest in Belem, Brazil ahead of COP30 to symbolize how the world's richest nations are "sleeping on the job" during the climate emergency. The UN summit kicks off next week http://bloom.bg/4hHdMUC ...

Fires can linger underground in the Arctic. Might they do the same in California? https://t.co/2FkuSgfRxa ...

RT Bloomberg Live (@BloombergLive)ICYMI: "A ton of CO2 released into the atmosphere - has the same effect on the climate - and effects us the same way.”Singapore's Ambassador for Climate Action Ravi Menon, explains why carbon markets are so important at #BloombergGreen #COP30⏯️ https://t.co/jngaNSvQYo https://t.co/P7VDzomswo ...

Health Hazards - Climate change brings new health hazards beyond extreme drought and downpours becoming more common [1]

Climate activists dressed as world leaders staged a protest in Belem, Brazil ahead of COP30 to symbolize how the world's richest nations are "sleeping on the job" during the climate emergency.The UN summit kicks off next week https://t.co/Thv2Xax77I https://t.co/J5vRwKIvEf ...

Carbon Markets & Climate Action - The UK and Singapore are pursuing the same goal regarding carbon markets, but with different approaches [1] - The UK's Special Representative for Climate highlights the diverse engagement of countries in carbon markets [1] COP30 - The discussion took place in the context of BloombergGreen and COP30 [1]