'Humbling, and a bit worrying': Scientists fail to fully explain record global heat

Researchers are scrambling to explain why 2023 was so anomalously hot.  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  Climate | Health | Science March 30, 2024 'Humbling, and a bit worrying': Scientists fail to fully explain record global heat Deadly heat in the Southwest. Hot-tub temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean. Last year's sudden spike in global temperatures blew far beyond what statistical climate models had predicted, leading one noted climate scientist to warn that the world may be entering "uncharted territory." SHARE       READ MORE ADVERTISEMENT NASA's attempt to bring home part of Mars is unprecedented. The mission's problems are not Massive cost overruns. Key deadlines slipping out of reach. Problems of unprecedented complexity. That's the current state of Mars Sample Return. Not long ago, those same dire circumstances described the James Webb Space Telescope, whose performance has surpassed all expectations. SHARE       READ MORE What the Supreme Court's abortion pill case could mean for California A case before the nation's high court represents a growing threat to reproductive rights in California and other "sanctuary" states — particularly as legal challenges target telehealth, which has risen to account for 16% of U.S. abortions since 2021. SHARE       READ MORE ADVERTISEMENT The FDA says the abortion pill mifepristone is safe. Here's the evidence Mifepristone makes up half of the two-drug regimen used in medication abortions in the United States. Fewer than 0.5% of women who take it experience "serious adverse reactions," the FDA says, and deaths are exceedingly rare. SHARE       READ MORE EPA issues new clean air rules for heavy-duty trucks. California's rules are tougher The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued tough new emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks and buses, with the aim of cutting a billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year. Big rigs, delivery trucks, cement mixers, garbage trucks, transit buses and school buses are all included. SHARE       READ MORE Yes, beavers can help stop wildfires. And more places in California are embracing them An unburnt island of lush green grows amidst an expanse of torched trees and gray soil. It was painstakingly engineered by a crew of semiaquatic rodents whose wetland-building skills have seen them gain popularity as a natural way to mitigate wildfires. SHARE       READ MORE Hay grown for cattle consumes nearly half the water drawn from Colorado River, study finds With chronic water shortages afflicting the Colorado River, discussions about how to cut usage have increasingly focused on a thirsty crop that consumes an especially large share of the river's water: hay that is grown to feed cattle and produce beef and dairy products. SHARE       READ MORE ADVERTISEMENT Thank you for reading the Los Angeles Times Health and Science newsletter. Invite your friends, relatives, coworkers to sign up here. Not a subscriber? Get unlimited digital access to latimes‌.com. Subscribe here. Copyright © 2024, Los Angeles Times 2300 E. Imperial Highway El Segundo, CA 90245 1-800-LA-TIMES | latimes.com Advertisers have no control over editorial decisions or content. If you're interested in placing an ad or classified, get in touch here. You received this email because you opted to receive email communications from Los Angeles Times. Manage marketing email preferences • Manage email alert subscriptions or unsubscribe • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy • Do Not Sell My Personal Information • CA Notice of Collection FOLLOW