Early El Niño damage widens the week’s climate alarm

Climate pressure dominated the week as El Niño began damaging crops before its peak, while record ocean heat and European heatwaves exposed broader risks. The eclipse provided a sharp counterpoint, turning scientific preparation and safety concerns into a mass public event shaped by geography and weather.

Research institutions also faced a funding shift as lotteries and private philanthropy gained ground while public support weakened. Across other fields, scientists pursued practical tools ranging from satellite-based atmospheric mapping to mosquito programs aimed at reducing disease.