drought News

Reinsurer SCOR Reports H1 Loss of €239M Blamed on Ukraine War, Natural Disasters

Reinsurer SCOR reported a first half loss attributed to the war in Ukraine, natural catastrophes and the severe drought in Brazil. The H1 loss of €239 million (US$242.6 million), compares with net income of €380 million (US$385.8 million) reported during …

Low Water Levels in Rhine River Could Have Similar Hit on German Economy as 2018

Low water levels in the Rhine river may have a similar impact on German economic output as they did in 2018, according to Berenberg. That was the last year in which the river — a key waterway that’s critical for …

Drought Getting Worse in Southern New England

Southern New England is experiencing worsening drought conditions, government official said, urging residents to voluntarily take steps to reduce their water consumption. Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont last Thursday declared a Stage 2 drought, based on a recommendation by the state’s …

Climate Change Driving Extreme Heat and Flooding in 2022: Report

Extreme weather events – from scorching heatwaves to unusually heavy downpours – have caused widespread upheaval across the globe this year, with thousands of people killed and millions more displaced. In the last three months, monsoon rains unleashed disastrous flooding …

California’s Sweeping Climate Plan Pleases Few

Heat waves and drought gripping California highlight the urgency to slash fossil fuel use and remove planet-warming emissions from the air, a top state official said during discussions of a new plan for the state to reach its climate goals. …

Insurers Increasingly Concerned for Western U.S. Wildfire Season

As Western wildfires force evacuations in Arizona and California – on the heels of an early and severe wildfire season in New Mexico – insurers are increasingly eyeing the growing risks. “Insurers are very much concerned about the wildfire situation,” …

World’s Biggest Re/Insurers Expanding in Africa, but Climate Change Could Hit Profits

The world’s biggest insurers are expanding in Africa, looking to tap growth promised by a rising population and middle class, but climate change could complicate their quest for profits. With Western markets overcrowded, the continent provides a rare chance to …

Drought Will Impact Pacific Northwest This Summer, Experts Warn

Drought is expected to impact much of the Pacific Northwest this summer, including areas in eastern Washington, southern Oregon and southern Idaho, according to climatology and water officials. A recent map from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows that about 54% …

Canada Crop Land ‘Deteriorating’ as Heavy Rain Hinders Planting

Farmers in parts of Canada’s Prairies are struggling to get crops in the ground as heavy rains continue to wallop the eastern region in the latest threat to global grain supplies. Virtually no seeding has been done in Manitoba as …

Growth of Massive New Mexico Wildfire Slowed

Firefighters have been able to slow the growth of a massive wildfire burning in the mountains of northeastern New Mexico as they prepared Wednesday for another round of red-flag weather that has the potential to push the flames through more …