Climate Science

Scientists call it Santa’s revenge. It’s the theory that persistent weather patterns at the mid-latitudes – like this winter’s tediously long-lasting polar vortex or California’s severe drought – are a direct consequence of climate change heating up the Arctic. New evidence suggests the link is real, even as experts continue to argue over how much it is influencing the weather on a day to day basis. The effect has implications for severe weather predictions, food security and water use across the northern hemisphere.

OTTAWA – The federal government will cut $2.6 billion in spending and nearly 5,000 jobs from its science-focused departments between 2013 and 2016, says a report released Thursday by a union representing government scientists and professionals. The report, which includes survey data showing a majority of scientists believe their departments are weakening efforts to protect Canadians and the environment, highlights the departure of key experts who did research on rail safety and public health, as well as the recent review of Enbridge’s Northern Gateway pipeline proposal.

Global temperatures continued rising in 2013 despite the cold snap that hit parts of the US this winter, NASA research shows. Last year tied with 2009 and 2006, making it the seventh warmest year since record-keeping began back in 1880. The report was released on Tuesday by NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) in New York. GISS climatologist Gavin Schmidt said such long-­term trends are "unusual".