Wilfredo Santa Gomez MD

Major Global Developments

Climate & Environmen

Image: W.Santa

  • Only two years left to stay under 1.5 °C warming — Scientists warn we’ve exhausted most of the remaining carbon budget; exceeding it could trigger higher catastrophic climate impacts  .
  • Earth’s reflective cloud coverage is shrinking, reducing solar reflection and accelerating global warming — satellite data shows a 1.5–3% decline per decade  .
  • NASA identifies surge in extreme weather events — floods and droughts have doubled in frequency and intensity over the past five years  .
  • 2023–2025 global coral bleaching event — currently the worst on record, affecting ~84% of reefs, with dire consequences for marine biodiversity  .

Geopolitical & Security

  • Trump to make US call on Israel–Iran war within two weeks, per White House outlook  .
  • UK’s Bank of England holds rates at 4.25%, citing geopolitical risk and inflation pressures; market eyeing potential August cuts  .

Space & Earth Sciences

  • ESA’s Solar Orbiter captures first-ever image of the Sun’s south pole, advancing understanding of solar storms and space weather  .
  • Asteroid 2024 YR4, size comparable to Hiroshima bomb, is passing safely by Earth—but its debris could threaten satellites  .
  • Earth’s largest iron ore deposits reveal 1.3-billion‑year‑old Earth history—new geological findings reshape understanding of early Earth  

The environment stories are deeply alarming: shrinking cloud cover and surging extreme weather confirm climate change is intensifying faster than previously anticipated. The coral bleaching crisis shows immediate ecosystem damage with ripple effects across biodiversity and human livelihoods.

We’re entering a vulnerable era: our window to prevent irreversible warming is closing fast, and urgent global action is essential—yet geopolitical instability and economic pressures may delay decisive steps.

continue…