How Weather is Leading to the Decline of Florida’s Citrus Industry

Florida's citrus industry, once a dominant force and a core part of the state's identity, is facing a severe crisis. A combination of factors, most notably citrus greening disease and increasingly frequent and intense hurricanes, have decimated production. Leading growers are ceasing citrus operations, and industry stakeholders are urgently seeking legislative action to provide research funding and marketing support to prevent further collapse. Mentioned link: https://citrusrdf.org/

Key Themes and Facts:

• Dramatic Production Decline: The sources highlight a drastic reduction in citrus production in Florida.
• One source states, "We’ve dropped nearly 90% in production of oranges and all citrus," (Matt Joyner, CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual).
• Alico, a major supplier for Tropicana, reported a "73% decline" in citrus production over the last 10 years.
• Orange production is forecasted to reach only 12 million boxes for the current season, a significant drop from 244 million boxes in 1998.
• Citrus Greening Disease: This disease is consistently identified as a major contributing factor to the decline.
• The article quotes Alico's CEO, John Kiernan, who stated the impact of hurricanes on trees "already weakened from years of citrus greening disease" led to their decision to cease citrus operations.
• Growers are "hoping for more green and less greening."
• Impact of Hurricanes: Severe storms, including Hurricanes Irma (2017), Ian (2022), and Milton (2024), have further weakened citrus trees and reduced yields.
• Alico's statement directly attributes their decision to the impact of these hurricanes.
• Hurricane Milton caused the 2024-2025 orange production forecast to drop 20% from the October projection.
• Economic Consequences: The decline has significant financial repercussions for the state.
• Although the citrus industry still generates $6.8 billion annually and pays nearly half a billion in local and state taxes, the downward trend poses a threat.
• Alico's decision was made because "growing citrus is no longer economically viable."
• Call for Legislative Action: Citrus growers and industry officials are actively lobbying state lawmakers for assistance.
• "We are an industry in need of your help…" (urgent plea from Florida’s citrus growers).
• They are seeking increased funding for research and advertising.
• Shannon Shepp, executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus, invoked Henry Ford, stating, “Stopping advertising to save money is like stopping your watch to save time.”
• Shift in Land Use: As citrus farming becomes less profitable, some growers are exploring alternative uses for their land.
• Alico is considering developing commercial or residential projects on a portion of its land holdings.
• The Future is Uncertain: The industry is at a critical juncture.
• The future depends on the success of research efforts, the availability of funding, and the ability to combat both citrus greening and the effects of severe weather.
• Tensions between Florida lawmakers and the governor over an immigration bill could have unpredictable effects on the goals of leadership. Gov. Ron DeSantis does wield a line-item veto pen.

Florida Red Tide Crisis (February 2025)

Subject: Escalating Red Tide Algae Bloom in Florida and its Impacts

Florida is experiencing a significant red tide bloom along its southwest coast in February 2025. Environmental groups are urging Governor DeSantis to declare a state of emergency due to the widespread marine life deaths, potential human health risks (respiratory irritation, skin irritation), and economic impact on tourism. A recent Mote Marine Laboratory study has revealed a potential link between red tide blooms and long-term acidification of Florida's estuaries, exacerbating the environmental threat. This bloom is unusual for occurring during the winter months.

Key Themes and Findings:

1. Current Red Tide Situation:

• Extent: The red tide bloom stretches from Tampa Bay to the Florida Keys.
• Cause: The bloom is caused by Karenia brevis, a naturally occurring alga.
• Triggers: While K. brevis is always present, this bloom is intensified by warmer-than-usual temperatures (possibly related to La Niña). The Guardian article also suggests that Hurricanes Helene and Milton tore up nutrient-rich waters that feed the algae.
• Impacts:Marine Life: "Dead fish have washed up on several beaches, and the outbreak is suspected in the deaths of two dolphins found offshore in Collier county." Mass die-offs of fish and other marine life (turtles) are occurring. The red tide creates a fatal habitat for in-water and waterfront residents and visitors. If the microorganisms are concentrated at over 10,000-cell-per-liter rate, fish of all kinds can start dying.
• Human Health: Red tides can cause skin irritation and respiratory distress in humans and animals.
• Economic Impact: Tourism is threatened due to beach closures, foul smells, and health concerns. "By the time it’s affecting a community there’s potentially millions of dollars in revenue and tourism economy [at risk]." Some small businesses have temporarily closed.
• Environmental Impacts: "The study connects increased harmful algae blooms with the long-term acidification of Florida’s estuaries." Red tide blooms can cause localized biological acidification events as the algae decomposes, releasing carbon dioxide back into the water. This increased acidity is dangerous for coral reef systems and bivalves (oysters, scallops, clams).

1. Call for Emergency Action:

• Environmental groups are urging Governor DeSantis to declare a state of emergency.
• Eric Milbrandt of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) suggests an emergency management approach, "like a hurricane."
• The current response relies on the Department of Health and the Florida Wildlife Research Institute, which may be too slow to address the widespread impact.

Climate Change - January 2025 Anomalies and Emerging Explanations

January 2025 presented a paradox: while the contiguous United States experienced its coldest January in 37 years, the planet as a whole recorded its warmest January on record, continuing a trend of extreme heat observed over the past two years. This anomaly has intensified concerns among scientists, leading to investigations into potential contributing factors beyond El Niño and decreased aerosol pollution. Emerging research suggests that declining cloud cover, potentially driven by a feedback loop linked to warming temperatures, may be playing a significant role in the accelerating rate of global warming. The implications of these findings, coupled with concerns about the climate's sensitivity to carbon loading and the potential for exceeding established warming targets, are prompting consideration of controversial solutions like Solar Radiation Modification (SRM).

Main Themes & Key Ideas:

1. Contrasting Regional and Global Temperatures:

• The contiguous U.S. experienced a notably cold January 2025. According to NOAA, it was "the Lower 48's chilliest January since 1988... 0.89 degrees Fahrenheit colder than the 20th century January average." Some cities in the Southeast experienced their top 10 coldest Januaries.
• Despite this regional cold, globally, January 2025 was the warmest on record, surpassing the previous record set just one year prior. According to the European Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), January 2025 was the planet's warmest January.
• This occurred despite a weak La Niña, which typically has a cooling effect on global temperatures. "Perhaps what was so stunning about this was it happened during a weak La Niña."

1. Acceleration of Global Warming and Scientific Concern:

• The record-setting temperatures represent a continuation of a trend observed since June 2023, leading scientists to express concern and even alarm. "The world set another monthly heat record in January. That may sound like something we’ve heard a lot lately, but this latest record has scientists mysti ed, surprised and even 'terri ed.'"
• The consistency of record heat is described as "anomalous even by the standards of the last two years." Some scientists use adjectives like "surprising," "unexpected" or "anomalous."
• James Hansen's research indicates an underestimated pace of global warming, accelerating by more than 50% in the last few years. The team expects that 1.5°C is now pretty much the climate’s baseline.

1. Cloud Cover and Planetary Albedo:

• Two new studies suggest that declining cloud cover contributes to the acceleration of global warming. The Washington Post reports: "Two new studies offer a potential explanation: fewer clouds. And the decline in cloud cover, researchers say, could signal the start of a feedback loop that leads to more warming."
• Reduced low-altitude cloud cover has decreased the Earth's reflectivity (albedo). "They found that low-altitude cloud cover has fallen dramatically — which has also reduced the reflectivity of the planet. The year 2023 — which was 1.48 degrees Celsius above the preindustrial average — had the lowest albedo since 1940."
• One study estimates that decreased albedo contributed 0.2 degrees Celsius of warming to 2023's record temperatures. "That low albedo, Goessling and his co-authors calculated, contributed 0.2 degrees Celsius of warming to 2023’s record-high temperatures."

Santorini Greece Earthquake Crisis - February 2025

Executive Summary:

Santorini, Greece, a major tourist destination, is experiencing a significant seismic swarm beginning in late January 2025. Thousands of earthquakes, some exceeding magnitude 5, have prompted a state of emergency, mass evacuations, and growing concerns about the upcoming tourist season. While scientists do not believe a volcanic eruption is imminent and larger earthquakes are not assured, the unusual nature of the swarm and the potential for damage are causing widespread anxiety and economic disruption. The crisis has exposed infrastructure vulnerabilities and sparked debate about investment in the island's resilience.

Key Themes and Information:

• Seismic Activity:
• A significant earthquake swarm began around January 26, 2025, with thousands of tremors affecting Santorini and nearby islands like Amorgos.
• The strongest earthquake recorded was a magnitude 5.2.
• "It's estimated that about 12,000 earthquakes with magnitudes greater than 1 have been registered in the area near Santorini and Amorgos since Jan. 26"
• The epicenter of the earthquakes appeared to be moving northward.
• The European-Mediterranean Seismological Center described the swarm as "very unusual," noting that the magnitude and rate of earthquakes have been increasing, rather than decreasing as typically expected after a large quake.
• Scientists have installed underwater seismographs to better understand the earthquake activity.
• While some small events have been recorded below Santorini, they are "pretty sparse, and they mostly predate this swarm."
• The swarm began with small earthquakes. Starting on February 1, the seismicity started to intensify, broaden, and move slightly towards the northeast.
• Focal mechanisms are largely normal-type, striking NE-SW.
• "the seismicity may be shallowing as it migrates northeastward. This kind of migration would be consistent with the movement of euids through the crust, which remains the most likely explanation for what is going on."
• "The most likely situation is that the swarm will settle down without triggering a large earthquake. However, the risk is certainly elevated above its normal level."
• "The NE-trending Ios Fault Zone appears to be a key factor in this seismic swarm. The concentration of seismicity at 10–15 km depth aligns well with the fault’s downward extension. One possible explanation is that fluids—potentially hot—are triggering seismic activity."
• State of Emergency and Response:
• A state of emergency was declared on Santorini and later Amorgos.
• "Santorini is under a state of emergency until March 3 to "address the emergency"
• Rescue teams have been deployed to Santorini.
• Schools were closed, and public events were canceled.
• Access to coastal areas and clifftop viewpoints was restricted due to landslide risks.
• The Greek government responded positively to proposals to support the existing workforce on the island and those looking to work during the season.
• Aid was expedited by the declaration of a state of emergency.
• Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the island to assess the situation and urge calm.
• "We hope this phenomenon ends quickly and the island fully returns to its normal pace," Mitsotakis said.

"Gulf of America" Controversy

Subject: Review of the "Gulf of America" naming dispute and related implications.

Meteorology Matters summarizes the controversy surrounding the potential renaming of the "Gulf of Mexico" to the "Gulf of America" by the United States government, specifically under the direction of President Trump. The change, initiated via executive order, has sparked international debate, particularly with Mexico, and raises significant practical and political implications for mapping, weather forecasting, and international relations. Mexico is considering legal action, and agencies like NOAA are struggling to implement the change while maintaining international consistency and relevance.

Key Themes & Information:

1. The Name Change Initiative:

• President Trump issued a decree/executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America." The impetus for this change is not explicitly stated, but Time refers to a Trump declaration that he "would change the Gulf's name."
• The NOAA is in the process of implementing the Executive Order. Susan Buchanan, a National Weather Service spokesperson, said that the change would affect all of the agency's weather products, "Work is underway to update naming conventions as quickly as possible on nautical charts, online maps, weather products, websites and other materials across NOAA."

1. Mexican Opposition and Potential Legal Action:

• The Mexican government, under President Claudia Sheinbaum, strongly opposes the name change, arguing that the name "Gulf of Mexico" dates back to 1607 and is internationally recognized by the United Nations.
• Sheinbaum indicated that Mexico sent a letter to Google stating it was "wrong" and that "the entire Gulf of Mexico cannot be called the Gulf of America."
• Mexico is considering a civil lawsuit against Google for adopting the "Gulf of America" name on its maps, especially as it is displayed to users within the United States. Sheinbaum stated her government "wouldn’t rule out filing a civil lawsuit against Google if it… decided to call the Gulf of Mexico and the southeastern United States the ‘Gulf of America.’"

1. Geopolitical & Historical Context:

• Sheinbaum used historical context to subtly criticize Trump. She referred to the constitution of Apatzingán, in which the North American territory was previously identified as "Mexican America".
• The dispute highlights potential clashes over geographic naming conventions and their political significance, especially concerning shared borders and resources. The Time article also notes a similar issue with the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo border river.

1. Implementation Challenges:

• NOAA faces challenges in implementing the name change in weather forecasts, especially for areas outside the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. The Axios article states, "The Hurricane Center hasn't determined yet how it will handle its forecasts outside the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone while being consistent with Trump's executive order."
• Google's approach has been to adapt the displayed name based on the user's location, showing "Gulf of America" in the U.S. and "Gulf of Mexico" in Mexico, or a combination elsewhere. As the Time article states, "If the user is in the United States, the body of water appeared as Gulf of America. If the user was physically in Mexico, it would appear as the Gulf of Mexico. In many other countries across the world it appears as ‘Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America).’"

NOAA Restrictions and Concerns

Subject: Recent Restrictions Imposed on NOAA Scientists and Resulting Concerns

meteorology Matters details new restrictions imposed on scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Trump administration, sparking considerable concern within the agency and among international partners. These restrictions include increased oversight of communications with foreign nationals, additional administrative burdens, and anticipated budget and staffing cuts. These measures are perceived as part of a broader effort to deprioritize climate crisis efforts and potentially privatize parts of NOAA. The changes raise alarms about the potential impact on weather forecasting accuracy, international scientific collaboration, and the availability of crucial climate data.

Key Themes and Ideas:

1. Increased Restrictions on International Communication and Collaboration:

• NOAA is implementing new oversight of scientists' email and "virtual meetings" with foreign nationals.
• All "international engagements" require documentation and approval by a Trump political appointee.
• One NOAA Research email stated staff now need to submit any "international engagement" for approval, including travel, face-to-face meetings or gatherings of international organizations. As for whether that includes emails with colleagues of different nationalities, the guidance said: “Not at this time.”
• The National Marine Fisheries Service has told staff to stop all contact with foreign nationals.
• These restrictions are seen as creating an "onerous" administrative burden, especially for the National Weather Service (NWS).

1. Concerns About a "Crackdown on Climate" and Politicization of Science:

• A senior NOAA scientist stated, "My expectation is that it’s going to be a crackdown on climate. People are just somewhere between disturbed and terrified."
• Fears stem from previous incidents of scientists being sidelined or muted during Trump's first term.
• Elon Musk’s “department of government efficiency” (Doge), placed the head of Noaa’s human resources team on administrative leave and initiated an agency-wide purge of activities related to diversity, equity and inclusion.

1. Budget and Staffing Cuts Looming:

• Employees have reportedly been told to expect a 50% reduction in staff and budget cuts of 30%.
• Project 2025 architect Russell Vought proposed a 38% budget cut for Noaa to “to curb excessive mission creep in key agencies, halt steadily increasing climate extremism within the department, and eliminate the prioritization of woke agendas”.
• "Hundreds" of NOAA staff have reportedly accepted federal buyouts.
• There are reported sweeping efforts to shrink the federal workforce with repeated requests for volunteers who want to resign.

1. Potential Impact on Weather Forecasting and Climate Science:

• The restrictions and cuts could "hamper the ability of the US to maintain a functioning public weather service."
• Reduced international collaboration could undermine the ability to "understand and combat" the climate crisis, according to a climate scientist at the EU's Copernicus agency. "The climate crisis knows no boundaries, and halting international scientific collaboration can only undermine our ability to understand and combat it.”

Red States Hurt the Most by the Trump Administration's Climate Funding Freeze (February 2025)

Executive Summary:

President Trump's executive order freezing climate-related funding, particularly from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is causing widespread disruption and uncertainty. While the legality of the freeze is being challenged in court, it has led to project delays, job losses, and financial strain on states, nonprofits, and private companies. Surprisingly, Republican-leaning states and districts stand to lose the most economically from this freeze, as they are the primary beneficiaries of clean energy investments spurred by the IRA. The situation has created a complex political dynamic, with some Republicans quietly attempting to protect projects in their districts while publicly supporting the administration's agenda.

Key Themes and Ideas:

• Immediate Disruption and Confusion: The executive order has caused immediate chaos, delaying projects and forcing organizations to furlough or fire staff. As Chuck Morse, executive director of Thrive New Orleans, stated: "The funding freeze 'is going to be devastating for us — we may not survive this'... 'We can't make our payroll... We're going to have to shut down our programs and have a lot less impact. … It's hurting the people we pledged to serve.'" This highlights the real-world impact on communities and organizations reliant on the funding.
• Republican States Hardest Hit: A key finding is that Republican districts are the primary beneficiaries of clean energy investments stimulated by the IRA. According to the New York Times, "Roughly 80 percent of those investments are in Republican congressional districts, where they are creating a once-in-a-generation manufacturing boom." This creates a difficult political situation for Republicans who must balance party loyalty with the economic interests of their constituents.
• Economic Impact: The funding freeze threatens a clean energy manufacturing boom. BloombergNEF predicts that "more than half" of the nearly $30 billion in clean technology factories scheduled to come online in 2025 will face delays or cancellations. This could lead to job losses and hinder the growth of the clean energy sector.
• Investor Uncertainty: The possibility of repealing or modifying federal loans and tax incentives from the IRA is making investors nervous and causing companies to reevaluate their plans. "Many manufacturers now face 'significant political uncertainty' on top of that, as companies wonder whether the Trump administration will repeal or modify federal loans and tax incentives," according to Antoine Vagneur-Jones of BloombergNEF.

Important Facts and Figures:

• $32 billion: Estimated amount of unspent IRA funding vulnerable to being frozen (Washington Post).
• $20.5 billion: Amount of the unspent money from the EPA (Washington Post).
• 80%: Approximate percentage of clean energy manufacturing investments flowing to Republican congressional districts (New York Times).
• $165.8 billion: Total planned investments by private companies chasing IRA tax breaks (New York Times).
• $30 billion: Value of clean technology factories scheduled to come online in 2025, more than half predicted to face delays or cancellations (New York Times, citing BloombergNEF).
• 168: Number of renewable energy projects whose permitting was paused by the Army Corps of Engineers (New York Times).

State of the Climate - 2024 and Beyond

2024 is confirmed as the hottest year on record, surpassing 2023, and marking a decade of unprecedented heat. This has triggered extreme weather events globally and heightened concerns about the potential for earlier-than-expected breaches of the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C warming threshold. Scientists are investigating factors beyond fossil fuel emissions and El Niño, such as aerosol reductions from shipping regulations and decreased cloud cover, to fully explain the surge in temperatures. While international agreements and initiatives are in place, urgent and accelerated climate action is imperative to mitigate future warming and adapt to its impacts.

Key Themes and Ideas:

1. Record-Breaking Temperatures:

• 2024 is set to be the warmest year on record, continuing a trend of escalating temperatures: "The year 2024 is set to be the warmest on record, capping a decade of unprecedented heat fuelled by human activities." (UN News)
• The past decade has seen the warmest years on record. "The past 10 years have been the warmest 10 years since record-keeping began." (NPR)
• Average global temperatures exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. (Al Jazeera)
• Earth experienced its warmest day ever on July 22, 2024. (Al Jazeera)
• January 2024 was the warmest January on record, with an average surface air temperature of 13.14˚C. (Al Jazeera)

1. Exceedance of Paris Agreement Thresholds:

• There is growing concern that long-term warming may exceed the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C limit sooner than expected. "Recent warming has sparked debate about whether the world might exceed the 1.5 °C Paris Agreement limit earlier than previously estimated." (Twelve months at 1.5 °C signals earlier than expected breach of Paris Agreement threshold)
• Twelve consecutive months with temperatures at least 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels raises alarms, although experts note this doesn't automatically mean the long-term goal has been exceeded.
• Analysis suggests that exceeding 1.5°C for 12 consecutive months indicates the Paris Agreement threshold is likely to have already been crossed. "Hence, in CMIP6 simulations, 12 consecutive months above 1.5 °C indicates that the Paris Agreement threshold is likely to have already been crossed" (Twelve months at 1.5 °C signals earlier than expected breach of Paris Agreement threshold)
• Even exceeding the threshold in one year doesn't signal complete failure. Temperatures need to breach 1.5 degrees Celsius consistently, calculated over a 20-year average. "Passing that threshold in one year doesn't mean countries have failed, however. Temperatures would need to consistently breach 1.5 degrees Celsius, according to scientists, calculated over a 20-year average." (NPR)

1. Extreme Weather Events:

• Rising temperatures are linked to an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events: "Climate change also intensified 26 of the 29 weather events studied by World Weather Attribution that killed at least 3700 people and displaced millions." (UN News)
• Examples of extreme events include deadly floods, devastating wildfires, early heatwaves, and catastrophic hurricanes. (Al Jazeera)
• Europe could see millions of deaths from extreme heat by the end of the century if carbon pollution is not reduced and adaptation measures aren't implemented. "Extreme temperatures — mostly heat — are projected to kill as many as 2.3 million people in Europe by the end of the century unless countries get better at reducing carbon pollution and adapting to hotter conditions, a new study says." (TIME)