weather

Wednesday October 9, 2024

The politicization of disasters like hurricanes by figures like Donald Trump and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, through falsehoods and conspiracy theories, is a dangerous tactic that distracts from critical relief efforts and misleads vulnerable voters at a time when unity and factual information are most needed.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday October 9, 2024

Animated making-of clip here!

The Absurdity of Politicizing Natural Disasters in Florida’s Hurricane Season

September 23, 2005

As Hurricane Milton bears down on Florida, the sight of politicians leveraging human suffering for their gain is a stark reminder of how far we have strayed from the ideals of public service. Amidst the chaos and destruction, we witness a disturbing spectacle: the politicization of disasters by figures like Donald Trump and Marjorie Taylor Greene. Their cavalier dismissal of facts and the dissemination of outright lies during one of the most catastrophic hurricane seasons in recent memory exemplify a lunacy that seems to resonate with a low-information electorate.

News: Marjorie Taylor Greene condemned over Helene weather conspiracy theory

November 11, 2022

Trump’s claims following Hurricane Helene are a case in point. He alleged that federal disaster relief was deliberately withheld from Republican areas and that Vice President Kamala Harris had squandered FEMA funds on housing for undocumented migrants. This narrative was not only false but also deeply damaging. The actual response from FEMA included essential aid, which Trump’s rhetoric obscured, potentially preventing victims from accessing the help they desperately need. JD Vance’s similar mischaracterization of FEMA’s support only adds to this cacophony of misinformation. He suggested that victims were receiving only $750 in assistance, neglecting to mention that this was merely an emergency advance, with additional support available for those affected.

Marjorie Taylor Greene’s recent foray into conspiracy theories regarding weather control further illustrates the absurdity of this political game. Her insistence that “they control the weather” is emblematic of a broader trend where truth is sacrificed at the altar of political expediency. It’s bewildering that such claims resonate with many voters, especially when the stakes are as high as they are during a hurricane season that threatens lives and livelihoods.

Opinion: What Trump and Vance Want From Hurricane Helene

September 2, 2022

As these politicians capitalize on the chaos, they simultaneously sow distrust in critical government functions, such as FEMA. Bouie rightly points out that the chaos created by such rhetoric disrupts the flow of vital information, which is paramount during crises.

This disruption becomes a double-edged sword: not only does it create confusion, but it also undermines the public’s trust in the very institutions designed to assist them. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell condemned this rhetoric, stating that it demoralizes relief workers and hinders their efforts to help those in need.

What’s truly alarming is that this misinformation appears to be working. As the 2024 election approaches, polls show a tight race between candidates, with many voters seemingly swayed by the incendiary claims of these political figures.

Opinion: Florida braces for dual threat of Hurricane Milton and Trump’s self-serving lies

November 6, 2020

This indicates a troubling trend in American politics: the normalization of lies and the exploitation of tragedy for electoral gain. It raises the question of how a significant portion of the electorate can be so easily misled, especially in the face of tangible evidence and expertise.

Hurricanes, as nature’s most formidable forces, do not discriminate based on political affiliation. They are a stark reminder of our shared vulnerability and the need for collective action. Yet, amid this devastation, we find ourselves mired in a political quagmire where the urgency of human need is overshadowed by partisan posturing. This behaviour not only reflects poorly on those who engage in it but also erodes the democratic fabric of our society.

In the face of a looming disaster like Hurricane Milton, we should be united in our response, prioritizing human lives over political gains. The politicization of natural disasters serves only to fracture our communities and distract from the essential work of recovery and rebuilding. As we brace for the impact of this storm, let us hope that voters will see through the smokescreen of misinformation and recognize the importance of truth in governance and public service. (AI)

Friday June 21, 2024

The escalating impacts of climate change, symbolized by metaphorical "Four Horsemen" including extreme heat gripping continents from North America to Asia, underscore the urgent need for global action to mitigate rising temperatures and their profound consequences on human health, infrastructure, and ecosystems.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday June 21, 2024

* Turn up the volume and find an animated making-of version of this cartoon through this link!

The Four Horsemen of the Climate Crisis

July 29, 2023

As the world marks the first day of summer amidst scorching temperatures and record-breaking heatwaves, the spotlight once again turns to one of the most immediate and pressing consequences of climate change: extreme heat. Metaphorically speaking, climate change has unleashed its own “Four Horsemen” upon our planet—each representing a distinct yet interconnected aspect of the crisis that imperils our future.

The Horseman of Extreme Heat silently claims lives under sweltering temperatures that strain our health systems and test our resilience. This horseman has been relentless, gripping continents from North America to Asia in a stifling embrace. In India, temperatures soared to 44-45°C (113°F), breaking records and pushing communities to their limits. The prolonged heatwaves have led to power cuts, water shortages, and tragically, dozens of heat-related deaths.

March 21, 2023

Across North America, a “heat dome” has settled, trapping warm air and pushing temperatures above 38°C (100°F) in many regions. Millions are under heat alerts, and cities like New York are opening cooling centres to protect vulnerable populations. Meanwhile, in Europe, Greece and other Mediterranean countries are grappling with early and intense heatwaves, prompting closures of historic sites and heightened wildfire risks.

In Saudi Arabia, pilgrims performing Hajj in Mecca faced temperatures exceeding 51°C (124°F), resulting in tragic fatalities among attendees. This stark reality underscores the deadly consequences of extreme heat, especially in regions unaccustomed to such severe temperatures.

News: Millions sweltering under extreme heat worldwide as summer arrives

November 19, 2021

The Horseman of Extreme Floods continues to wreak havoc, with recent events in Europe and Asia highlighting the catastrophic impacts of intensified rainfall and rising sea levels. These floods are not mere anomalies but glaring indicators of a climate system in turmoil, pushing vulnerable communities to the brink and demanding urgent adaptation measures.

July 21, 2022

The Horseman of Extreme Weather amplifies the fury of hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires, disrupting lives and ecosystems with increasing frequency and severity. The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season and the Australian bushfires vividly demonstrate the devastating power of these weather extremes, exacerbated by a changing climate.

4 Waves Cartoon

The Horseman of Biodiversity Loss and Extinctions signals the unraveling of ecosystems and the loss of irreplaceable species. Coral reefs, polar habitats, and forests are under siege, threatening global biodiversity and the services these ecosystems provide.

Amidst these challenges, skeptics resort to Whataboutery—drawing false equivalences to divert attention from the urgency of climate action. They question the severity of extreme heat, downplaying its impact compared to other societal issues. However, the data is unequivocal: rising global temperatures are driving more frequent and intense heatwaves, exacting a heavy toll on human health, infrastructure, and economies.

FOX News: Heat kills more Americans than flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes or lightning

As wildfires begin to ravage Canada, leaving destruction and devastation in their wake, it's time to confront a different kind of blaze—one fuelled not by dry vegetation and high winds, but by misinformation and climate denialism.

May 14, 2024

To confront these horsemen effectively, bold and decisive action is imperative. We need transformative policies that accelerate the transition to renewable energy, enhance resilience in vulnerable communities, and prioritize sustainability in every facet of our societies. Global cooperation must prevail, transcending political divides to safeguard our planet and future generations.

As individuals and as a global community, we hold the power to mitigate climate change’s worst effects. Let us not falter in our resolve. Let us heed the warning signs and act decisively to steer humanity toward a future where climate resilience, ecological health, and social justice are not just aspirations but realities for all. (AI)

 

Saturday March 18, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday March 18, 2023

Ontario experienced its darkest winter in more than 80 years

October 15, 2021

If you felt Ontario had an abnormally dark and dreary winter this year, the science backs you up.

In fact, parts of the province saw the least amount of direct sunlight in more than eight decades.

Data by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) shows that between December 2022 and February 2023, some regions of Ontario recorded the lowest levels of solar energy since 1940.

Brian Brettschneider, an Alaska-based climatologist with the U.S. National Weather Service, analyzed the data published by the ECMWF and presented the findings in several maps.

“There’s kind of this bullseye over southern Ontario, where the solar energy was quite a bit lower than, comparatively speaking, anywhere else,” he said, in an interview with the Star.

Though Ontario had “unremarkable” levels of sunlight in December, it was in January when the province experienced “exceptionally low” amounts of solar energy, said Brettschneider. It was followed by a February season which also had lower-than-normal levels of sunlight.

Looking back at the weather in Toronto this season, the city experienced 14 consecutive days in late January without the sun appearing, according to David Phillips, senior climatologist with Environment Canada. Earlier in the season, between Dec. 30 and Jan. 13, there was only one day that was described as mainly clear.

August 25, 2021

“It’s hard to imagine a year that was so cloudy and overcast,” said Phillips. “We also had fog, drizzle, snow, freezing rain, blowing snow and snow showers — a whole litany of precipitation types.”

The wet and overcast conditions were due to persistent flows of moisture arriving from the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, said Brettschneider.

“You just get a lot of efficient cloud production when that happens,” he added.

Phillips also noted that southern Ontario had an unseasonably warm winter season, except for this March. But the low-pressure systems that bring these balmy conditions usually bring clouds and moisture as well, he said. (The Toronto Star) 

 

Friday December 23, 2022

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday December 23, 2022

Winter storm in US and Canada causes power outages for over a million

The storm has brought damaging winds and freezing temperatures that can quickly lead to frostbite.

December 24, 2013

Much of Canada and the US are under winter weather alerts that stretch from coast-to-coast and as far south as the US-Mexico border.

Major airports have cancelled thousands of flights as the storm intensifies.

As of Friday morning, more than 1,130,000 people from Texas to Maine were left in the dark, as the intense winds brought damage to power lines across the eastern US.

Power outages have also been reported in Canada, affecting 260,000 people in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario.

January 31, 2019

The US National Weather Service said that over 200 million people – or roughly 60% of the US population – are under some form of winter weather advisory.

Much of Canada, from British Columbia to Newfoundland, is also under extreme cold and winter storm warnings.

Several school boards in Ontario, including Toronto, have cancelled classes. The airline WestJet has also cancelled flights on Friday due to “prolonged and extreme weather events” across Canada.

This storm is set to bring the iciest Christmas in decades, say forecasters, even affecting the sunshine state of Florida. (BBC) 

From sketch to finish, in 30 seconds, see the current way Graeme completes an editorial cartoon using an iPencil, the Procreate app, and a couple of cheats on an iPad Pro … These sped up clips are posted to encourage others to be creative, to take advantage of the technology many of us already have and to use it to produce satire. Comfort the afflicted. Afflict the comforted.

 

Thursday January 31, 2019

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday January 31, 2019

Trump is the most polarizing president on record — and almost nobody’s opinion of him is changing

Gallup’s Jeffrey Jones put things succinctly.

November 3, 2018

“Extreme partisan views of presidents are the new norm in politics,” he wrote in presenting new data on the partisan gulf in approval of President Trump. “The past 15 presidential years account for 14 of the top 15 most polarized years since Gallup began regularly measuring both job approval and party identification in the 1950s.”

The exception? 1996, when President Bill Clinton had an approval rating of 85 percent from Democrats and 24 percent from Republicans. To which the natural reaction is: His approval rating among Republicans was that high?

Since 2010, the average presidential approval rating from an opposing party in a year hasn’t topped 13 percent — and that was in 2010, when President Barack Obama’s approval rating was still slipping from his post-inauguration high.

The gap now is 79 points, 21 points shy of the maximum possible gap.

Who knows. Maybe we’ll get there.

But there’s another interesting aspect to Trump’s approval ratings that is worth isolating. The gap in 2017, according to Gallup, was only slightly narrower. Unlike Obama, Trump didn’t enjoy a period of broader support at the time of his inauguration. Views of Trump have been remarkably consistent by party since he took office.

There’s some movement, but not a lot. Data released Tuesday by Quinnipiac University make that clear. In Quinnipiac’s first poll of Trump’s favorability, taken less than a week after his inauguration, about a fifth of Americans had no opinion of his job performance. In the next poll, taken in early February 2017, 42 percent approved of his performance (including 88 percent of Republicans), and 51 percent disapproved (including 90 percent of Democrats). In Tuesday’s poll? Forty-one percent approve (including 86 percent of Republicans), and 55 percent disapprove (including 93 percent of Democrats).

Polar Vortex Animated Version!

What’s more, we’d normally expect some movement within those groups, as people who strongly supported the president became less enthusiastic or those who opposed him a bit grew more fervent. But while there are some isolated examples of shifts within each group in Quinnipiac’s polling, how strongly people view Trump has been steady over the course of the presidency. (Washington Post)