The Daily Putting a Price on Pollution
Jul 23, 2021
Somini Sengupta, an international climate reporter for The New York Times, delves into the pressing realities of climate change. She discusses the unexpected impacts extreme weather is having on wealthier nations, revealing their vulnerability. The conversation highlights bold European legislation aimed at cutting emissions by 55% by 2030, including banning gasoline cars and implementing a carbon tax. Sengupta emphasizes the urgent need for global cooperation to tackle the root causes of climate change and the challenges of achieving political will.
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Global Climate Events
- Somini Sengupta began her summer covering the severe drought in the American West, exacerbated by rising temperatures.
- She then reported on the Pacific Northwest's record-breaking heatwave, which led to hundreds of deaths and wildfires in British Columbia.
European Floods
- Europe experienced devastating floods in Germany and Belgium, with rainfall equivalent to three months' worth in just three days.
- German Chancellor Angela Merkel described the devastation as beyond words.
Floods in Asia
- Mumbai, a city of 20 million, experienced a cloud burst and torrential rains, leading to deaths and flooding of the city's water filtration plant.
- Central China also suffered from record-breaking floods, trapping subway passengers in submerged cars.