Science Saturday: California wildfires, global warming, and more [Video]

In this week of Science Saturday, we look back at the major breakthroughs made in science and technology over the past year.

California wildfires

Extreme weather events are the cause of the devastating wildfires in Southern California. First, the supersized Santa Ana winds at 161 kilometers per hour – followed by extreme drought. Then, the growth of tons of plants in downpours, which later dried out in record-high temperatures. Lastly, an unstable jet stream and downed power lines flapping in powerful winds. Experts say climate change is behind these weather events.

Global warming

And climate change is just going to intensify! Earth recorded the hottest year ever in 2024. It passed 2023’s record heat and kept pushing even higher. What’s alarming is it has surpassed the long-term warming limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius that was called for by the 2015 Paris climate pact. Experts say the primary reason is the accumulation of greenhouse gases …