B.C. funds Youth Climate Corps to mobilize young people
The British Columbia government has announced funding for the Youth Climate Corps B.C., a program that provides paid work experience for young people in climate action projects. The initiative aims to engage youth in environmental restoration, energy efficiency, and community resilience efforts across the province. Details on the funding amount and timeline were not specified in the announcement.
Europe heat dome pushes temperatures above 40°C
A severe heat dome over Europe has driven temperatures past 40°C in several regions, exacerbating drought conditions and straining health services. The heat wave, which began in late June 2026, has prompted heat warnings across France, Spain, and Italy. In Paris, residents sought relief near water features as the city recorded its hottest June day on June 21, 2026.
Evacuation order near Pemberton due to glacier flood risk
An evacuation order has been issued for properties near Pemberton, British Columbia, because of potential flooding from a glacier. Officials warned that rising temperatures could trigger a sudden release of meltwater, threatening homes and infrastructure. The order affects several rural properties, and emergency services are on standby.
Climate science background: Human activities drive warming
According to the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), human activities—primarily burning fossil fuels and livestock farming—are the main drivers of climate change. These activities increase heat-trapping greenhouse gas levels, raising global surface and ocean temperatures. The IPCC has issued a “code red for humanity,” warning that the window to limit warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels is closing.
Record CO2 levels and temperature milestones
As of June 5, 2026, atmospheric carbon dioxide stood at 432.34 parts per million (ppm), up from 431.12 ppm the previous month, according to NOAA’s Mauna Loa Observatory. NASA reports that human activities have raised CO2 levels by 50% in less than 200 years. The global average temperature in 2023 was 1.48°C above pre-industrial levels, and in 2024 it breached the 1.5°C threshold at 1.55°C, according to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. The year 2025 was the third warmest on record, continuing an 11-year streak of record-high temperatures.
Global emissions gap and future risks
The UNEP 2025 Emissions Gap Report indicates that even if countries meet current emissions targets, global temperatures could rise by 2.3°C to 2.5°C this century, far exceeding the Paris Agreement goal. In June 2025, global CO2 concentrations exceeded 430 ppm, a record high. Scientists warn that without drastic emission cuts, extreme weather events—such as heat domes, wildfires, and floods—will become more frequent and intense.
