Climate News Today — September 23, 2026
This Sicilian community has endured for centuries. Can it survive a changing climate? and more — today's climate signal.
As the world grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, communities on the frontlines are facing unprecedented challenges. In Sicily, a centuries-old town is struggling to adapt to a changing climate, raising questions about the long-term viability of human settlements in the region. Meanwhile, in Australia, the government's climate agenda is under scrutiny, with the energy minister pledging to repeal a range of climate policies, sparking concerns that the country may be backtracking on its commitments.
The stakes are high, not just at the national level, but also at the international level, where climate action is at risk of being downgraded. As the next UN chief takes the helm, there are fears that climate change may no longer be a top priority, despite the dire warnings from the outgoing chief that polluters have recklessly exploited the atmosphere. The urgency of the crisis is underscored by projections of a massive El Niño event, which could claim hundreds of thousands of lives in the coming months. As competing visions for climate action clash at the UN General Assembly, the need for concerted global cooperation and leadership has never been more pressing.
Today's signal:
• This Sicilian community has endured for centuries. Can it survive a changing climate? (grist.org)
• Angus Taylor pledges to repeal swathe of climate policies, saying ‘Australia has done its bit’ (theguardian.com)
• Fears mount that next UN chief will downgrade climate action (theguardian.com)
• Huge El Niño projected to cause 450,000 deaths in next six months (theguardian.com)
• Competing Climate Visions Clash at UN General Assembly (insideclimatenews.org)
• Outgoing UN chief says polluters have treated atmosphere like an ‘open sewer’ (theguardian.com)