Climate News Today — October 23, 2026
A Warming Climate Is All Over Alaska’s Senate Race. The Candidates Hardly Mention It. and more — today's climate signal.
As the impacts of climate change become increasingly evident, governments and leaders around the world are struggling to respond effectively. In Alaska, the US Senate race is underway, but despite the state's dramatic experience with climate change, the issue is barely being discussed by the candidates. Meanwhile, in Europe, the consequences of climate-related heatwaves are starkly illustrated by new research showing that a staggering 50,000 people died in cities this summer due to the heat. This tragedy is a grim reminder of the urgent need for action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the worst effects of climate change.
The need for climate action is clear, yet some governments continue to prioritize short-term interests over long-term sustainability. In Australia, the decision to allow coal expansion in the Hunter region has been widely criticized as a step in the wrong direction. The UN Climate Fund's recent decision to provide support to Nepal is a positive step, but it's clear that much more needs to be done to address the scale and scope of the climate crisis. In the UK, the government is advising citizens to prepare for the worst by stockpiling food and water supplies, a stark warning of the disruptions that climate change may bring. As these stories highlight, the climate crisis is a pressing issue that demands attention, action, and leadership from governments and individuals alike.
Today's signal:
• A Warming Climate Is All Over Alaska’s Senate Race. The Candidates Hardly Mention It. (insideclimatenews.org)
• Heat killed ‘staggering’ 50,000 people in Europe’s cities this summer, scientists warn (theguardian.com)
• In allowing coal expansion in the Hunter, Chris Minns is pouring fuel on the climate fire. His decision will come back to hurt us all | Jack Egan (theguardian.com)
• Europe’s hottest summer ever was also its deadliest — by far (grist.org)
• UN Climate Fund Votes to Help Nepal, a Historic Step Far Short of the Need (insideclimatenews.org)
• Every Briton should stockpile water and food supplies, government advises (theguardian.com)