Climate News Today — November 12, 2026
Climate progressives won the midterms without saying ‘climate’ and more — today's climate signal.
As the world grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, today's headlines paint a complex picture of both progress and peril. The recent US midterm elections saw climate progressives emerge victorious, often without explicitly campaigning on climate issues, suggesting that environmental concerns are increasingly being woven into the fabric of broader policy agendas. Meanwhile, the natural world is sending stark warnings, as reports highlight the devastating effects of heat and drought on even the most resilient of species, such as the cactus, which is struggling to survive in the face of global warming. This stark reality is underscored by analysis warning that the world is heading for an irrevocable overshoot of global temperature thresholds, emphasizing the urgent need for concerted action.
Despite these ominous warnings, there are also glimmers of hope and innovation in the climate space. The UK's appointment of a special representative for climate security marks a significant recognition of the intertwined nature of environmental and national security concerns. In the US, FEMA's disaster buyout program is showing signs of success, although its limitations and challenges also underscore the need for more comprehensive and sustainable approaches to climate resilience. As we navigate this critical moment in the climate crisis, it is essential to stay informed about the latest developments and to support evidence-led decision-making that can help mitigate the worst impacts of climate change and build a more sustainable future for all.
Today's signal:
• Climate progressives won the midterms without saying ‘climate’ (grist.org)
• Climate change is coming for the cactus. Yes, the cactus. (grist.org)
• World heading for ‘irrevocable overshoot’ of global temperature thresholds, analysis warns (theguardian.com)
• Even Cacti Are Threatened by Heat and Drought From Global Warming (insideclimatenews.org)
• UK appoints world’s first special representative for climate security (theguardian.com)
• FEMA’s disaster buyout program is working — but there’s a catch (grist.org)