Polar Vortex Gyrations

In this episode of the Climate Emergency Forum, host Herb Simmens and experts Paul Beckwith and Peter Carter delve into the complex topic of “Polar Vortex Gyrations.” Paul explains the differences between the polar vortex and the jet stream, their interactions, and how climate change is affecting these atmospheric phenomena. He discusses the various modes of behavior of the polar vortex, including its potential to weaken, elongate, or even reverse direction, and how these changes can lead to extreme weather events.

This video was recorded on February 12th, 2025, and published on February 23rd, 2025, and represents the opinions of the discussion participants.

Peter highlights the increasing frequency of atypical extreme cold events in the Northern Hemisphere and the extraordinary temperature fluctuations observed in the Arctic. He expresses concern about the reliability of climate models in predicting these rapid changes and emphasizes the urgent need for immediate action to reduce global emissions. Carter cites a recent UK Met Office publication calling for a 20% reduction in emissions annually, underscoring the disconnect between scientific recommendations and current political and corporate actions.

The discussion also touches on the interconnectedness of various climate phenomena, including the potential collapse of the AMOC, the loss of the Greenland ice sheet, and permafrost melting. The experts stress the importance of understanding these complex interactions, particularly in light of potential geoengineering solutions like solar radiation modification. The conversation concludes with a call for urgent action, suggesting that risk managers, insurance companies, and financial institutions may play a crucial role in driving the necessary changes to address the climate emergency.

Links:

• Polar Vortex Intensifications: the overlooked influencer

• An Unstoppable 2025 Polar Vortex: The United States cold from the Stratosphere

• Polar Vortex

• Climate Reanalyzer

• January 2024 sees record global temperatures despite La Niña

• Expert reaction to Met office data suggesting carbon dioxide emissions are off track for limiting global warming to 1.5° C

• Weather Whiplashing and Jetstream Waviness (CEF Video)

• Polar Amplification

• Global Warming Effects on the Ozone Layer (CEF Video)

• Solvency

• Finding our balance with nature: introducing Planetary Solvency

• Risk in the Climate Casino (CEF Video)

Regular Panelists:

• Dr. Peter Carter - MD, Expert IPCC Reviewer and the director of the Climate Emergency Institute

• Paul Beckwith - Climate Systems Scientist. Professor at the University of Ottawa’s Paleoclimatology Laboratory as well as at Carleton University

• Herb Simmens - Author, Co-founder of the Healthy Planet Action Coalition (HPAC), Climate Emergency Board Member and former college instructor.

Video Production:

• Charles Gregoire - Electrical Engineer, Webmaster and IT prime for FacingFuture.Earth & the Climate Emergency Forum; Climate Reality Leader

• Heidi Brault - Climate Reality Leader, BA(Psychology), Library & Information Technician Diploma - Video production and website assistant - Organizer and convener, Metadata technician, COP Team Lead for FacingFuture.Earth and the Climate Emergency Forum.

Attributions:

Background Music:

• Title: Through the City II
• Author: Crowander
• Source: crowander.com

Image and Video:

• Image and Video Attributions