Climate Change Linked to Slight Slowing of Earth's Rotation
Recent studies indicate that climate change is slowing Earth's rotation by approximately 1.33 milliseconds per century. This phenomenon occurs as polar ice sheets melt, redistributing water from high latitudes toward the equator. Similar to a figure skater extending their arms to slow a spin, this shift in mass increases the length of the solar day at a rate described by some scientists as unprecedented in 3.6 million years. However, the findings have met with skepticism. Critics argue that millisecond-scale variations are routine and do not constitute a crisis. While astrophysicists acknowledge that day lengths trend longer over deep time—potentially leading to 25-hour days in the distant future—they emphasize that these changes are too gradual to affect modern civilization or calendars.
Prefer swipe-first reading?
Install the app to keep reading with faster loads and a smoother mobile experience.
Sources
Wrong, BBC, No ‘Climate Driven Millisecond Earth Rotation Crisis’ Exists - Watts Up With That?
The British Broadcasting Corporation ... that climate change is causing an “unprecedented” slowing of Earth’s rotation by 1.33 milliseconds per century, something not seen in 3.6 million years. This is false. The data show that millisecond-scale variations in Earth’s length of day are routine, ...
Goodbye to the 24-hour day: from this date onwards, days on Earth will last 25 hours
Astrophysicist Norman Murray is ... day length has changed over deep time. So yes, the 25-hour day is “on the timeline.” But it is so far off that it will not affect humans, civilization, or even the shape of our calendars in any practical sense. Tides are the long, slow drumbeat, but they are not the only influence. Earth’s rotation can shift slightly when mass moves around the planet, like when ice melts or large amounts of water redistribute. That link between climate-driven mass ...
Something ‘unprecedented’ is now happening to Earth’s rotation, scientists say | BBC Science Focus Magazine
And according to a new study, the rate at which our days are lengthening is now “unprecedented” in 3.6 million years of geological history. The findings show that as polar ice sheets and glaciers melt as a consequence of climate change, water that was once locked up at high latitudes flows ...
Wrong, BBC, No ‘Climate Driven Millisecond Earth Rotation Crisis’ Exists - Watts Up With That?
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Science Focus article “Something ‘unprecedented’ is now happening to Earth’s rotation, scientists say” claims that climate change is causing an “unprecedented” slowing of Earth’s rotation by 1.33 milliseconds per century, something ...
Climate Change is Slowing Down Earth’s Rotation, and it’s Unlike Anything Seen in the Planet’s 3.6 Million Years
Earth is taking slightly longer to complete a full rotation at the rate of fractions of a millisecond, according to a new study. Climate change is slowing down Earth’s rotation and it is unlike anything the planet has ever seen before.
Something ‘unprecedented’ is now happening to Earth’s rotation, scientists say | BBC Science Focus Magazine
The findings show that as polar ... of climate change, water that was once locked up at high latitudes flows into the oceans and spreads toward the equator. This shifts mass away from Earth’s poles, and – like a figure skater extending their arms mid-spin – slows the rotation...
BBC Puts Its Own Spin On Earth's Climate-Driven 'Rotation Crisis' - Climate Change Dispatch
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Science Focus article “Something ‘unprecedented’ is now happening to Earth’s rotation, scientists say” claims that climate change is causing an “unprecedented” slowing of Earth’s rotation by 1.33 milliseconds per century, something ...
Fact Checks
Related news
Accountability Debates: Funding, Legal Obstacles, and Historical Knowledge on Climate Change
Federal funding for the oil and gas industry has reportedly broken commitments to phase out fossil fuels, sparking debate over corporate accountability for the climate crisis. Reports indicate that major emitting countries and governments had knowledge of the dangers posed by fossil fuels for decades, sometimes since the 1960s. This historical knowledge contrasts with current claims and suggests governments ignored legal obligations to prevent climate harm, while industry lawyers have also been accused of obstructing climate accountability in court.
Colorado Climate Extremes Signal New Reality for Water Management and Disease Risk
Extreme weather events, including prolonged droughts, wildfires, and heavy flooding, have arrived in Colorado, signaling that climate disaster is no longer a distant threat but a current reality. Research is examining how these shifts may reshape disease risk, while extreme snow droughts are proving that severe water shortages will become the norm for the Western United States. This climate instability is directly impacting critical water resources, particularly the Colorado River. As negotiations intensify over the river's future, federal officials are planning interventions, potentially imposing large cuts to water usage across seven states. Experts suggest that the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation should reconsider its management approach amid these climate pressures and legal disputes.
Indonesia Urges Climate Cooperation with Timor-Leste
Former Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri has called for enhanced bilateral relations and joint cooperation with Timor-Leste to address climate challenges. This diplomatic push aligns with global concerns, as extreme weather events like heatwaves and droughts pose severe threats to children worldwide. According to UNICEF reports, nearly one in two children are exposed to multiple climate risks simultaneously, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated international action.
Climate Change Reshapes California Wine Map and Viticulture
Climate change is fundamentally reshaping the geography of California's wine production, with researchers noting that shifting climatic conditions and escalating wildfire risks are making certain regions less viable for traditional viticulture. This environmental pressure is causing a potential flip in the wine map, with established areas like Napa and Sonoma facing challenges while coastal regions potentially surge. To cope, the industry is exploring adaptation strategies. Winemakers are testing heat-tolerant grape varieties, such as Mourvèdre, and the broader viticulture sector is seeking resilience. Lessons from other regions, like Mexico's climate-resilient wine industry, are also being studied as models for dealing with global climate challenges.
States and groups challenge EPA rollbacks of super pollutant regulations
The Trump administration announced a loosening of rules that would have restricted the use of super-polluting greenhouse gases in commercial refrigeration, aiming to lower costs. This included rolling back deadlines for businesses, such as supermarkets, allowing them more time—extending limits until 2032—to transition to less-polluting equipment. Environmental groups and state governments have responded by challenging these regulatory changes. California sued the administration for ignoring climate-changing fridge chemicals, while organizations like Bonta have fought the EPA's attempts to weaken 'super pollutant' regulations. Furthermore, New York Attorney General Letitia James and a coalition of attorneys general have joined lawsuits to challenge the federal government's rollback of…
Rising Climate Costs Force Changes in Business Strategy and Risk Assessment
Rising climate costs are fundamentally altering how companies approach business strategy and investment decisions. This shift is driven by the tangible financial impact of climate change, pushing organizations to reassess operational models and long-term planning. Business leaders acknowledge that sustainability can be a source of competitiveness, yet they remain concerned about the risks associated with a 'disorderly climate transition'. Furthermore, mandatory sustainability reporting standards are adding another layer of cost and complexity for organizations, highlighting that the scope of the climate challenge extends beyond simple emissions.
Take Yomuyo with you
Download the mobile app for personalized headlines and quick access to breaking stories.