Google Ends Support for First Two-Gen Nest Thermostats

Recent research highlights a significant global increase in rapid temperature flips—abrupt swings between heat and cold—which have intensified since 1961 and are expected to worsen with climate change. These events, defined as temperature changes shifting one standard deviation above or below the mean within five days, now affect more than 60% of the world and pose serious risks to ecosystems, human health, and infrastructure. The phenomenon is attributed to factors such as increased jet stream waviness and changing evaporation patterns, and is especially acute in regions like South America, Western Europe, Africa, and South and Southeast Asia. Low-income countries, with fewer resources for adaptation, are projected to experience the greatest exposure, potentially four to six times higher than the global average. Without significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, the frequency and intensity of these temperature flips are expected to double by the end of the century, underscoring the urgent need for effective mitigation measures. Scientists warn that these rapid shifts leave little time for communities and ecosystems to adapt, increasing the risk of cascading impacts on society and the environment.