Humans are driving worsening climate disasters, a UN report says

How climate change is already wreaking havoc on the world, what we can learn from Europe's Delta surge, and friendships are ending over vaccines.

THE BIG STORY   "It is unequivocal" humans are driving worsening climate disasters, hundreds of scientists said in a new report   The United Nations climate report released Monday lays out in stark terms how climate change is already wreaking havoc on the world, warning that any additional warming will only fuel more extreme disasters.   "It is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean and land," according to a summary distilling the report's findings. "Human-induced climate change is already affecting many weather and climate extremes in every region across the globe."   As bad as things can get, the report stresses that swift and aggressive action on climate change can reverse some of its effects. But other climate impacts can no longer be stopped. For example, some global sea level rise is now unavoidable. WHAT REMAINS The Dixie fire, which has become the largest active wildfire in the US, is just 21% contained as of Sunday, according to CalFire. It has been burning for over two weeks. On Wednesday, it tore through downtown Greenville, California, destroying much of the small gold rush town. Josh Edelson / AFP via Getty Images STAYING ON TOP OF THIS   Delta is scary. But Europe's recent COVID surges show it can be controlled.   The highly contagious Delta variant has hit especially hard in states with low rates of vaccination, filling hospitals and morgues yet again in a return to some of the pandemic's darkest days. And "breakthrough" infections of vaccinated people have added to the worry (though it's worth remembering that those who are vaccinated are far less likely to become severely ill).   Yet the message from experts who are watching Delta waves in Europe is more encouraging, suggesting that the usual rulebook still applies: Vaccination and strategies like masking indoors in public and avoiding crowds can keep case numbers down.   This was demonstrated by the UK's surge, which seems to have been accelerated by the Euro 2020 soccer tournament as fans packed into pubs and homes to watch the games. In both England and Scotland, the rise in new cases noticeably steepened a week or two after the respective teams played their first games, only to reverse a couple of weeks after each team dropped out. SNAPSHOTS   The Biden administration plans to resume flying Central American families arrested after crossing into the country illegally to spots along the border that can make it easier to expel them back to Mexico, according to documents obtained by BuzzFeed News.   Simone Biles said putting her mental health first at the Olympics will likely be one of her "greatest accomplishments" in a Zoom call with Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, and fellow Team USA athletes.   Ryan Reynolds said Blake Lively wrote some of the best lines in his movies but was never credited due to "inherent sexism." Allyson Felix now has 11 Olympic medals, making her the most decorated US track and field athlete. Seven of those medals are gold. HOW IT ENDS   Friendships are breaking up over vaccines   Even though COVID-19 vaccines are widely available to most American adults, some are still refusing to get a shot even as the highly contagious Delta variant rips across the country.    So BuzzFeed News asked readers to share how they're dealing with unvaccinated friends. We received hundreds of responses from ending friendships altogether to choosing to uninvite loved ones from weddings and parties. But more than anything, we heard stories of frustration and sadness.   "Not all friendships last forever," Brittany, 34, told us. "And I guess this is where ours ended." SKATERS GONNA SKATE Lanna Apisukh believes everyone should skateboard. The New York–based photographer has spent the past five years taking images of skateboarders she meets at skate parks around the city, capturing on film the joy and the freedom of the sport. BuzzFeed News spoke with Apisukh about the rising popularity of skateboarding, how she approaches people to photograph, and her ongoing project Everybody Skate. Lanna Apisukh Here's to changing what we can, Brandon 📝  This letter was edited and brought to you by Brandon Hardin and BuzzFeed News. You can always reach us here.     👉 Your support of BuzzFeed's journalism does not constitute a charitable donation, and your contribution is not eligible for a tax-deduction. This is part of an effort to explore a deeper relationship with our most active supporters. 🔔  Want to be notified as soon as news breaks? Download the BuzzFeed News app for iOS and Android (available in Canadian, UK, Australian, and US app stores). 💌  Did a friend forward you this email? Sign up to get BuzzFeed News in your inbox! Show privacy notice and cookie policy. BuzzFeed, Inc. 111 E. 18th St. New York, NY 10003 Unsubscribe