The 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy are underway, with competition beginning on February 4th and medal events scheduled throughout the month, while the Western United States grapples with a record snow drought and Spain and Portugal face a third deadly storm in two weeks. Meanwhile, Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi secured a landslide victory in a snap election, and the UK government awarded contracts for a record number of renewable energy projects.
The Winter Olympics, taking place in Italy, are six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time and nine hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time, according to CBS News. Medal events in skiing, including men's and women's cross-country, were scheduled for February 10th. The Paralympics are set to follow the Winter Games, from March 6th to March 15th.
Across the Atlantic, the Western United States is experiencing a record snow drought, with most states facing the worst conditions in decades, as reported by ABC News. Scientists have noted that snow cover and depth are at their lowest levels in decades, with at least 67 weather stations recording their warmest December through early February on record. This situation is depleting future water supplies, increasing the risk of wildfires, and negatively impacting winter tourism and recreation.
In Europe, Spain and Portugal were hit by a third deadly storm in two weeks, as detailed by The Guardian. Storm Marta swept the Iberian peninsula, following the damage and flooding caused by Storms Kristin and Leonardo.
In Japan, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) won a decisive majority in a snap election, securing 316 out of 465 seats, according to BBC Business. The victory gives Takaichi the opportunity to address Japan's economic challenges, including sluggish growth, a large public debt, and an aging and shrinking workforce.
The UK government awarded contracts to a record number of renewable energy projects, including 157 solar developments across England, Scotland, and Wales, as reported by BBC Business. This move is expected to boost the country's clean power goals. Climate and clean energy groups have welcomed the results, seeing solar as a relatively cheap way to reduce the UK's reliance on fossil fuels during the summer months. However, some local communities oppose the large-scale developments.
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