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Key developments
May ranks joint second-warmest on record
Copernicus said May 2026 was joint second-warmest May on record at 1.42C above pre-industrial levels. Western Europe saw an unusually intense heatwave in the second half of the month, and ClimaMeter linked the pattern to human-driven climate change. The World Meteorological Organization warned El Niño could arrive as early as June, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for faster clean-energy deployment and universal early-warning systems.
Why it matters
It shows global warming remains near record levels and may soon get an added El Niño boost.
Sources & driving stories
EARTH.ORG · Martina Igini
Earth.Org coverageUS solar generation overtakes coal in May
Ember's analysis showed solar supplied 12.8% of U.S. electricity in May, edging coal's 12.2% and marking the first month on record that solar beat coal. Grist's Tik Root reported the same milestone, noting solar was less than half its current share five years ago while coal has fallen sharply from 20%. The data arrived alongside new Trump administration support for coal, including $700 million in funding for the industry.
Why it matters
It captures a concrete clean-power milestone even as federal policy shifts back toward fossil fuels.
Sources & driving stories
GRIST · Tik Root
Grist coverageASSOCIATED PRESS · Jennifer McDermott
Associated Press coverageWorth noting
WORTH NOTING
Indonesia farmers face climate-market double exposure
Mongabay's forum coverage says erratic weather, rising temperatures, and price volatility are squeezing smallholders across Indonesia and neighboring countries.
WORTH NOTING
India battery storage rules tighten arbitrage
Asian Power reports draft central and state rules could curb merchant battery charging and dispatch flexibility, raising project costs and financing risk.
Still unclear
OPEN QUESTION
Will El Niño arrive this month?
A confirmed early onset would add another warming driver on top of already near-record air and ocean temperatures.
OPEN QUESTION
Can US solar keep rising under tighter policy?
Federal coal support and renewable permitting headwinds could slow growth even after solar crossed coal in monthly generation.