US weather and climate disasters could top $1 trillion by 2030

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A new study warns that the United States could face over $1 trillion in damages from weather and climate disasters by 2030, highlighting the need for urgent action to mitigate the effects of climate change. Meanwhile, in the world of science, researchers have made significant breakthroughs in astronomy and materials science, shedding light on the mysteries of the universe and everyday phenomena.

According to a study published in Geophysical Research Letters, the estimated probability distribution of total damages from US weather and climate disasters over 2026-2030 suggests that the country could face catastrophic losses, with the baseline estimate showing a 10% chance of exceeding $1 trillion in damages. The study's lead author notes that the increasing frequency and magnitude of extreme weather events, combined with uncertainty in model parameters, contribute to the rising costs.

In more positive news, a study on the Subaru Telescope's impact on Japanese astronomy has found that the telescope's construction transformed the field, generating many internationally influential results and enhancing Japan's global visibility in astronomical research. The study analyzed scientific publications and their citation impact during the telescope's early years, showing that Subaru Telescope papers doubled the world-average citations in the field.

In the tech world, Meta has struck a multi-billion dollar chip deal with AMD, which could lead to the Facebook owner taking a 10% stake in the group. The deal involves the acquisition of customized chips with a total capacity of 6 gigawatts, as Meta races to develop and deploy its AI models. AMD's chief executive, Lisa Su, noted that each gigawatt of compute is worth double-digit billions under the deal.

In a fascinating example of scientific curiosity, researchers have cracked the case of the "screeching" sound emitted when one rapidly peels Scotch tape. According to a new paper published in Physical Review E, the sound is the result of shock waves produced by micro-cracks propagating along the tape at supersonic speeds. The study's findings provide insight into the complex physics behind everyday phenomena, highlighting the importance of fundamental research in understanding the world around us.

As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, technological innovation, and scientific discovery, these breakthroughs and deals serve as a reminder of the importance of continued investment in research and development. Whether it's understanding the complexities of climate disasters, pushing the boundaries of astronomical research, or developing cutting-edge technologies, science and tech updates have the power to shape our world and inform our decisions.

Sources:
* Geophysical Research Letters (2025). DOI: 10.1029/2025gl119127
* Subaru Telescope study (2025)
* Meta-AMD chip deal (2025)
* Physical Review E (2025)