The Hudsonian

January 2025 is now officially the hottest January ever recorded, continuing a trend of rising global temperatures. According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, the month’s average temperature was 55.8°F, making it 3.1°F warmer than pre-industrial levels. This marks the 18th out of the last 19 months where global temperatures have surpassed the 1.5-degree warming threshold set by the Paris Agreement. What makes this record stand out is that it happened despite La Niña, a weather pattern that typically brings cooler temperatures. Instead, much of the world saw significant warming. Canada, Alaska, Siberia, South America, Africa, and Australia all experienced unusually high temperatures. Meanwhile, parts of the U.S., Russia, and Southeast Asia recorded colder-than-average conditions, showing the complexity of cli
mate patterns. Europe also felt the heat. It was the second warmest January ever recorded there, with southern and eastern Europe seeing temperatures more than 4°F above average. In contrast, regions like Iceland, the U.K., and northern France experienced colder-than-normal weather.

Scientists had expected 2025 to be cooler than last year due to La Niña’s influence, but so far, that hasn’t been the case. The Arctic, in particular, saw extreme temperature spikes, with
some areas hitting 54°F above normal. While these individual records may seem like outliers, experts say they are part of a much bigger trend of increasing global temperatures. In the U.S., January was colder than usual in many places, but that doesn’t mean global warming is slowing
down. A colder month in one region doesn’t change the overall upward trend in global temperatures. Data from the National Centers for Environmental Information shows that January’s global surface temperature was 2.4°F
above the 20th-century average, making it the
warmest January in recorded history. Looking ahead, there is a 7% chance that 2025 could end up being the hottest year ever. While that number may seem small, the fact that it is even a possibility says a lot about global warming.
With record-breaking months becoming
more frequent, climate experts urge for continued research, policy action, and global cooperation to slow the trend. January 2025 is another reminder that climate change is an ongoing issue with real-time impacts around the world.

Anyone who lives in a relatively urban area can tell you just how important public transportation is. Big city, small city, either one, public transportation is one of the key elements of traditional urban life. A few weeks ago, Carm Basile was revealed to be the new senior advisor for Park Strategies, a company that specializes in helping small businesses achieve their objectives. Basiles is looking to be a good fit for the job of Park Strategies, as Carm Basile has a lengthy history as the CEO of CDTA, a public-benefit company that directed and managed countless
public transportation related projects within the Capital District of New York State (You see their buses just about everywhere in the area!). Carm was a major part of the company for over four decades, leaping from regional bus operator to chief executive for fifteen years until late 2024. It is hard to deny the positive impact Basile had on
the company, overseeing the company even as it was named Best Mid-Sized Transit System in North America by the American Public Transit Association.

Basile’s extensive experience in the vast world of corporate directing and management granted to him by his time in CDTA will surely prove to be more than helpful for Park Strategies, whose entire company is about, well, business. According to Park Strategies’ official website, they assist a multitude of businesses with government relations, association management, and more, as well as offering insight and advice to smaller businesses via their business consulting services-all things that Carm Basile has no doubt dealt with a plethora of times in his past with CDTA. You don’t need to use much imagination to see how a public transport company like CDTA would have experience in those fields. Hopefully Basile’s expertise will prove to be as helpful for Park Strategies as most would expect.

Amazon is moving forward with plans to build a 3.2 million-square-foot distribution center in Montgomery County, near a New York State Thruway exit. The proposed facility, which
would be one of the largest warehouses in the state, is expected to bring jobs and economic growth to the region, but it also raises concerns about traffic, environmental impact, and long-term community effects. The project site is in the town of Florida, just off Exit 28 of the Thruway.
While Amazon has not officially confirmed the development, multiple reports state that the company is negotiating to purchase more than 200 acres of land for the facility. If approved, the
warehouse would serve as a major distribution hub, handling goods for Amazon’s growing logistics network. Local officials and business leaders see the project as a major economic opportunity. Montgomery County Executive Matthew Ossenfort called the potential development “a game-changer,” citing the promise of job creation and increased tax revenue. Similar Amazon warehouses in other parts of New York have created thousands of jobs, ranging from warehouse staff to management positions. Supporters argue that this facility could provide much-needed employment opportunities for residents and boost local businesses.

However, not everyone is on board. Residents and community groups have raised concerns about the impact of such a massive facility. One major issue is traffic. With thousands of trucks and delivery vehicles expected to move in and out of the warehouse daily, local roads and Thruway access points could see increased congestion. Some fear this could lead to safety hazards and higher maintenance costs for
infrastructure. Environmental concerns are also at the forefront. Large-scale warehouses require significant energy use, and the increased truck traffic could contribute to air pollution. Local activists are calling for thorough environmental
impact studies before any final approvals are granted. Despite the concerns, the project is still in the early stages. Amazon would need to go through multiple layers of local and state approvals before construction can begin. This includes zoning changes, environmental reviews,
and negotiations with local government officials.
If the plan moves forward, it will mark another major expansion of Amazon’s footprint in New York. The company already operates several fulfillment centers across the state, including in Schodack and Liverpool. These facilities have played a role in Amazon’s broader strategy of speeding up delivery times for customers. As discussions continue, Montgomery County residents will be watching closely. The project has the potential to reshape the local economy, but questions remain about how it will affect daily life. Public meetings and hearings in the coming months will give the community a chance to weigh in on what could be one of the biggest developments in the area’s history.

Valentine’s Day remains a major economic driver, with businesses across multiple industries seeing significant profits during the holiday. In the U.S., consumers are projected to spend over $25 billion on Valentine ’s-related purchases this year, according to the National Retail Federation. This spending includes gifts, dining, travel, and experiences, making it one of the most lucrative holidays for retailers and service providers. Jewelry stores, florists, and confectionery companies see some of the biggest spikes in sales. Jewelry alone is expected to bring in nearly $6 billion, while spending on flowers is projected to reach $2.5 billion. Chocolates and candy remain a staple of the holiday, generating over $3 billion in sales. Restaurants and entertainment venues also benefit from the holiday, with many couples choosing to celebrate with a night out. Data from
the National Restaurant Association shows that Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest dining days of the year, with a large portion of consumers opting for fixed menus and themed dining experiences. Additionally, travel spending has increased as more couples plan romantic get aways, boosting hotel and airline revenue.

Retailers and online marketplaces capitalize on the demand by offering Valentine’s-themed promotions. E-commerce platforms see a surge in sales as consumers purchase gifts ranging from traditional items to personalized experiences. Subscription services, including meal kits, streaming platforms, and flower delivery services, also see an uptick in customers around the holiday. Marketing plays a key role in driving Valentine’s Day sales. Companies
use targeted advertising, limited-time deals, and influencer partnerships to encourage spending. Social media campaigns promoting “Galentine’s Day” and self-love gifts have expanded the market beyond traditional couples, appealing to single consumers and friend groups as well. Despite the high spending, consumer habits continue to evolve. Surveys indicate that
younger generations are prioritizing experiences over material gifts, leading to increased spending on concerts, trips, and spa services. Meanwhile, budget-conscious consumers are taking advantage of discounts and planning celebrations at home to reduce costs. Valentine’s Day continues to be a profitable occasion for businesses across various sectors. With consumer spending trends shifting, companies are adapting their strategies to meet changing demands while maximizing revenue during the holiday.

In Sri Lanka, a single monkey is responsible for the entire nation’s loss of power. The monkey broke into a sub-station on the nation’s electrical grid, where it neutralized the island’s power.
According to Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody, “A monkey has come in contact with our grid transformer, causing an imbalance in the system,”. The blackout occurred on Sunday, February 9, 11:00 am local time, when the monkey intruded upon the power station. 22 million residents were left without power, forced to rely on generator power and thermal power stations rationed electricity. The blackout was said to have lasted 7 hours before power was fully restored. While it is not explicitly stated whether or not the monkey survived, it’s reasonable he was terminated by the transformer. Sri Lanka’s energy security is known to be in a state of weakness, with experts consistently warning that its power grid is outdated and prone to disruptions.

“The national power grid is in such a weakened state that frequent island wide power outages may be expected if there is a disturbance even in one of our lines,” stated an unnamed senior
engineer. This isn’t the first time Sri Lanka has experienced nationwide blackouts either. In the summer of 2022, Sri Lanka residents had to endure months of rolling blackouts when the country was plunged into an economic crisis. Fuel stations ran out of petrol and diesel, forcing thermal power stations to ration electricity to 13 hours each day. If a single monkey truly caused an entire nation to lose power, Sri Lanka might be in more trouble with a monkey population of around 2-3 million. Sri Lanka is already facing issues with these monkeys. With people encroaching more and more onto forested areas, monkeys are raiding nearby villages in search of food resulting in the destruction of crops. Perhaps the only way for Sri Lanka to resolve these issues is with a truce with the monkeys, or they may have bigger issues on their hands.