02/09/11
Chicago just had its first real blizzard since 1979 and the one we had prior to that was in 1967. Normally we would only have a 20” snowfall every fifty years1, so having three in that time frame may be yet another sign of global warming.
The term global warming may be misleading to some people, since they may think a blizzard is a sign that global warming is not taking place. However, understanding how global warming works means that these extreme changes in our weather are an indication that global warming is indeed occurring.
To explain global warming very basically, as the snow on the polar caps melt due to warmer climate changes, it puts more moisture into the air. More moisture and warmer atmosphere mean more precipitation. The increased precipitation will bring more snow in the winter and more rain in the summer.
Therefore, all of the extreme weather changes we have been seeing, the blizzards as well as the hurricanes and typhoons, all seem to back up the evident threat of global warming. Therefore, global warming does not just refer to warmer temperature.
Instead of global warming you can think of the term climate change. Both terms refer to the same environmental situation that is currently at hand. Our climate is changing and even a one degree difference can have an adverse impact on our planet.
If you don’t believe in climate change, just consider this: What if the climate change advocates are right? Just what if? If they’re wrong, then there is no harm done. People will have taken extra steps in conserving resources and will have an increased awareness of the environment. However, if the climate change advocates are right and people are not proactive, then our planet is in serious jeopardy.
So, it may be in everyone’s best interest to take steps toward environmental solutions. Making even small daily eco conscious decisions can make a big difference. Conserve resources, reduce unnecessary consumerism, reuse, and recycle.
Going green does not have to involve drastic measures. The majority of the problem causing climate change is our emission of greenhouse gases. Simply making environmentally friendly decisions like using an eco car service or placing a recycling container next to your garbage can help reduce greenhouse gases without taking much time, effort, or money.
To learn more about climate change, check out these resources:
Yes Magazine http://www.yesmagazine.org/planet
Carbon Nation http://www.carbonnationmovie.com/
If you have additional resources to add regarding climate change, please post them here. We would love to hear from you!
1 Chicago Blizzard: City Digs Out After Third Biggest Snow Storm EVER
The Huffington Post, February 1, 2011
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/02/chicago-blizzard-flights-canceled_n_817187.html#s233897&title=Winter_Weather
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