I find myself deeply troubled by the recent reports of the persistent heat wave in the US that has shattered new records, caused deaths in the West, and gripped the East. As someone who values the natural world and its delicate balance, the impact of this extreme weather is alarming. It’s not just about uncomfortably high temperatures; it’s about the ripple effect that it causes throughout the environment.
The fact that this heat wave is making algae blooms begin earlier and last longer, turning our fresh water toxic, is concerning. It’s a stark reminder of how interconnected our ecosystem is and how vulnerable it can be to extreme conditions.… Continue reading
Hurricane Beryl has made headlines as it strengthened into a category 5 storm, breaking records as the earliest on record to do so. The predictions that initially labeled it as a category 3 storm have been blown away by this unexpected turn of events. It seems that Mother Nature is sending a not-so-subtle message our way, reminding us of the power and unpredictability of natural disasters.
As I look at the projections and warnings about this impending storm, I can’t help but feel a sense of foreboding about the upcoming hurricane season. It seems like we are in for a rough ride, and anyone living off the coast should take the necessary precautions to stay safe.… Continue reading
Hurricane Beryl is making headlines as it becomes the first Category 4 storm ever to form in the month of June. This news should serve as a wake-up call for all of us, highlighting the undeniable impact of climate change on our planet. The fact that this storm is breaking records left and right, from being the furthest east major hurricane to the unprecedented speed and intensity it’s reaching, should be a clear sign that we are in the midst of a climate crisis.
It’s disheartening to see how some people still deny the existence of climate change, especially when faced with such clear evidence like Hurricane Beryl.… Continue reading
Living in South Florida, where relentless rainfall has caused major flooding, I can’t help but feel a sense of concern and uncertainty. The state of emergency that has been declared highlights the severity of the situation, with countless individuals and families facing the devastating consequences of the floodwaters. It’s disheartening to think about the challenges that so many people in our community are facing, especially considering the fact that some may not even have home insurance to fall back on.
The refusal to acknowledge the reality of climate change by certain political leaders is bewildering, to say the least. How can we ignore the overwhelming evidence that points to the impact of human-driven climate change on extreme weather events like the flooding we are currently experiencing?… Continue reading
Living in Southern Florida, I have witnessed unprecedented rainfall and flash flooding in what experts are calling a 500-to-1,000-year event. The relentless rain has not relented for more than 2 hours in the last 3 days, causing flood warnings in parts of Miami and Southwest Florida. It is evident that climate change is playing a significant role in these extreme weather events, despite the attempts to remove official references to climate change in Florida.
As a resident who has seen multiple so-called “500-year events” in just the past decade, it is concerning that these occurrences are becoming more frequent. The fact that Florida has scrubbed the words “climate change” from official government language does not change the reality of the situation.… Continue reading
I woke up this morning and, out of habit, checked the weather in Los Angeles. The news was concerning – temperatures are set to rise to 5 to 10 degrees above normal this week. As I scrolled through my weather app, I couldn’t help but notice the stark contrast in temperatures across the Western United States. While coastal cities like San Diego seem to be relatively unaffected, inland areas like Phoenix are bracing for scorching triple-digit heat. It got me thinking about the extreme weather patterns we’ve been witnessing lately and the underlying issue of climate change.
The heat dome phenomenon isn’t new to those of us living in the West.… Continue reading
Living in Mexico, I have experienced firsthand the devastating effects of the recent ‘heat dome’ that has claimed the lives of 48 people and left many struggling to cope with the scorching temperatures. Last week, as the mercury soared to a staggering 127 F, the oppressive heat brought with it a sense of suffocation and desperation. People were gasping for air on the streets, and even at home, the situation was unbearable. With the overloaded electric grid unable to support the demand for air conditioning, I found myself resorting to sleeping with a cold towel wrapped around me like I had the flu, windows open to a stifling 104-degree night.… Continue reading
It’s scorching in North India, with temperatures nearing an unimaginable 50 degrees Celsius. As someone who has experienced high-30’s and low-40’s, I can attest that even those temperatures are unbearable. The idea of 50 degrees is downright horrifying. The situation in the Philippines, where heat index temps in the low 40s have made life hellish, parallels the extreme conditions faced by those in India. Not to mention, the scorching heat in countries least equipped to handle climate change may lead to desperate measures that worsen the issue at hand.
With nearly 40 degrees in Germany being almost unbearable, the thought of daily temperatures surpassing 50 degrees is mind-boggling.… Continue reading
37 million at risk for flooding from blockbuster California rainstorm
As news of the upcoming “blockbuster” rainstorm spreads, it seems that everyone has an opinion. Some people dismiss the headlines, pointing out that not everyone in California will be flooded. Others express concerns about the potential for flooding and landslides, especially in areas with unstable terrain.
The truth is, this rainstorm is no ordinary event. The atmospheric rivers that bring intense rainfall to the state can indeed cause havoc, with high winds, flooding, and landslide risks. And while not everyone will be directly affected, a significant portion of the state’s population is at risk.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker