You’ve probably heard it more than once, or even thought it during the recent spell of frigid weather in Powell River: “Well, so much for global warming.”
In reality, a relatively short period of cold weather, while it may be connected to the concepts of global warming and climate change, is not the direct result. Many other continually changing factors influence our daily weather. During the same recent period there were many examples of unseasonably warmer weather at more northern latitudes.
Whatever changes occur, they are not evenly distributed, are very difficult to predict, and can move temperatures in either direction at local levels.
Perhaps the warmer air bubble in the Arctic last month pushed the cold air mass in our direction. After all, the atmosphere is a fluid that has no borders and a perfect example of how all things are connected.
The recent history of our present condition of climate change began when scientists established a link between increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere with what is referred to as the “greenhouse effect.” This is a mechanism by which the sun’s radiation is not given back to space easily because of the blanket effect of greenhouse gases.
Gradually, the whole earth system of atmosphere, oceans and land heats up. As this heat energy is retained, it contributes to changes in ocean currents, atmospheric circulation and surface-land temperatures, all of which create the earth’s climates.
These climates are now at great risk of alteration due to human activities, as is common vegetation and the ability of farmers to grow the crops they have been accustomed to, thereby threatening food supplies.
A word on the distinction between weather and climate, and why they are quite thinly related on a daily, or even seasonal basis. Climate is a variety, small or large, of weather conditions during all seasons, but it is viewed over considerable lengths of time. It is about the patterns of the weather over a period of many years. Drawing conclusions about climate changes based on a few days of weather is a bit of a joke.
A concerning feature of the short-term way climate change presents itself is the occurrence of extreme weather events. These are the actual changes that are most noticeable, and the ones that receive the attention of people and insurance companies: floods, hurricanes, landslides, storm surges and elements of weather that cause severe damage.
Damage, destruction and death attributed to climate-change-induced extreme weather events has already been severe, with billions of dollars in direct property damage and thousands of deaths worldwide. The current drought in Africa threatening the very survival of millions is a clear example.
All of this points to the need for all of us to do our part to support climate change initiatives, big or small, because what we do here in Powell River can have an impact everywhere.
Bill Lytle-McGhee is a member of Climate Action Powell River Society.
