Is it getting too hot? While the political pundits argue if global warming is happening, most scientists do agree that it is getting hotter and staying that way longer.
Per the Washington Post, “In Northern Siberia, along the coast of the Arctic Ocean – where weather observations are scarce – model analyses showed temperatures soaring 40 degrees above normal on July 5, to over 90 degrees. “It is absolutely incredible and really one of the most intense heat events I’ve ever seen for so far north,” wrote meteorologist Nick Humphrey.” Furthermore, “No single record, in isolation, can be attributed to global warming. But collectively, these heat records are consistent with the kind of extremes we expect to see increase in a warming world.”
I personally have observed that it seems that Spring and Fall are getting shorter every year plus weather extremes are becoming more common. Since these are my observations, I am no scientist, I only can state that our weather here in Central New Jersey is worse each year.
From Newsweek, per the United Nations World Meteorological Organization (WMO), “According to 25th edition of the Statement on the State of the Global Climate, 2017 was the costliest year ever for extreme weather and climate events, while the past three years have been confirmed as the hottest on record.
In addition, global sea levels continue to rise, ocean warming and acidification are on the increase and the extent of polar sea ice was well below the 1981-2010 average throughout 2017.
Among last year’s damaging extreme weather events were the particularly active North Atlantic hurricane season, major monsoon floods in India and continuing severe drought in Africa, which contributed to total natural disaster-related losses of $320 billion—a record figure after adjustment for inflation—according to estimates from German reinsurer Munich Re quoted in the report.”
All these reports are saying that something is going wrong with our weather. Now is it due to us or is it some kind of normal (natural) long term weather pattern change? I for one can not most diffidently state that we humans are the cause. But we must try to minimize our contributions by limiting the pollution coming from the multiple sources that we create in our day to day activities.
This is not the time to place blame or argue who is right. We are long past the time to deny that something is happening and as a responsible industrial power we must curb those pollutants that can be curtailed.
I do not know nor does anyone truly and completely understand everything that is happening, but we must at least recognize that every effort must be made and act appropriately.
That is my opinion- Jumpin Jersey Mike
