Climate Change

I've noticed that our winters here in New york are becoming less and less severe. We don't get nearly as much snow as we once did. The spring flowers are starting to show their heads earlier and have began to appear in February instead of mid March. My Morning Glories, which are supposed to be annual flowers in our area are now returning as perennials. At first all of this seemed very nice. We didn't have to shovel snow as much. And, who can resist the flowers blooming as a suggestion that spring is on the way, but I have come to realize that this is not a good thing. It is all due to Global warming.

Global warming is a term that's been in the news lately and for good reason. The climate is changing rapidly and it's having an impact on all of us. Global surface temperatures were first measured in 1850 and have been increasing ever since. Twelve of the last 14 years have been the hottest on record. According to scientist, the global average temperature is expected to increase by 0.2 degrees Centigrade per decade over the next two decades. It has been observed that glaciers are melting in many places across the world. This is putting people at risk of floods, which could reduce our crop yields, thereby jeopardizing our food production. We Humans caused this by the Greenhouse Gases we produce in our daily living habits and by the amount of fossil fuel that's used. If we don't take some action to stop it or try to control it, our way of life will be dramatically changed. Our children's lives and that of the earth will be in grave danger.

There are ways we as individuals can make a difference. We have all started to recycle and that's good but if we go a step further by turning off lights when we leave a room, using energy efficient appliances, compact fluorescent bulbs, collecting and using rainwater for our plants or to wash the car. Speaking of cars, we should car pool, take public transportation or get healthier by walking or riding bicycles. We should consider vacationing in our own country or closer to home, reducing the amount of red meat and dairy that we eat. Lowering our heating bill in the winter by wearing sweaters, and washing our clothes in cold water would save us money as well as conserve fuel. Give a small native tree as a gift to be planted in someones yard. Trees use carbon monoxide and puts oxygen back into the air. These are just small things to do but every little bit helps. It is our responsibility to do our part in saving our planet. So would everyone please jump on board and do a little something for our earth.