“Something is just not right.” Wanda said to herself while strolling aimlessly. “It sure seems weird to be in shirtsleeves in the middle of February. But the government is telling us to ‘make no never mind’ about climate change. It’s confusing!”
Wanda found herself slipping into the local coffee shop only to find her old buddy, Cy. “Ha! You’re just the guy I’m looking for,” Wanda Know exclaimed as she slid in next to him. “Straighten me out. I hear so many mixed messages about global warming. Are worries about climate change just a lot of hot air?”
“You’re right about the hot air, but not in that way,” Cy Entist grinned. “Some folks apparently think not talking about climate change will make it go away. Unfortunately, the predictions and modeling about climate change are playing out as expected. The bottom line? Atmospheric greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels and other sources are causing temperatures to rise. That’s the reality that can’t be just wished away.
“The evidence keeps mounting. One measurable example is the coral reef die-off from rising ocean temperatures. And there are some ‘tipping points’ that would cause dramatic climate changes. One concerns the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. It’s what gives us the jet streams and relatively stable ocean circulation throughout the North Atlantic. But, it’s beginning to slow because of higher temperatures. If it shuts down, North America and Europe’s climate would alter drastically.”
“So, we throw up our hands and cry?” Wanda asked. “Nope! It’s time to act!” Cy advised. “We adapt and prepare for the changes we know are coming. We each continue to find ways to lower our own carbon footprint by eating lower on the food chain and moderating our use of fossil fuels. With good old American ingenuity we develop ways to sequester (suck up and hold) atmospheric carbon and reduce methane emissions.”
“I couldn’t help overhearing,” interrupted Buck Stoppsear from the next booth. “Don’t forget about the economic fallout from extreme weather events and heat-related issues. It’s already catching the eye of insurance companies, investment firms and industries who want to protect their profits. Leverage from business interests can be a powerful influence, you know.”
“What’s needed,” Wanda declared, “is less hot air and more action. After all, this is our only home where we’re all forever… Earthbound.”
Wanda found herself slipping into the local coffee shop only to find her old buddy, Cy. “Ha! You’re just the guy I’m looking for,” Wanda Know exclaimed as she slid in next to him. “Straighten me out. I hear so many mixed messages about global warming. Are worries about climate change just a lot of hot air?”
“You’re right about the hot air, but not in that way,” Cy Entist grinned. “Some folks apparently think not talking about climate change will make it go away. Unfortunately, the predictions and modeling about climate change are playing out as expected. The bottom line? Atmospheric greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels and other sources are causing temperatures to rise. That’s the reality that can’t be just wished away.
“The evidence keeps mounting. One measurable example is the coral reef die-off from rising ocean temperatures. And there are some ‘tipping points’ that would cause dramatic climate changes. One concerns the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. It’s what gives us the jet streams and relatively stable ocean circulation throughout the North Atlantic. But, it’s beginning to slow because of higher temperatures. If it shuts down, North America and Europe’s climate would alter drastically.”
“So, we throw up our hands and cry?” Wanda asked. “Nope! It’s time to act!” Cy advised. “We adapt and prepare for the changes we know are coming. We each continue to find ways to lower our own carbon footprint by eating lower on the food chain and moderating our use of fossil fuels. With good old American ingenuity we develop ways to sequester (suck up and hold) atmospheric carbon and reduce methane emissions.”
“I couldn’t help overhearing,” interrupted Buck Stoppsear from the next booth. “Don’t forget about the economic fallout from extreme weather events and heat-related issues. It’s already catching the eye of insurance companies, investment firms and industries who want to protect their profits. Leverage from business interests can be a powerful influence, you know.”
“What’s needed,” Wanda declared, “is less hot air and more action. After all, this is our only home where we’re all forever… Earthbound.”
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