Mark D’Antonio, Zondits staff, 4/14/2022
There is enormous focus in the news on climate change these days and it has become a frequent occurrence to hear of extreme weather affecting some part of the world. Two articles caught the attention of Zondits recently that emphasize the imperative to implement decarbonization measures globally to positively impact the climate.
Most of us associate frigid temperatures and massive ice sheets with the poles of the earth, but the recent headline in the Guardian is indicative of a concerning change: Heatwaves at both of Earth’s poles alarm climate scientists. An excerpt from the article notes record setting conditions at either ends of the earth:
“Startling heatwaves at both of Earth’s poles are causing alarm among climate scientists, who have warned the “unprecedented” events could signal faster and abrupt climate breakdown.
Temperatures in Antarctica reached record levels at the weekend, an astonishing 40C above normal in places. At the same time, weather stations near the north pole also showed signs of melting, with some temperatures 30C above normal, hitting levels normally attained far later in the year.
At this time of year, the Antarctic should be rapidly cooling after its summer, and the Arctic only slowly emerging from its winter, as days lengthen. For both poles to show such heating at once is unprecedented.”
The second article of note similarly points out an unprecedented occurrence, this time in the northwest region of the United States. Titled ‘Nowhere is safe’: heat shatters vision of Pacific north-west as climate refuge, it’s a headline that puts an exclamation point on the topic. The article leads with some poignant facts:
“The recent heatwave that broiled the US Pacific north-west not only obliterated temperature records in cities such as Seattle and Portland – it also put a torch to a comforting bromide that the region would be a mild, safe haven from the ravages of the climate crisis.
Unprecedented temperatures baked the region three weeks ago, part of a procession of heatwaves that have hit the parched US west, from Montana to southern California, over the past month. A “heat dome” that settled over the area saw Seattle reach 108F (42.2C), smashing the previous record by 3F (1.7C), while Portland, Oregon, soared to its own record of 116F (46.7C). Some inland areas managed to get up to 118F (47.8C).”
These rapid rises in temperature in multiple regions of the globe is alarming and serves as another call for prompt action to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. It is indicative of progressive climate changes that need to be rapidly addressed and warns of potentially irreversible, cascading damage to Earth’s ecosystem.
In the coming editions, Zondits will be reporting on decarbonization and electrification topics that will support the fight against climate change.
Check out the full articles mentioned from the Guardian at the following links:
- Heatwaves at both of Earth’s poles alarm climate scientists
Antarctic areas reach 40C above normal at same time as north pole regions hit 30C above usual levels.
Read full article in The Guardian
- ‘Nowhere is safe’: heat shatters vision of Pacific north-west as climate refuge
Read full article in The Guardian