With temperatures falling well into the negative digits this month, some may scoff at the idea of global warming.
But the record-setting cold may actually be the result of climate change.
‘People tend to associate global warming only with warming events,? said Gerald Hasspacher. ‘Climate change can mean warmer or colder events. Extreme cold temperatures are also a result of climate change.?
Hasspacher will be speaking on the subject during ‘Climate Change and You,? set for 7 p.m., March 9, at the township library, 304 South St. The free PowerPoint presentation is open to all ages and defines current environmental issues.
There are three problems concerning weather that are likely exacerbated by human behavior.
‘Unseasonable weather is the wrong type of weather at the wrong time,? said Hasspacher, a volunteer with the Sierra Club. ‘In Romeo, the peach crop was affected last year because the trees were too cold in spring. Then there is severe weather? as you heat the atmosphere, you have larger, more severe weather events such as hurricanes, tornadoes and blizzards. Third, prolonged weather patterns, because the jet stream is slowing. When weather comes, it stays longer.?
During the program, Hasspacher will talk about causes and symptoms of climate change, including the greenhouse effect, greenhouse gases, fracking, rising ocean levels, acidifying and warming oceans, loss of biodiversity, increased diseases and much more.
He cites a story from the BBC just this week that reported in 2009-10, ocean levels north of New York City rose by 5 inches. Such an occurrence near Florida would result in the lost of 1250 feet of shoreline, he said, and concerns about such an event are leading some southern Florida officials to talk about secession from the rest of the state, according to news reports.
While Hasspacher acknowledges there are normal cycles in weather that can make carbon dioxide rise and fall over time, in the last 800,000 years the parts per million of carbon dioxide has only fluctuated between 200-300 in a natural cycle.
‘Now that we’re involved, it is over 400,? he said. ‘There is extra carbon dioxide because of cars, power plants, heating our homes. To do all those things, we burn fossil fuels.?
Burning one gallon of gas puts 20 pounds of carbon dioxide in the air, he said. Filling a car with 20 gallons, you will put 400 pounds of carbon dioxide in the air by the time you return to the gas station.
While the problem may seem overwhelming, there are things individuals can do to help reduce their carbon footprint and in Hasspacher’s presentation, he will talk about solutions, including energy saving measures like using a shower adapter, clothes racks instead of dryers, driving habits and reduction of unnecessary vehicle idling.
‘The future generations are in jeopardy,? said Hasspacher. ‘Changes need to be made now to protect future generations from the effects of climate change. People have a tendency to say the government needs to do something and not realize all the things they can do to make a difference.?
Details: 248-627-1460.