Links to Climate Change

A recent article in the New York Times, "Scientists Trace Extreme Heat in Australia to Climate Change"(By Justin Gillis. Sept. 29, 2014) stated, "The savage heat waves that struck Australia last year were almost certainly a direct consequence of greenhouse gases released by human activity, researchers said Monday. It is perhaps the most definitive statement climate scientists have made tying a specific weather event to global warming."

This research by climate scientists points to the difficulty of connecting the feedback loops of climate change to weather events. And finally there is now more clarity on this aspect of the climate change issue.

It seems that finally public awareness and actions regarding climate change is turning around. The massive turnout for the People's Climate March in New York City last weekend and the subsequent  UN Climate Summit in which the European Union took a leadership role in pledging to spend 20% of its budget in climate action through 2020, shows how this paramount issue is getting much deserved attention. Applying pressure on political leaders to keep this issue in the front burner is key for these policy measures to be enacted.

Perhaps the next rep is to bring awareness to practical actions we can all take as individuals to make positive strides regarding curbing greenhouse gasses. How we can promote policy changes at the political level and change personal consumption habits regarding energy, transportation and water use. Starting with simple measures may be the most productive first step.