Science vs Alternative Facts

                                                             

This post is part of Blog March 2017. This is a peaceful, but thoughtful movement that will run throughout the month of May. The purpose of this written march is to raise our voices against an administration that is hell-bent on stripping away all the hard won protection of our natural resources, air and water. The previous blog marcher before me was Max Mania on May 24 and the blog marcher following me is Pamela Means on May 26.

I don't know the girl who is holding this cool sign, but it's perfect for Blog March 2017. My post is about the fallacies on climate change that this administration is so eager to shove down our throats. Does science prove our use of outdated methods of energy brings us closer to extinction as a species? Find out after the jump.

Weather

This blog is not about the weather. There will always be rain, snow, tornadoes, and hurricanes and we know this, but there is something very wrong with our climate that needs to first be acknowledged, then acted upon by this present head-in-the-sand administration. So, let’s go over the difference between weather and climate.

Weather is the short-term conditions of our atmosphere. Climate change is about the long-term conditions that last for long periods (over 30 years) of time. Weather is thought of in terms of: temperature; humidity; precipitation; atmospheric pressure. It can change from minute to minute, hour to hour, day to day. It’s what you’d expect for where you live.

                                                                   

Climate, on the other hand, is the average weather for a particular region over a period of time. When a scientist studies climate change they will, using scientific and proven methods, judge if a certain area is becoming drier than normal over many years. Climate change throws off the natural systems in nature which places our food and water sources in danger. The main cause of climate change is the rising levels of atmospheric greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide.

There is no denying that we are in trouble. NASA itself has been doing research on climate change for years; they have seen from the International Space Station the results of our activities. So, the question is: Why is Trump and his administration ignoring the truth about climate change publically and on the White House website? Why deny what is happening when the government knows that we need to change our ways before it's too late. We know that sea levels are rising, and the weather is becoming more severe, but climate change is also affecting our food. You need food to survive, and unless you’re a zombie that can snack on brains, it is juvenile to deny what is occurring around the globe. You don't need a degree in science to see the dire effects taking place around us. We can see the effects of global warming in our own back yards.

Climate and Us

Why should we care? It won’t happen here! We have lots of food in America! These are some of the replies I get from people that listen to a certain news station (it rhymes with box). Even if you’re not in the least concerned about the effects of global warming in third-world-countries, we are no safer here in the states. Global warming has a major effect on our health: allergies, the spread of insect-borne diseases, dangerous heat waves...

                                                            

Let’s get back to the food crisis, and how global food production is likely to be most impacted by climate change. Severe droughts will have an adverse effect on food production. The proof is in the pudding...that is if you have clean water to make that pudding. There is also a widespread shortage of fresh, clean drinking water, and my next blog will be on the destructive methods of fracking.

California went through several years of drought and it led to the increase in prices for fruit, vegetables, and dairy. The “breadbaskets” of the world are now experiencing horrible droughts. Extreme weather makes it near impossible to continue a reliable crop yield. This is a scientific fact, and no amount of denying will protect us when the proverbial dog doo hits the fan.

Conclusion

We are fighting for our very survival, and our children’s survival.

                                                            

We don’t have to rely on coal, oil or natural gas for our energy. Fossil fuels are no longer acceptable. We have this big bright source of energy right above our heads, and it’s free for all of us to use. Solar energy can be used for heating and lighting our homes and offices. It can be used to generate electricity. Did I mention that it’s free! Do you know what else is free? Wind! Wind is free. Here is a list of sustainable ways to replace fossil fuel: Hydroelectric power, bioenergy power, geothermal energy, and ocean energy.

It’s quite simple really. We have one planet; one home. It is the duty of everyone on this planet to reverse the catastrophic effects of climate change before it is too late. We have the science on our side. Let’s use this science to save Mother Earth. Let's stand up to Trump and his climate naysayers.