Global Warming: Should it Be This Warm During the Winter?

With temperatures reaching upwards of forty degrees for days on end, Northeast residents begin to doubt what month it actually is. We look out our windows in disbelief at the sun brightly shining on a warm, January day. We have second thoughts about grabbing our scarves and gloves, and even contemplate braving the so-called winter day without a coat. But why all of a sudden is it so difficult to distinguish a cool fall day from an unusually warm winter? Should we simply put on our sunglasses and enjoy the weather as if it were a gift from an unknown source, or should we begin to worry that the recent increases in temperatures may be an indicator of global warming?

Global warming occurs when there is an increase in greenhouse gases, which trap heat in the atmosphere, causing not only temperatures to rise, but also glaciers to melt and sea levels to rise. It may not come as a surprise, then, that humans are the main cause of this problem, considering the extent to which we rely on fossil fuels for energy; these fossil fuels greatly contribute to the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases released into the air.

Although it may not seem detrimental that the earth is a couple degrees warmer, the climate change can have dramatic effects including, but not limited to: flooding, disruption of natural ecosystems, coastal erosion and uncommonly intense precipitation. It’s easier for most people to simply ignore these threats and instead of taking precautions against the destruction of our planet, committing to soak up the unnatural sun for as long as we can. It is quite unfortunate how unconcerned we are about global warming when it threatens not only the current population but even more so our children, grandchildern, great-grandchildren, and so on. When the technology of fuel efficient cars, solar power, wind power and other alternative energy sources are right at our fingertips, why are we so reluctant to utilize them? Why do we continue to drive around in gas-guzzling SUV’s and use coal power for electricity? What will it take for us to realize that we have to take action now in order to preserve our planet?

Obviously the issue of global warming leaves many unanswered questions, and at the rate we’re going, it is rather possible that we will not only abandon wearing coats in January but will also be seen walking around in t-shirts year-round.