Be Proactive, an update from a UP climate scientist - 267

By UP Resident and Retired Senior NOAA Atmospheric Scientist, Kevin Krupi.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports 2022 was the sixth warmest year on record since 1880 in terms of global average temperature and that the 10 warmest years have all occurred since 2010.  July 2021 is the warmest month on record since at least 1880.  The great majority (97%) of the most qualified scientists in the field of atmospheric science believe human-caused greenhouse gas emissions (mainly from burning fossil fuels) and other irresponsible actions like mass deforestation are responsible for this global warming/climate change (see climate.nasa.gov/scientific-consensus).

Additionally, the World Meteorological Organization released a report in September 2022 stating that human-caused global warming/climate change has caused weather-related disasters to increase fivefold over the last 50 years.  In fact, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information, the U.S. experienced 18 climate change-related disasters in 2022 that cost 474 lives, with financial losses exceeding $1 billion each.  The cumulative cost of these disasters was almost $170 billion, borne by individuals, insurance companies and federal/state governments.  The World Meteorological Organization warns that unless humans reduce the burning of the dirty fossil fuels like oil, coal and gas as well as the other short-sighted actions responsible for this climate change, these disastrous impacts will only get worse. 

The widespread Canadian forest fires related to increasingly severe droughts that have occurred in recent months and the significant negative impact on air quality here in the U.S. are examples of the conditions that will become more frequent in the future unless we take significant actions.

The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change co-chair Debra Roberts also stated in February 2022: “The scientific evidence is unequivocal.  Climate change is a threat to human well-being and the health of the planet.  Any further delay in concerted global action will miss a brief and rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a livable and sustainable future for all.”  The report’s authors further stated countries must dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect large natural areas on land and in the oceans to have the most impact.

I urge readers to call or write Rep Bergman as well as Senators Stabenow and Peters.

In addition to the information above, here are some talking points you can use:

1) The change in atmospheric circulation patterns as well as increased atmospheric water vapor concentrations related to this overall warming atmosphere will continue to result in a higher probability of extreme weather occurrences, both flooding and drought in addition to more heat waves/occasional periods of very cold weather.  The higher probability of the occurrence of these extreme weather events will require expensive responses that also exacerbate budget deficits.

2) The overall warming is consistent with the observed rise in atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane.  In fact, NOAA announced the average monthly atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii reached 421 parts per million in May 2022, the highest concentration in at least 3 million years.

3) Although some blame the sun for the observed warming, NOAA reports that any increase in solar irradiance can account for no more than 10 percent of the observed warming since 1900.

4) Based on these observed trends in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration, Pieter Tans, the senior scientist with NOAA’s Global Monitoring Laboratory, stated “We continue to commit our planet–-for centuries or longer–-to more global heating, sea level rise and extreme weather events every year.”

5) This warming climate will exacerbate the spread of dangerous diseases like COVID-19, increasing the probability of more deadly pandemics in the future.  The rising health care and economic costs associated with dealing with diseases like COVID-19 will greatly increase federal budget deficits.

6) The lakeshore flooding/erosion that has devastated the shoreline in Upper Michigan in recent years will become more common due to higher lake levels during periods of heavy precipitation and stronger winds associated with more intense storm systems.

If you want to keep it short, Citizens Climate Lobby has scripted asks of our representatives such as, “I'm a constituent and a voter. To keep America's pledge to reduce emissions 50% below 2005 levels by 2030, we need to cut carbon pollution by an additional 10%. I'm calling to urge you to support further climate legislation that will help America achieve this commitment, including a price on carbon pollution.”

Both Mi Senators Stabenow and Peters have answering machines you can leave your message.  Senator Stabenow’s phone is 202-224-4822. Senator Peters phone is 202-224- 6221.

Representative Jack Bergman’s phone is 202-225-4735. A short, suggested script to give the person answering the phone for him is, “I'm a constituent and a voter. I'm calling to ask you to help America win. Have a look at carbon border adjustments, which give U.S. manufacturers an advantage in the global marketplace.”

Kevin also reminds us that we can make a positive contribution by taking these actions to slow dangerous climate change.
 a) Switch to the use of more clean, renewable energy sources and more fuel efficient vehicles;
 b) Walk, ride your bike and take public transportation instead of using your car to travel whenever possible;
 c) Adopt a more vegan/plant-based diet and lifestyle as the livestock industry contributes significantly to the release of greenhouse gases such as methane and encourages deforestation to increase pasture land.                                                                                                                                                                                                d) Take advantage of the money saving incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act. Go to “RewiringAmerica.com” for details.                                                                                                                           e) Join CITIZENS CLIMATE LOBBY.

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