These are not isolated cases but part of a global trend.
According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), 2023 was the second
warmest year, after 2016. The global average temperature for 2023 was 2.2°F (1.2°C)
above the pre-industrial level, which is the baseline for measuring the impact
of human-induced climate change. The WMO also reported that the past six years,
from 2018 to 2023, were the six warmest years ever recorded.
This is not normal, and this is not natural. This results
from human activities that emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, such as
carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. These gases trap heat and cause the
Earth’s temperature to rise. The greenhouse effect is the main driver of global
climate change.
Climate change is not just about rising temperatures but
also about changing weather patterns. One of the consequences of climate change
is that the seasons are becoming more extreme and unpredictable. For example,
some regions are experiencing more frequent and intense heat waves, droughts,
wildfires, and floods, while others are experiencing more severe and prolonged
cold snaps, snowstorms, and blizzards. These extreme weather events can devastate
human health, food security, water resources, biodiversity, and infrastructure.
The unseasonably warm weather we’re having for December exemplifies
how climate change alters our seasons. It may seem nice to have a mild winter,
but it is not good for the environment or us. A warm winter can disrupt the
natural cycles of plants and animals, such as flowering, fruiting, hibernating,
and migrating. It can also increase the risk of pests, diseases, and invasive
species, harming crops, livestock, and wildlife. It can also reduce the amount
of snow and ice, affecting the availability and quality of water, as well as
the recreation and tourism industries.
The unseasonably warm weather we’re having for December
reminds me of the opposite phenomenon that occurred in 1816, which is known as
the Year Without a Summer. That year, the global temperature dropped by about
0.7°C (0.7°C) due to the eruption of Mount Tambora in Indonesia, which spewed
large amounts of volcanic ash and sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. This
caused a volcanic winter, which blocked the sunlight and cooled the Earth. The
result was a series of crop failures, famines, epidemics, and social unrest worldwide.
The Year Without a Summer was a natural phenomenon, but the
Year Without a Winter is a man-made disaster. We are the ones who are causing
the Earth to warm up, and we are the ones who are suffering the consequences.
But we are also the ones who can do something about it. We can reduce our
greenhouse gas emissions by using renewable energy sources, improving energy
efficiency, and adopting low-carbon lifestyles. We can also adapt to the
changing climate by enhancing our resilience, preparedness, and cooperation. We
can also support the global efforts to combat climate change, such as the Paris
Agreement, which aims to limit the global temperature rise to well below 3.6°F (2°C),
preferably to 2.7°F (1.5°C), above the pre-industrial level.
The unseasonably warm weather we’re having for December is
not a gift but a challenge. It is a challenge to act now and together to save
our planet and ourselves. It is a challenge to think long-term and globally to
protect our future and our children’s future. It is a challenge to be
responsible and hopeful, make a difference, and make a change.