Another Sluggish Migration

On this beautiful, cool, sunny morning in central Missouri, a friend and I hoped to see a fair variety of waterfowl at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area.  Alas, our sightings were limited to four Canada Geese, a half-dozen mallards and ten pied-billed grebes.

Now in limited access mode due to duck hunting and waterfowl refuge restrictions at the refuge, neither seemed warranted in light of our count.  Not long ago, when Eagle Bluffs was a vast wetland, thousands of geese, ducks, coot and grebes would grace the floodplain by mid October.  Today, due in part to reduced open water at the refuge but also to warmer conditions up north, the autumn waterfowl migration is not peaking until much later in the season.

Indeed, this sluggish fall migration, observed in recent years, is surely a reflection of our warming climate.  Not responsive to the solar cycle, waterfowl head south when lakes and wetlands freeze over, blocking their food supply.  Until then, we'll enjoy watching the raptors. 

The Mexico-Kansas Express

Leaving Denver on this clear, cool autumn morning, I noted a dusting of snow on Mt. Blue Sky, a "Fourteener" west of the city; looking to the south, I saw that Pike's Peak was completely snow covered. This early season snow, the first along the Front Range this fall, reflects the impact of Hurricane Polo's recent moisture plume, combined with a cold front that swept in from the northwest.

More impressive were flooded fields throughout western Kansas, an area that was in a prolonged drought until it found itself in Polo's crosshairs.  Indeed, the Hurricane's swath of heavy rain passed right through that area, reaching as far northeast as Minnesota.

To encounter pools of tropical moisture across the semiarid environment of the High Plains was a clear sign that Earth's ecosystems are interconnected.  No doubt, as our climate warms, this fact will become impossible to ignore. 

A Nor'Easter slams the Northeast

While a strong El Niño has suppressed Atlantic hurricanes this year, a potent, slow-moving Nor'Easter threatens the Northeast Coast this weekend.  Already producing coastal flooding in the Mid-Atlantic States, the storm is expected to crawl northward and intensify in the coming days.

Fifty to sixty mph winds are forecast to lash the region, accompanied by torrential rain and coastal flooding.  Long Island and southern New England appear to be at the greatest risk of storm damage though major disruption of travel and outdoor events will occur from Virginia to Maine.

Named for their strong, persistent, northeast winds, Nor'Easters are most common in late winter.  To experience one in late September is very rare, perhaps the latest sign of our warming climate. 

Fracking in Wayne National Forest

Wayne National Forest, the only National Forest in Ohio, covers 250,000 acres in the southeast region of that State; this protected landscape, long a haven for naturalists, hikers, campers and hunters is broken into three units.

Now, as we learned during our visit to Ohio, Trump's Bureau of Land Management has sold leases on almost 3000 acres of the Forest for oil and gas exploration, including the use of fracking.  Of course, these operations will impact far more acreage than the lease zones themselves, due to the effects of road development, traffic, pollution and water requirements.

Once again, the Trump Administration is attacking as many environmental laws, refuges and protected ecosystems as possible, demonstrating their unbridled support for energy production and disdain for conservation.  They ridicule the science and consequences of climate change and bolster fossil fuel use wherever and whenever possible.   

The Glorious Fifties

During these difficult times, one often hears reference to the 1950s, the decade of my childhood, when our faith-based lives were simpler.

Back then, most women were housewives, families were larger, the "coloreds" knew their place and homosexuals were forced to stay in the closet.  Environmentalism had not yet threatened the profits of industry, we were blissfully unaware of child sexual abuse in the Church, Joseph McCarthy was ridding the country of "Commies" and the tragic events of Vietnam and the Middle East Wars lie in the future.  Finally, man-induced climate change would not become evident for several decades.

Over time, Progressives enlightened America and have been able to partly correct the injustices and misguided policies of the Fifties.  Conservatives, on the other hand, want us to return to that era.  Vote Democratic in November! 

Nepal's Tragic Mudslide

Yesterday, a massive mudslide, caught on video, swept through towns in the Rasuwa and Nuwakot Districts of Nepal.  It is believed that a mountain glacial collapse and subsequent flash flooding along the Trishuli River are responsible for the tragedy; at least 1000 persons were killed or are missing.

As the last Continental Ice Sheets of the Pleistocene began to retreat, about 15,000 years ago, Earth's climate has been gradually warming.  Eventually, permanent ice cover became limited to the Poles and to the highest mountain ranges on the planet.

Today, as global warming accelerates following the Industrial Revolution, the melting of polar and mountain glaciers has increased dramatically, setting the stage for flash floods, landslides, rising seas, stronger storms and many other challenging consequences.  No doubt, tragic events, such as occurred yesterday, will become a major risk for communities near the base of Earth's tallest peaks.

A Fascinating Disaster

Evidence of our warming climate unfolds every day from locations across the globe.  Severe storms, flooding rains, prolonged droughts, destructive winds and, of course, warming seas, grab the headlines.  This environmental disaster, the product of our Industrial Revolution, will only get worse over the coming decades.

Yet, for those of us interested in the natural sciences, it is a fascinating process to observe.  While the climate's effects on weather patterns are most obvious, it also alters natural food sources, migration patterns, water resources and vegetation cycles, among less evident factors.  Indeed, it's what we don't yet understand that is the most worrisome aspect of global warming.

The prospect that humans will unite to reverse climate change seems unlikely, especially on this politically fractured planet.  Whether we can adapt and survive as a species is also in question.  No doubt, many species will outlast our own.

Agents of Carbon Capture

Even if (and it is a highly unlikely development ) all countries across the globe made sincere efforts to wean themselves from fossil fuel use, it would be decades before that would be accomplished and we could significantly reverse the ongoing climate change.  Of course, from an individual point of view, all we can do is limit our consumption of fossil fuels, minimize our overall energy use and install our own sources of green energy (e.g. solar panels).

But we can all be agents of carbon capture by maximizing the green plants on our property and by donating time and/or money to organizations that protect forests and strive to plant as many trees as possible.  Perhaps this simplistic approach does not impress many readers but doing nothing is not an option.

Cities and towns must be encouraged to take part in this "greening effort" and, in light of the tragic wildfire season, reforestation will be especially crucial.  As I have suggested in the past, the vast Great Plains could be used as a carbon sink by planting "snow fences" of drought tolerant trees wherever possible. 

Into the Furnace

Heading back toward Colorado today, we left Columbia under sunny skies with a temperature in the mid 70s F.  Pleasant conditions persisted through Missouri and eastern Kansas but, west of Salina, the temperature began to climb.  Fueled by a strong south wind, it reached 104 degrees F (per a Hays, Kansas, bank) or 109 degrees F (per our car thermometer).  Once we were outside the vehicle, the steady wind produced a blast furnace effect.

Perusing the National weather map, we appear to be in the hottest bubble outside of the Desert Southwest.  Though I have no documentation, I cannot remember being immersed in such hot air at any time in my life (and that's a lot of time).

We'll set out early in the morning to complete our journey before the afternoon sun takes its toll.  Unfortunately, this is just a warmup (no pun intended) for summers to come.  Then again, perhaps our Dear Leader is correct and climate change is a cruel Liberal hoax!

 

A Gift from August

August, long renowned for its heat, arrived overnight behind a cold front, bringing cool, misty weather to central Missouri.  Ahead of that front, heavy rain fell across Columbia, a welcome dose of moisture during this long, brutal summer.

While we certainly appreciate that a dramatic change in weather has arrived with the new month, there is little doubt that the heat will return as the front heads east.  But, for now, the cool respite will facilitate some much-delayed yard work.

Since it is the last meteorological month of summer, August invites us to look ahead to the glorious season of autumn.  Unfortunately, climate change is pushing back that transition and, before long, August may represent the midpoint of a prolonged summer season. 

Growing without Water

As we left Metro Denver this morning, we observed a fleet of earth movers, clearing a swath of prairie east of the city.  Of course, this is in preparation of a new suburban development, perhaps twenty miles from the downtown area.

Having just experienced a record-low snowpack in the mountains, a nearly snowless winter in Denver and an extremely hot and dry summer to date, one wonders what the developers and city planners are thinking.  Already in a stage-one drought as the work begins, the Metro Area faces severe water shortages in the not-too-distant future.

Cities throughout the American Southwest are experiencing the same problem yet they continue to expand and place even more demand on limited water resources.  As our climate warms, a widespread crisis is bound to occur.  Perhaps a volcanic winter will rescue our species at some point. 

Night Rescue

A month past the summer solstice, our days are noticeably shorter.  As we endure a long period of severe heat, the longer nights cannot arrive soon enough.

Indeed, this astronomical rescue from sunlight will be the ultimate solution to the heat exhaustion that is affecting populations across the Northern Hemisphere.  Though we usually take this annual transition for granted, it will be especially welcome this year (and likely for many years to come).

No doubt, we will complain about the incursions of winter when they arrive but we can more easily prepare for them; besides, as our climate warms, they may disappear altogether.  For now, bring on the darkness!  

Trump's Environmental Ignorance

As almost 900 wildfires rage across the vast northern forests of Canada, Pacific storm systems direct some of the smoke into the Upper Midwest and Northeastern U.S.  Of course, this angers Our Dear Leader and it is one of the reasons that he threatens to impose a 50% tariff on our neighbor.  In his opinion, the Canadian government should be doing more to control the wildfires.

Our warming climate is primarily responsible for this widespread disaster, reducing snowfall and rain across the Great Northwoods.  Unfortunately, Trump and his Cabinet do not accept the "hoax" of climate change, choosing to cut emissions regulations, withdraw funds from green energy projects and encourage the rebirth of coal-fueled power plants.

Of all his disastrous policies imposed upon our country, Trump's disdain for environmentalism may have the greatest long-term effect.  Hopefully, the private sector will resist this folly and ignore his repeal of established environmental laws.  After all, they know by now that a Blue Wave is coming in November. 

Weather History

In the past, we were often informed of significant or record-breaking weather events that occurred on that specific date.  Some of the events were tragic while many were simply nostalgic.

In the present, severe weather seems to occur on a daily basis.  Following recent, deadly heat across most of the country, worsened by ongoing wildfires throughout the drought-plagued West, excessive rain has produced severe flooding throughout the Texas Hill Country over the past 24 hours.  No doubt, other sites of flash flooding will be reported across the South as warm, humid air flows northward from the Gulf of Mexico.  While a strong El Niño and copious African dust have reduced tropical development in the Atlantic Basin to date, we are yet early in the Hurricane Season.

As our climate continues to warm, we will be watching severe Weather History unfold on a daily basis, throughout our country and across the globe.  Lead by an Administration that denies the reality of global warming, we will be unprepared for the onslaught, leading to unnecessary deaths and potential economic catastrophe.  Vote Democratic in November! 

Mother & Destroyer

The Sea is the mother of all life on Earth, which first evolved in her realm about 3.6 billion years ago.  It would not be until 450 million years ago that some species became terrestrial but a fabulous diversity of life still inhabits Mother Sea, much of which has yet to be discovered by humans.

Nourishing and sculpting terrestrial ecosystems with her weather systems, she also destroys habitats and human developments with coastal hurricanes, severe inland storms and flooding rains.  Indeed, as our climate warms, these destructive events will intensify.

Furthermore, as her component oceans open and close, earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanism alter terrestrial landscapes and destroy regional life; the recent earthquakes in Venezuela demonstrate a risk that stretches across the globe.  The Sea, an essential component of Life on Earth is both generous and destructive; we could not live without her but often succumb to her power.  

Trump kills the Endangered Species Act

In their most outrageous attack on our natural environment to date, Trump's Departments of Commerce and The Interior plan to open protected habitat to drilling and mining companies.  In their words, the Endangered Species Act, written into law more than 50 years ago, is too restrictive.

Foregoing any scientific studies to support their convictions, these pro-business, anti-conservation politicians would surely destroy our National Wildlife Refuge system if given the chance.  Climate change deniers and human-centric zealots, they have no appreciation for our reliance on the health of natural ecosystems.

Once again, Trump's enablers in Congress are too afraid to intervene.  The destruction of our planet and its long term impacts on future generations (including their own children and grandchildren) does not appear to warrant any opposition.  Vote Democratic in November! 

Thousand-Year Floods

Following episodes of severe flooding, as occurred in southeast Missouri and southern Illinois yesterday, references are made to a "thousand-year flood," indicating that such an event is expected no more often than every thousand years.  Of course, such an expectation is based on meteorological data that has accumulated over the past Century or so.

Unfortunately, we are now in a different atmospheric environment, courtesy of global warming that was triggered by the Industrial Revolution.  Earth's seas and atmosphere are steadily warming, saturating the air that moves above the Continents and archipelagos.  Storms, ignited by atmospheric clashes along an energized jet stream, often drop copious amounts of rain and, should the storms "train" across the same areas, severe flooding occurs.

Such destructive floods are becoming more common and will only increase in frequency as our climate continues to warm.  Efforts to reverse that trend are not currently sufficient, especially in the U.S., and we ignore the risk of living on floodplains and barrier islands.  "Thousand-Year Floods" have become annual events. 

Extreme Weather & Climate Change

Weather extremes have characterized most of the U.S. this year.  This week's flooding across the Southeastern States has been record-breaking as some locations have received almost three feet of rain.  Ironically, some of the deluge has occurred in areas that had been plagued by drought for many months.

Farther north, severe thunderstorms with tornadoes, high winds and large hail have repeatedly raked the Great Plains and Upper Midwest.  This weekend, another round of severe weather will develop across the High Plains, moving through the Ohio Valley and the Mid-Atlantic Region over the following days.

Extreme heat, warm oceans and a powerful, unruly jet stream combine to produce these dangerous weather conditions.  More than typical, seasonal storm systems, we are witnessing the effects of a warming climate.  Though its effects may vary over the years, these extreme weather events will surely become more common and efforts to reduce damage and deaths will be imperative. 

FEMA and Looming Disasters

While spending billions on an unjustified war, Our Dear Leader has cut back on the funding of FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  This decision comes amidst the threats of climate change (a challenge that he and his Administration ridicule).

Currently, severe drought across the American West and the Southeastern States has set the stage for a destructive wildfire season.  Meanwhile, tornados and flooding have ravaged the Upper Midwest and the Atlantic Hurricane Season begins within a month.

As with most of the decisions he makes, Trump's policies boost his "strong man" image and benefit the wealthy class, those least affected by natural disasters.  After all, those loyal supporters readily donate to his personal projects (such as the planned ballroom and arch) that will define his legacy. 

Reassuring Tunes

Per the National Audubon Society, nation-wide studies over the past few years have demonstrated a significant decline in U.S. bird populations, especially those that inhabit grasslands; waterfowl species appeared to be least affected but have recently decreased in number.  Habitat loss, pollution and severe weather events (courtesy of climate change) are among the most likely factors in this disturbing trend.

Aware of these studies, I was personally alarmed by the apparent dearth of white-throated sparrows in central Missouri this winter, especially in our neighborhood.  Usually among the more common winter residents in our region, these Canadians arrive in October and generally stay until mid April.

But as we approach their usual departure week, I have been heartened by the frequency of their homesick tune, ringing through our yard.  Perhaps my seasonal observations have been misleading but the study data is hard to ignore.  Soon, in response to the lengthening days (though seemingly to the warming weather) the white-throats, fond of chilly conditions, will head north to their homeland.