Cross-posted from the 1Sky Skywriter blog
Have you ever heard that the best way to reach someone is through their personal network? This is the principle behind sharing blog posts and videos via email, Facebook, and other social networks. Clicking a button is an easy way to share with your friends, but a more effective way is directly face-to-face; of course, face-to-face doesn’t have to mean “in their face.”
On Tuesday night, I joined much of America in watching the final season premiere of Lost. Thankfully I chose my roommates well last year, as evidenced by them wanting to watch with me. As we sat together in the living room, we were distracted during each commercial break by the steady snowfall outside our window.
A discussion began about how Washington, D.C. has been getting an unusual amount of snow this winter. Without really thinking, I uttered emphatically, “global warming.”
“How does the Earth warming have to do with getting lots of snow?” my roommate responded, understandably. I immediately thought back to an article and video that I recently used in 1Sky weekly blog round-ups. I jumped at the chance to explain to someone who doesn’t read about this stuff every day what is going on.
Basically, while it is extra cold here, much of the world is having record warm temperatures. The Arctic is actually warmer than usual, causing what’s known as Arctic Oscillation; this is sending cold air down into North America that we don’t normally see (for a better explanation, go here).
Additionally, 2009 overall was the second warmest year on record, with the 2000s the warmest decade. This shows the important difference between weather and climate, with one being short-term and the other measured over many decades.
It also shows how chances to talk to your friends and family about climate change probably won’t be in a formal presentation. Every once in a while you’ll be handed a chance to share what you know and how you feel about changing the way we treat our world and what it’s doing to people far away from us. Keep an eye out, because the next climate advocate you meet might be you.
Finding teachable moments is key.
Yes ignorant deniers should understand the difference between weather and climate:
record shattering and lingering cold across much of the northern hemisphere, record global snow cover, 12 years of cooling etc are trivial local weather events.
Any single hurricane, wildfire, or photo of a polar bear taking a dip is utter proof of catastrophic global warming!
Don’t trust your own eyes, trust the UN’s IPCC, CRU, GISS- they have an excellent record of accuracy and integrity!