What is Climate Change?

Climate is typically defined as average weather one can expect at a given location and time. However when these average conditions change and evolve, you no longer can think of “climate” in the typical way. Changes in climate have been occurring since the formation of the earth, 4.6 billion years ago – periods of change separated by relatively stable conditions.

However, the latest changes are alarming as far as how quickly they are happening. The current climate changes (Global Warming) are directly related to the extra fossil fuels emitted from the combustion of fossil fuels due to the activities of man. This warming has been going on since the dawn of the Industrial Revolution.

Global warming effects will be more heat waves, drought, rising sea levels and the flooding of low-lying coastal areas, more extreme weather and hurricanes, spread of infectious diseases, and extinction of species, to name a few.

Why this Topic?

As a meteorologist with a passion for climate change and the environment (as well as weather!), I’d like to share my thoughts and views and offer suggestions to help you fight climate change and global warming. I believe this is one of the most important issues of our lifetime with repercussions for not only us and our families, but future generations to come.

We can make a difference by doing a wide range of things – from simple things such as combining trips for errands and recycling to investing in renewable energies to buying a hybrid car, and even writing your members of congress about an issue, and everything in-between!

How the Site is Organized

First I begin with the science of the causes, effects, evidence, and some every-day solutions. The “solutions” link will provide information on lowering your energy bill by energy conservation and will also provide ways to live in a more environmentally-friendly way. Please follow the links in the left hand column for more details. Following the information on science and news, I offer links on solutions to global warming and alternative energy, such as solar energy, wind power, and geothermal energy, for example. I provide some background on these technologies with enough information to learn more or look into investing in one of the solutions provided.

Finally there is a section called “Stop Global Warming” if you are driven to do even more. Here I provide some basics on activism and what you can do to be “in the know” and steps you can take from minor actions (i.e., forward e-mails) to major actions (i.e., petition a corporation and get media coverage) and everything in-between.

Are We Succeeding?

Feel free to let me know your thoughts and feelings on climate change and global warming and what your experiences have been. If you found some alternative energy that you swear by or have experience with living a green lifestyle, please share. Also if you’ve read a good climate change book or have some story on an activism experience you’ve had, please share this too. Your story can inspire others. Finally, if you have any suggestions for a future page or topic, please let me know.

Thanks and I hope you enjoy your visit! Please stop by from time-to-time as I continue to build. :)

Cheers,

Jon Flatley

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