A different kind of fall
Fall is a special time in New England, one accompanied by red and orange foliage, unique activities like apple picking, and a number of holidays to enjoy. Personally, autumn is my favorite time of the year, yet I feel put off by the season’s arrival this year. While people have embraced the coming of seasonal traditions, it would appear that our natural environment has not.
Last week, I found myself dressing as though it was September, not as though we were in the midst of November. This is due to the fact that temperatures have been exceedingly high. On Nov. 7, the high for the day was a shocking 73 degrees Fahrenheit, and in the past week, the average maximum temperature has been 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
When comparing these numbers to the past, it is clear that this is not a normal occurrence. For example, looking at temperatures five years ago in 2015, there is a stark difference. The week of Nov. 9 to 16 had an average maximum of 57 degrees Fahrenheit. A notable difference not reflected in the comparison between the averages is the number of days with abnormally high temperatures. Regardless, an increase in the average temperature of 8 degrees is disconcerting.
Some people at this point may believe that 2020 is simply a warm year and the “great” weather we have been having is a reflection of lucky weather patterns. But, the warmer weather has echoes of scientific reports put out earlier in the year.
“The months of December, January, and February – which meteorologists define as winter here in the Northern Hemisphere – were the second-warmest on record, federal scientists announced,” USA Today reported. It should be noted that these records begin in the 1880s. The warmest winter in this data set occurred in 2016 and had followed intense weather patterns in the Pacific Ocean, which had global repercussions. However, those patterns are not as strong this year, indicating an alarming amount of global warming this year.
The winter should not be the sole worry. That report was from March, and, according to scientists’ predictions for the rest of the year, the future may be bleak.
“While this year will be memorable for many reasons, it is now more likely than not that 2020 will also be the warmest year for the Earth’s surface…” the Carbon Brief, a website dedicated to reporting on climate change and environmental policy, reported.
Looking to the future, simply put, global warming is a potentially deadly phenomenon that will not just affect us but also the generations follow. For example, this year, Arctic ice levels have been at record lows, especially during the summer months. The trend of rising temperatures is only increasing, and the ramifications that accompany it will heighten as well.
Again, it is time to reflect on our own position within the environment. As fall and winter come with holidays, we are presented with more opportunities to make a positive impact. There are many ways that require very minimal effort to change, and it manifests itself in all aspects over the break.
There are more practical ones. As people begin to depart campus, being mindful of how you are getting back is essential—limiting vehicle emissions by sharing a ride, of course with proper COVID-19 precautions, and given that both parties are comfortable. And once you arrive at your destination, maintaining green practices is also essential. When leaving your house or wherever you are staying, simple things like turning off the lights or turning down the heating result in a change in the right direction.
There are also ways in which you can help in decision making involving the holiday season. Obviously, gift-giving spans across many denominational and traditional celebrations. When choosing presents, refraining from buying online or buying items produced far away from your location limits emissions. Instead, look at what local shops have to offer.
Going home over break is most likely going to be a change of scenery and daily life. Some may return to their families, and others may meet new people. Students will have to complete finals remotely. All in all, it will be a different time, but even with change, it is important our environmentally conscious behaviors remain the same.
~Adrian Visscher `24
