In the Northern Hemisphere in 2017 and 2018 brought several destructive hurricanes to the shores of North America, the Caribbean, and throughout the Pacific rim. Such extreme weather events are predicted to get more common and more severe with increasing climate change.
Several participating classes in the ISCFC were or are in the path of these storms and we hope for the best for them, their families and communities.
We would love to hear from students affected directly and indirectly by extreme weather events, and also any students who have been following the news this summer.
What are your thoughts about the connection between climate change and extreme weather events? Has this hurricane season increased your concern about climate change or not? Do you think that US citizens and residents (and others in the region) will take climate change more seriously now?
Extreme Weather >
Climate Change: It Starts with Our Leadership
The goal of this post is not to get too political, but I think it is safe to say a large step towards progress on the issue of climate change is our leaders' acknowledgement of its existence and effects. According to the Washington Post, United States President Donald Trump has taken many actions that support his denial of climate change, including "disbanding a federal advisory committee on climate change." Personally, I think little to no progress can truly be made until we have those in power on board and all citizens aware of the reality that our planet faces. How can we begin to think of actions our nation can take in response to climate change if a significant sector is convinced it does not even exist? How would we be able to earn their support if they feel it is not an issue? It is absolutely crucial that we elect leaders who are willing to confront realities, especially those as severe as climate change. Evidence has undoubtedly supported this phenomenon, and surely all must be convinced after a summer of extreme weather unlike any I've ever witnessed in m y lifetime. I'm as supportive as anyone in taking steps forward on this issue, but we must recognize that the ones in a position to take the initiative must be properly informed in order to make responsible decisions.