The impacts of climate change

To the editor: Crawford County is surrounded by nature’s beauty, yet we are seeing concerning impacts from climate change due to carbon emissions. Think about the recent arrival of ticks to our woods, just one example how our local environment is changing.  Global temperatures have been highest in the past four years, since records began in 1900. Weather events have become more severe – stronger snowstorms and monster hurricanes.

The United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report, released October 8, had startling data stating that urgent and unprecedented changes are needed to retard increasing temperatures no higher than 1.5 to 2.0 Celsius degrees within the next 12 years. Decreasing carbon emissions is mandatory; this issue is caused by human use of fossil fuels, and we can reverse the damage.

Interested in getting involved in a grassroots organization that is solely focused on decreasing carbon emissions? Join the local Crawford-Roscommon Citizen’s Climate Lobby Chapter that meets the fourth Wednesday 5:30-7 p.m. at the Gahagan Nature Preserve at 209 W. Maplehurst in Roscommon. Email cclroscommonchapter@gmail.com for details.

 

Sue Shoemaker

South Branch Township