Hotter Than We Should Be (not in a good way)

But wait, we’re hotter than most (and not in a good way).  To quote the scientists “The largest positive trends in the location parameter of the extreme distribution are found in Canada and Eurasia where daily maximum temperatures have typically warmed by 1 to 3°C since 1950.  

A few extra degrees doesn’t sound like much, but more than 2-degrees can mean the demise of entire ecosytems, like arctic meltdown or our dehydrating, burning and pest-infested forests.Always diplomatic, the authors say “The total area exhibiting positive trends is significantly greater than can be attributed to unforced natural variability”.  Meaning: this is not natural, it is caused by human activity, burning fossil fuels, cutting down the rainforests, lack of government controls on greenhouse gas emissions. 

Makes me wish the weather report should be a bit more helpful by telling how to deal with the daily conditions (eg: take an umbrella, bundle up) and how to stop messing with the climate (eg: insulate the house, take the bus).  

by Julia Langer