GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — From out-of-control wildfires on the west coast, record low levels of sea ice, to intensifying hurricane season, signs of climate change are being recognized around the globe. Scientists, climate activists, and at least 30 countries are declaring the rate of change of our climate to be a climate emergency.
That is why this week is being called "Climate Emergency Week" — a week meant to amplify the voices of scientists around the world to help spread awareness of our changing climate and help find solutions.
Professor and State Climatologist for Michigan, Dr. Jeffrey A. Andresen, explained his definition for the trending term.
"It's a statement, a declaration, made to essentially acknowledge that climate change is a really serious problem worldwide and that something has to be done about it and that what has been done in the past really has not met the mark," explained Andresen.
So 'climate emergency' is a phrase used to express the urgency and risks surrounding our evolving climate — risks that we see the aftermath of here in West Michigan. For example, on a climatological scale, Michigan is the wettest it has been in quite some time.
"We have now in Michigan on average about 10 to 15% more melted precipitation than we did half a century ago. That translates to basically a whole summer’s worth of precipitation. That’s a whole lot of extra water in the environment. It doesn’t mean that we don’t have droughts and dry spells, but they are less frequent."
The impacts of how all the extra water are seen in our daily lives and as our climate continue to change we can expect to see more heavy rain and flooding events.
"We look at something like the lake levels and yes they do vary. They vary for all the observational records that we have. But the speed of the changes makes it very difficult. The variability makes it more difficult for humans to cope, adjust to or adapt to," stated Andresen.
But it is never too late.
"I think the good news is that humans do possess the ability to try and engineer or come up with a solution"
This means now is the time for society to adapt to the changes that are being thrown our way and to help create solutions to the problem. This is why this week has been deemed Climate Emergency week. To help raise awareness and hopefully trigger innovation to help our future.
For tips on how to take steps toward a greener future check out our One Green Change segment.
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