Date: 11/16/2022
Seasonal cold temperatures are on their way, so will we soon forget the alarmingly high temperatures that just broke November records across the Northeast? Here in temperate New England, the effects of climate change have perhaps hit us later than in other parts of the world. But the effects are undoubtedly here. If you are middle-aged like I am, you know that climate has changed in the last 40 years. There were never balmy Halloweens, Christmases that you could be outside in a t-shirt, or the thermometer hitting 85 before June. In the last decade, these are all becoming more the norm.
Perhaps you welcome the warming temps; many folks I hear saying they can’t stand the cold anyways. But keep in mind that warming temperatures don’t just mean more beach days. They indicate a major disruption to our environment. This is an area where the trees, insects, fish, birds, amphibians and mammals have adapted to the seasons. The cold winter provides a period of dormancy, indicates the correct time to migrate or hibernate, and keeps pest populations in check. The warmer temperatures don’t always translate into idyllic beach days either – they can bring long periods of rainy, cloudy and muggy, heavy-feeling weather. Or drought.
As a farmer, I keenly feel climate change affecting growing conditions: Excessive rains drowning crop roots and harming the beneficial soil biology that require aerobic conditions. New pests normally seen in southern states. More ticks and mosquitoes to deal with. And weird early droughts that can hinder productivity for the whole year.
As the latest “blip” in our seasonal norms passes for now, I plead for folks to keep the urgency of climate change in their hearts. If things have changed this drastically over my 46 years, where will we be in another 46? What will conditions be like for our children and grandchildren if we do not curb carbon emissions now? If you feel pulled to get involved, I urge you to check out Mass Audubon’s Climate Champions Project, or join your local chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby. I have been involved with both of these non-partisan, very approachable organizations. And I am encouraged by their creativity and diligence in working towards a healthier, brighter future for our planet and all of us!
Kerisa Fitzgerald
East Longmeadow
