It certainly has been a warm winter around here. Last year we'd already seen record snows and cold by now. What do these two drastically different winters tell us about global climate change? Nothing, really.
Weather is something we experience over short periods of time. It can change from day to day or even minute to minute. Climate is the word we use to describe patterns of weather over longer periods of time, usually decades or more.
We have to be careful not to make assumptions about a changing climate based only on recent observations of local weather. This year's warm winter shouldn't be used as evidence that the Earth's climate is getting warmer. Nor should last year's cold winter be used as evidence that the Earth's climate is getting colder. If you'd like to learn more about global climate patterns, check out Orrin and Keith Pilkey's new book, Global Climate Change. You can read Jack Orderman's full review of the book on page 5 of the January issue of CBES Shoreline by clicking HERE.
If you're still waiting for a good snow like I am, or if you just want an excuse to treat yourself to a creamy cup of hot chocolate, take a few minutes to watch the video below of scenes from the Seaside during an unusually cold stretch we had two January's ago in 2010.
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