“Green is the fresh emblem of well founded hopes. In blue the spirit can wander, but in green it can rest.” ― Mary Webb
Scientists expect that the rapid intensification of hurricanes will continue in the future unless drastic measures are taken to limit further climate change -Fiona Lo, Climate Scientist
We live in very turbulent times, and that includes the weather, the political landscape and so much more that makes our heads spin. The NOAA’s outlook for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June 1 to November 30, predicts an 85% chance of an above normal season. NOAA is forecasting a range of 17 to 25 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). La Nina and warmer-than-average ocean temperatures are major drivers of tropical activity. Abundant oceanic heat content in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea creates more energy to fuel storm development. Climate change is a contributing factor, as over 90% of the heat trapped by greenhouse gases has been absorbed by the world’s oceans. Warmer waters, rising seas, higher wind speeds and more moisture in the atmosphere are making hurricanes stronger, wetter and more likely to intensify rapidly, unleashing record-breaking downpours with little time for communities to evacuate. It should also be noted that climate change is causing more air turbulence when flying. Research indicates that climate change exacerbates clear-air turbulence, a particularly hazardous type because it is invisible and hard to predict. The warmer air is caused by carbon dioxide emissions which increases wind shear in the jet streams, strengthening clear-air turbulence globally. So while we hope the skies remain friendly, we have to prepare and adapt to the changes ahead, as science alone cannot save us. There is so much to keep track of these days, and we all get wound up in what is the web (literally and figuratively) of our daily lives. More and more each day I observe that mankind does not pay enough attention to what’s going on both on a local and global level. We rely more and more on social media and sound bites for the news. Mainstream media is stuck in a quagmire, and is dropping the ball when it comes to reporting. Where have you gone Walter Cronkite? He was an institution who was often cited as “the most trusted man in America.” We hunger for his journalistic abilities, accuracy and his fairness in reporting local, national and global events and issues. He always signed off with the line “And that’s the way it is.” Someone who knows the way it is, is our resident environmentalist, political analyst and curmudgeon, George Polisner, founder of Civ.works. George gives us some insight into environmental and political issues as we discuss the upcoming hurricane season and climate change, why trust in mainstream media is slipping, upside down flags, cover ups under the covers, elections in US and UK and more. For more information go to civ.works
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