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climate change

China Outshines U.S. On Climate Change

The big climate change news from the last few weeks is that China has finally released it’s CO2 mitigation plan. It’s fairly impressive, all things considered. I’d call it a good start, and even though it’s fairly ambitious; however, just like the U.S. plan — it falls far short of what will eventually be required. But let’s just be hopeful for the moment. Here’s a quick rundown of what China proposes… Cut the amount of greenhouse gas emitted per unit GDP to 60-65% of 2005 levels by 2030 Put a nationwide cap and trade program for carbon dioxide in place… Read More »China Outshines U.S. On Climate Change

Houston, Tx - Memorial Day flooding, 2015

Climate Change and Deadly Floods: What you need to know

With all of the extreme rain and snow storms across the US lately, the obvious question arises… are these events linked to climate change? New research shows us the answer is a resounding ‘yes’.   And it actually makes perfect sense.  Carbon dioxide traps heat in the atmosphere, and a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture. When you combine warmer, moist air with disruption of the Jet Stream cased by a warming Arctic, you get huge, slow-moving weather fronts packed with moisture.  This is the exact recipe for epic, extreme storms. As an example, on Memorial Day in 2015, a massive storm parked over southern Texas and dropped nearly 11 inches of… Read More »Climate Change and Deadly Floods: What you need to know

wind farm in the desert with mountains in the background

The one big thing YOU can do to save the world!

It may sound a bit crazy, but at least as far as carbon dioxide goes, it may not matter how much electricity you use, what kind of appliances you have, how well your house is insulated, or any other factor. Probably THE single BIGGEST thing you can do to reduce you and your family’s impact on the world’s climate is to use alternative energy.  Using less power and switching to alternative energy means you make less carbon dioxide.  Carbon dioxide is made by combustion of fossil fuels, and it is THE cause of global warming, and the destructive climate change that goes with it. You may remember… Read More »The one big thing YOU can do to save the world!

How are your allergies affected by climate change?

One effect of climate change is that spring comes sooner and summer stays longer.  A longer summer makes ragweed and other plants pump out more pollen — making us miserable. An analysis of pollen data for the past few decades shows that the pollen producing season of ragweed has increased by up to 27 days as you go north from Oklahoma up into Canada. This is undeniable evidence of a warming world. Unfortunately, for folks like me, with a terrible allergy to ragweed, this is bad news.  Fortunately, I don’t have asthma, but for those who do, it’s even worse. Asthma can be triggered… Read More »How are your allergies affected by climate change?

Showertime is Fun Time!

I’ve been away at a medical conference and on a badly needed vacation the past two weeks, but fear not, this blog is back in action! We’ll start with something just for fun, a really fun and informative video from Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, from Texas Tech, who asks ‘What if climate change is real?” Followed by a demo of my new bluetooth controlled, multicolored LED light I just installed over my shower. And of course, that dern post about climate change and your allergies is still coming your way… Enjoy! Dr. Kathrine Hayhoe asks an important questions (and gives great… Read More »Showertime is Fun Time!