by Renae
(Sydney)
The weather is not a feature we can easily predict. Even with all our technology the weatherman seems to get it wrong and there has been an increase in the changes of the weather over the years. Places known to be colder than most have had heat waves up to 40’C and drier cities flooded with downpours not expected. Is this simply a case of normal erratic weather or is something more sinister going on? Scientists have the evidence that these heat waves and rains are in fact ominous and have become quite alarmed by the results of their studies.
Growing up in Hobart, Tasmania, I grew accustomed to the cold unsystematic weather. In summer we were lucky to have a few hot days at the most. Yet as I grew older the weather became extra erratic even for Tasmania. We had heat waves and temperatures that had never been recorded before. It became annoying as one day it could reach 35’C and then next it would be snowing. Most believe that this is simply Tasmania weather however reading and researching the work of scientists studying the weather around the world is has become obvious this is not the case.
It appears that the earth has become unbalanced in temperature. We have more droughts, more floods and are losing snow coverage all over the world. It is even believed that famous mountain tops will no longer be covered in snow in years to come due to these weather changes. Why is this happening? Is it a case of the earth changing naturally or do humans have a part in these alterations?
Research shows our carbon output, our chopping down of rainforests, our polluting of the airways and water ways is leading to these dramatic changes in our world. What are a few more hot days you may ask? It is not simply a case of a few hot days; the earth is heating at an incredible rate leaving no time for humans, animals or plants alike to adapt to these changes. We will be destroyed because we will not be able to cope with these changes for much longer. Our way of life as we know it will no longer exist and those beautiful snowy mountain tops, the Arctic, Antarctica and other amazing places will vanish into deserts or nothingness. We will no longer have the resources we desire and need from earth.
“The era of procrastination, of half measures, of soothing and baffling expedients of delay are coming to a close. In its place, we are entering a period of consequences.” Winston Churchill. This quote is terrifyingly true. If we do not act now the consequences will be even bigger and hotter than anyone can imagine. A change is needed in the way we live our lives; we need to save the earth before it becomes too late.