Today’s video essay focuses on the most recent disastrous flooding in West Virginia and how it connects directly to climate change, and why we need to be urgently building infrastructure to adapt to a warmer world.
https://www.facebook.com/bluejayrisingorg
Second, and to the gist of the video, I cited this early on: NASA’s article on atmospheric warming and moisture (who knows how long this link will stay live?)
Since the late 1800s, global average surface temperatures have increased by about 2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 degrees Celsius). Data from satellites, weather balloons, and ground measurements confirm the amount of atmospheric water vapor is increasing as the climate warms. (The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Sixth Assessment Report states total atmospheric water vapor is increasing 1 to 2% per decade.) For every degree Celsius that Earth’s atmospheric temperature rises, the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere can increase by about 7%, according to the laws of thermodynamics.
From Caity Coyne’s reporting at West Virginia Watch, a sentiment that would be heartwarming if it weren’t from the state’s governor:
Morrisey said a bright spot in the ongoing devastation across the coalfields was how West Virginians — and those from outside the state — have stepped up to help their community through donations and cleanup efforts. He said bottled water had been donated from multiple residents who were spared from the floods. Other donations came in from as far away as Texas.
“I saw so much volunteer efforts and food and water and people that cared so much. That’s the West Virginia way,” Morrisey said. “… We thank everyone who is putting themselves in harm’s [way] to save the lives of their neighbors. There’s no substitute for that — people acting selflessly to help their fellow West Virginians.”
In terms of climate science news, I reference this recent article about a Spanish research team’s discovery of methane deposits releasing under the Antarctic.
For more on the nitty-gritty of climate change and the history of humanity, please do check out the Third Edition of The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight — I don’t want this to be an advertisement so I’ll simply suggest you can either buy it wherever you buy your books (shop local!) or support your local public library by checking it out there!
As always, thank you for listening, watching, reading, sharing, subscribing and so on!
Troy
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