This article is part of TPM Cafe, TPM’s home for opinion and news analysis.
The world watched in July 2021 as extreme rainfall became floods that washed away centuries-old homes in Europe, triggered landslides in Asia and inundated subways in China. More than 900 people died in the destruction. In North America, the West was battling fires amid an intense drought that is affecting water and power supplies.
It’s difficult for people to wrap their heads around stats like 7% increase globally in events etc
Better to choose verbage that is accurate but conveys the point: “You will see 2-3 more billion dollar hurricanes and floods every year until you get your heads on straight.”
I can attest. Having just moved from the Santa Cruz mountains which is experience historic drought and fire conditions to the Texas hill country which is experiencing historic torrential rainfall.
Our neighborhood we left missed getting burned down last summer by a few hundred yards.
Our new property, which has historically had “a lot of rain” is experiencing mud slides and flooding like I’m sure it never has.
St Ron used to carry on about how the peoples of Earth could be united if it were to be invaded by some alien species that presented an existential danger. He was wrong about that too.
Find a way to capture that water in a way that it will not evaporate. A tank, etc. You will be glad you have it when the next drought comes. Not if, but when.
From the maps in the article, it looks like the USA will be dryer and not have to widen the rivers. In China the rivers are widening despite what people say.
Cutting down trees cuts off the water cycle. Melting glaciers and snow remove drinking water from cities and towns. Glaciers are fresh water towers. Places like Brazil have cut off rain by destroying the rainforest so now they have no water and it’s heating up. Gas wells have released CH4 or methane which is a highly flammable gas thst traps heat. That could be why it’s so hot out west.
With Climate Change you get lots of rain where it’s not needed and no rain in areas where it’s a desperate situation.
Human beings are STUPID and it’s going cost future generations dearly.
