Global Warming Already Here in the Mountain State

by Mel Tyree

I recently completed a study regarding how climate change alters bird migration for Dolly Sods under the direction of Dr. Tom Pauley of Marshall University (to be published in the October edition of the bird journal Redstart).

Although the statistical correlation was weak, the data did indicate a warming trend (as opposed to no temperature change or a temperature decrease) for the years 1992 through 2004. The data came from the National Forest Service weather station located near Dolly Sods.

The global warming trend over the past 100 years has been well documented from hundreds of weather stations located around the world. The vast majority of climatologists and earth scientists agree that climate change is occurring and will get worse as humans add more CO2 to the atmosphere.

The projected global impacts will eventually be catastrophic (thinning of the northern ice cap, increased hurricane frequency, rising water levels, changes in tropical disease ranges, major changes in wildlife diversity and distribution, etc.) unless humans make some drastic changes really soon.

Some things we can all do now to help create a better word for our grandchildren include:

• Buying more fuel efficient cars;
• Purchasing better insulated, smaller houses;
• Supporting politicians and corporations that are working on cleaner/alternative energy sources;
• Adopting a less materialistic and more spiritually-centered lifestyle.

Mel is an environmental scientist and OVEC member.