Global warming and climate change have drastically changed the Earth. These transformations can be seen through the increase of endangered animals, the shrinking of polar ice caps, and pollution. People can view the effects of climate change and global warming most predominantly through rising temperatures, which create unusual weather such as the current warmer fall/winter. Many notice how this year’s fall-winter season seems to have higher temperatures than previous ones, and Lynbrook rarely receives snowfall anymore.
This year’s fall season seemed to feel rather warm. According to the article “It’s Not Just You. Fall Hasn’t Really Felt Like Fall This Year, and It’s a Sign of Things to Come” as posted on the CNN website (cnn.com), this fall was one of the warmest on record. Scientists believe that the fall season is shrinking, and September and October have experienced summer-like heat. Freshman Luke Zisel commented, “I feel that rising temperatures and climate change are bad because they can get uncontrollable,” as all regions of the country are warmed due to climate change. As the season transitions to winter, it seems the trend will continue having warmer temperatures initially compared to previous years, until there is a sudden, sharp drop in temperature later in the season. Science teacher and Department Chairperson Charles Vessalico explained, “Climate change is a complicated topic, and so, I feel that although temperatures may be rising here, other areas might experience cooling temperatures. Overall, the Earth’s temperature is increasing, and that is going to lead to more extreme weather changes: longer, more severe droughts can happen, and more severe flooding can happen in other areas.”
The rising temperatures of the Earth have drastic effects on weather events, such as harsh changes in temperatures. “What I’m concerned about with climate change is that the balance is disrupted, causing extremes,” Vessalico expressed. These extremes are driven by humans and the extensive emissions of greenhouse gasses. Many of these are strengthened and occur more frequently as a result. In early Nov. 2024, New York and New Jersey faced multiple wildfires. This caused unsafe air conditions that can be harmful to breathe in, especially to people with preexisting health conditions. These areas normally do not experience wildfires; they occur in areas with a particularly dry climate. However, New York entered a drought, another unusual event. As the rainless streak continued, the ground became more and more shriveled and withered, allowing for the wildfires to spread.
The southern regions of the U.S. also feel these intensified natural disasters. Hurricane Milton was a Category-5 storm that brought mass destruction to the Gulf of Mexico in Oct. 2024. It produced severe wind speeds and became one of the strongest hurricanes on record in the Atlantic Ocean. In the article “Dangerous Hurricanes Are Being Made Even Worse Because of Climate Change, Study Finds” from ABC News (abcnews.go.com), researchers claim that hurricanes such as Milton are rapidly fueled and escalated by hotter sea surface temperature. These higher temperatures can also affect other aspects of nature and the environment. Senior science research student Gabriella Ramirez has been studying these rising temperature trends since her sophomore year. “Over the past two years, my research projects have been based on trends of rising temperatures around the world. Through my research, I’ve become aware of how climate change negatively affects the growth of plants and the reproduction of bacteria,” she explained
There are ways to lower carbon emissions. One alternative is to use renewable energy: solar, wind, and hydroelectric. It is also beneficial to use more ecological driving options: taking public transport, carpooling, walking, or biking when given the chance. Smaller ways to help include using reusable bags and water bottles as well as recycling. By working together, society can work to relieve some of the effects of climate change.
