Weather Drastically Changing in Chicago
People who live in the city of Chicago know about these drastic changes that are occurring constantly and all the time around the year. It is very well known that the weather can be so unpredictable in Chicago. For instance, one day can be so warm and the next day, it can be so cold and even snowing. Well a good example of this, is the month of February of 2024.
This particular month has been seen to reach record-high temperatures. It’s surprising because these temperatures have been taking place during a winter where snow hasn’t been seen as much as previous winters. Also in regards to these changes, Lake Michigan has not seen much ice either.
Climate Change Might be Influencing These Changes
Furthermore, experts say that it will be expected for people to see more of these unusual weather conditions moving forward. And it is believed that this is indeed due to climate change. Also the Chicago Department of the Environment will keep a closer eye on the temperatures after tracking them this summer. Which will be very effective to further analyze and study the drastic changes that are now taking place and how this will affect the world in all aspects.
Dr. Kotamarthi, science director at the Center for Climate Resilience and Decision Science at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory stated, “This is a chaotic system, so you get these high temperatures then low temperatures.”
Now, like mentioned previously, Chicago has experienced a couple of warm weather days in the month of February. Which are occurring in a season when there should have been snow and overall cold weather. While people do enjoy these warm temperatures and it is pleasant for them, this will definitely have devastating consequences for the world and even for wildlife. The wildlife meaning that it is going to affect and impact those including, reptiles, birds, amphibians and the bees.
What is Being Done to Address Climate Change
Climate Change and Global Warming are very serious topics that ultimately impact the entire world. These issues have to be taken seriously because they are the result of the actions of human beings. For instance, those actions can include, burning fossil fuels, cutting down forests, farming live stocks and more. These are just a few of the factors that greatly influence and negatively affect the climate. Which ultimately also impacts the earth’s temperature, environment and atmosphere.
Kyra Woods of the city’s Department of Environment addressed questions regarding this global and environmental issue. She stated, “The matter of climate change and climate awareness and response is large – and while that can be very overwhelming for some, I think it’s a great opportunity to mobilize and create really robust opportunities for policy, programs, services, and education opportunities.”
Woods also added that the department is moving forward with a project that is intended to benefit the climate in the environments. She said that with the project they will create a specialized heat index that will help lead solutions for those areas that is experiencing temperatures more severely, by adding factors such as more green spaces or even making sure certain building materials are used.
Nonetheless, as experts and the communities work on improving these climate change issues, it is expected that Chicago will reach the 70’s this weekend. People already named these warm days, “fake spring.”
Written by Jeanette Sanchez
Sources:
CBS News: Chicago Environment Department tracks unpredictable weather driven by climate change
CBS News: Record-setting warmth this February in Chicago is cause for climate change concern, experts say
Block Club Chicago: Chicago Could Hit 70 This Weekend As Chaotic Weather Continues
Featured Image Courtesy of GPA Photo Archive Flickr Page-Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Patrick Emerson Flickr Page-Creative Commons License
