Section 1.1: The Big Freeze and Climate Change

It’s crucial to clarify that even amidst this big freeze in the United States, climate change remains a pressing reality.

Yes, temperatures are indeed frigid in the U.S., but globally, the trend indicates warming. If the climate were stable, we would expect sea levels to remain unchanged. That's not the case. Sea levels, which were once stable for thousands of years, are now rising at an alarming rate, a clear indicator of a warming planet.

The greenhouse gases in our atmosphere are capturing more solar energy, much of which is absorbed by the oceans. This results in ice melt and the expansion of water as it warms. Almost 90% of the excess energy is being absorbed by our oceans.

Now, let’s delve into the new climate insights.

Section 1.2: New Climate Insights

New Insight 1: Methane Levels Spike

A recent publication in Nature dated December 14, 2022, titled “Wetland Emission and Atmospheric Sink Changes Explain Methane Growth in 2020,” sheds light on the significant rise in methane levels. The alarming increase in methane measurements has raised concerns.

You can view the latest methane data by visiting NOAA and generating a fresh chart. Select "Carbon Cycle Gases," choose "Time Series," set the parameter to "Methane," and click "Submit."

The findings indicate that wetland methane emissions are highly responsive to a warmer and wetter climate, potentially acting as a feedback mechanism. Although methane is present in smaller quantities than CO2, its greenhouse effect is much stronger, contributing significantly to global warming.

Insight 2: Greenland's Melting Ice Rate

We previously thought we understood Greenland's melt rate, often relying on models that apply Antarctic calculations. However, recent findings indicate that these models underestimate the actual rate of melt.

Warm water is eroding the ice from below, leading to dramatic calving events. Due to the hazardous nature of collecting data in these areas, researchers have turned to robotic boats for more accurate measurements.

Published in September 2022, the paper titled “An Improved and Observationally-Constrained Melt Rate Parameterization for Vertical Ice Fronts of Marine Terminating Glaciers” provides clarity on this issue. The study reveals that Greenland's glaciers are melting faster than previously estimated, with enough ice to potentially raise sea levels by about six feet.

Insight 3: Making Sustainable Food Choices

Despite the daunting task of limiting global warming, individuals still have the power to reduce personal emissions through daily choices.

A helpful resource is a chart from 2018 that illustrates the environmental impact of different food choices. By being mindful of what we consume, we can make informed decisions that contribute to sustainability.

Embracing a plant-based diet or exploring vegetarian cookbooks could be a positive step toward lowering your carbon footprint.