Impact of Space Discoveries

Shasta Hecht, Writer

In 2018 there is no denying that temperatures are rising around the globe. As more and more carbon dioxide gas is getting trapped in our atmosphere, global warming is becoming increasingly prominent. However, in current times, as much of the Midwest and Northeast of the United States is experiencing heavier snowfall and “bomb – like” winter storms, questions can be raised challenging the scientific theory of global warming. Nonetheless, the intense and brutal winter storms blustering through America are not indicators that are planet isn’t warming up abnormally.

The Washington Post states that people need to keep in mind that global warming is exactly what it sounds like – global. Simply because we are experiencing winter storms and freezing temperatures; that does not reflect what is happening to climates around the world. These storms are also known for picking up precipitation and intensity from feeding off of warmer than normal sea surface temperatures. Increased precipitation and snowfall is also being blamed on the unusually high amounts of moisture we now have in our atmosphere. The devastation of the “bomb” storms can be scientifically linked to several factors that are results of global warming.

An increasingly popular scientific theory that is being adopted about these storms is that unusually warm air in the arctic is fueling the winter storm paths. Based on previous observations and scientific evidence, freezing air that has escaped from the arctic wind polar vortex which is usually kept in the arctic is escaping and making its way to the US. This in turn is causing devastating winter storms. Climate Communication also states that the winter storms being observed are consistent with climate model projections, and therefore can be expected with our current climate conditions.