President Donald Trump has once again expressed skepticism about climate change, this time in the context of a severe winter storm set to impact large portions of the United States.In a post on Truth Social, he remarked on the cold wave expected to hit 40 states, questioning, "Could the Environmental Insurrectionists please explain - WHATEVER HAPPENED TO GLOBAL WARMING???".
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au.news.yahoo.comfirstpost.comThe impending storm, dubbed Winter Storm Fern, is forecasted to bring severe weather conditions including damaging ice, heavy snowfall, and gusty winds, affecting over 230 million people from Friday through Monday.Several states, including Arkansas, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, and South Carolina, have declared a state of emergency to prepare for potential power outages and hazardous travel conditions.
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aol.comfirstpost.comExperts have pointed out that Trump’s assertion—that winter storms disprove climate change—is a misconception.Christopher Callahan, a professor of climate science at Indiana University Bloomington, explained that while climate change is a long-term phenomenon, winter weather events will still occur regardless.He noted, "The Earth still has seasons, and we're going to have winter weather no matter what happens with climate change.".
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aol.comau.news.yahoo.comCallahan further elaborated that the tilt of the Earth's axis is responsible for the seasons, and that climate change can lead to fluctuations around this long-term warming trend.He stated, "It's totally reasonable for us to still have individual storms or individual weather events even though, overall, the planet's climate is warming.".
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au.news.yahoo.comResearch indicates that climate change is generally leading to shorter and milder winters.However, some scientists argue that it may also make certain winter storms more intense.Callahan mentioned that as the atmosphere warms, it can hold more moisture, which can lead to increased precipitation—including snow."For every degree warmer, you get about 7% more moisture holding capacity in the air," he said, suggesting that winter storms may become snowier as temperatures rise.
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aol.comgovernor.nc.govThe National Weather Service has warned that the storm could result in "catastrophic ice accumulation," which poses risks for power outages, travel disruptions, and extensive tree damage.As the storm approaches, states have mobilized resources, with New York Governor Kathy Hochul reporting that the state is prepared with over 1,600 snowplows ready for deployment.
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firstpost.comIn addition to the state of emergencies declared, many schools in affected areas, particularly in the Midwest, have canceled classes, and thousands of flights have already been canceled in anticipation of the severe weather.This comes as communities brace for what could be one of the most significant winter storms in recent history.
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firstpost.comWhile Trump’s comments have sparked criticism from climate scientists, the ongoing debate about the relationship between climate change and extreme weather events continues.Some experts believe there is a genuine scientific discussion about whether climate change is influencing the frequency and intensity of winter storms, but the consensus remains that the warming climate is driving many aspects of extreme weather patterns overall.
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au.news.yahoo.comfirstpost.comAs the country prepares for the storm, the conversation around climate change and its implications on weather patterns is more relevant than ever.With Trump’s remarks highlighting the divide in understanding climate science, experts urge both the public and policymakers to consider the broader implications of climate change on weather events, rather than drawing conclusions based on isolated incidents.
