Winter in Seattle in recent times has felt much less like winter and extra like an prolonged fall as a result of our warming local weather. January temperatures are extra frequently within the 50s (my automobile thermometer hit 60 on Jan.13) and no snow but or on the horizon for town.
Whereas snowless winters may attraction to some, there are some huge downsides. The ski season received off to a sluggish begin this 12 months the place rain fell as a substitute of snow by the top of final 12 months. And in recent times low snowfalls have strained our mountain-snowpack based mostly water provides which might be wanted in the summertime.
I hope Congress will take bipartisan motion to cut back the heat-trapping carbon emissions which might be warming our planet. Sensible steps matter — supporting accountable allowing reform to speed up clear vitality initiatives, strengthening forest administration by efforts just like the Repair Our Forests Act and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure — all could make a distinction.
I recognize the work our U.S. Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, and Rep. Pramila Jayapal, have already executed to advance clear vitality and conservation, and I urge them to maintain working throughout get together strains.
Washington’s warming winters are a warning and a chance for pressing motion.
Skip Masonsmith, Seattle
