This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Saturday 25 February 2023
California's 'Winter Wonderland'?
Southern California has just experienced a very atypical winter snowstorm. San Francisco recorded record low temperatures. Snow has even fallen on some surfing beaches and the Hollywood sign. This event was triggered by a flow of Arctic air, much further South than usual (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/feb/24/california-snow-los-angeles-san-francisco-bay-area). Predictably, the blizzard conditions have caused difficulties to road and air transport. A substantial number of homes have also lost power, as lines are brought down by winds. The snowstorm, however, hasn't been all bad news. Some people have enjoyed the unaccustomed 'novelty' of snow. The increased precipitation seen may help counter California's long-established summer drought conditions. Although the precise impact/involvement of climate change is always difficult to predict, but extreme weather events are the order of the day. The future may well see considerably wetter Californian winters (as in Blade Runner). These changes will require expensive infrastructural modifications. The changed weather will also have profound impacts on local flora and fauna (as well as agriculture and gardens).
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