Since when did our own weather patterns begin to mirror "The Day After Tomorrow?" The 2004 blockbuster film about a meteorological apocalypse no longer seems like a complete computer-generated Hollywood fantasy. In the aftermath of recent severe weather events, spanning from the Gulf Coast to right here in Hanover to elsewhere, I finally appreciate the value of the hyperbolic film, beyond its entertaining wolf-related action sequences. With humans exacerbating the rise of global temperatures, we are feeling today the meteorological effects of an occasionally abusive relationship between man and nature. This relationship needs to undergo therapy.
While economic and political "globalization" is the buzz word of the 21st century, the original type of "globalization," the interconnectedness of the ecosystems, deserves more attention. As more developing nations industrialize and emit increasing amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, the resulting global warming will environmentally and meteorologically impact the entire globe.
Global warming helps to explain the worldwide increase in temperatures that fuels powerful hurricanes. Some scientists argue that the unprecedented intensity of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita are not merely exceptions to the norm, but will rather usher in the new meteorological paradigm for the century. According to MIT, major storms in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans have increased by about 50 percent in both duration and intensity since 1970. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, established under the United Nations, concluded that "most of the warming observed over the last 50 years is attributable to human activities." Warmer temperatures lead to more intense hurricanes.
According to the National Center for Atmospheric Research, the same warming of the Earth will also increase precipitation levels by about 10 to 20 percent across the entire globe, especially in northeastern North America (i.e., here).
Perhaps foreshadowing an unfortunate trend of the 21st century, New Hampshire and the rest of New England has recently suffered immense flooding as some areas have received more than one foot of rain since Oct. 7. "The Weather Channel" has become the most depressing reality show on television -- even more so than "Wife Swap." Months-worth quantities of rain have fallen within the past several days across New England.
Remember sunshine? The habitual rain over the past two weeks has kept Dartmouth students from relaxing on the Green and enjoying the pleasures of autumn. Given the recent deluge of rain, in lieu of a bonfire this year, it may be more prudent for the 2009 Class Council to construct a large ark in the center of the Green. President Wright should decree, "Go and gather two [faculty] of all [departments] and bring them to the Ark." During these excessively rainy days, is it just a coincidence that our Student Assembly President is named Noah?
No one wants '56s to have to flee their homes in the Treehouses (and yes, I bet they will still be there then) to escape a flooding Connecticut River. Steps need to be taken today. In the spirit of Dr. Paul Farmer, author of "Mountains Beyond Mountains," individuals can make a difference, whether environmentally or in the global health sphere. Become an Eco-Rep for your hall or check out some of the various environmental organizations on campus. To help reduce greenhouse emissions, consider purchasing a hybrid car, or even ride a bike instead of driving. (If it's a "Big Green Bike," please blitz me and let me know where I can find one of the very few survivors. I have promised my friends every weekend since orientation that I would visit them in the River apartments.)
Nestled in the natural beauty of New Hampshire, Dartmouth is understandably and commendably proactive in conservation and "green" policies. The "Big Green Bus" project promotes alternative fuel sources to the fossil fuels that stimulate global warming while the College boasts one of the oldest Environmental Studies Programs in American academia.
Unlike the poor souls in "The Day After Tomorrow," it is quite unlikely that we will one day have to literally outrun a cold weather front to save our lives. Nonetheless, with human contributions to global warming, science suggests that the meteorological future could indeed be increasingly turbulent. As individuals, as a college and as a planet, we should take responsible steps today to rectify the relationship between people and nature to ensure a less stormy tomorrow.
