Raining Surprises!

This year many parts of the country have experienced very heavy rainfall which has resulted, in flooding in some areas with devastating effects. What does all this rain tell us about climate change?

Cynthia Barnett in her book, Rain: A Natural and Cultural History, wrote “rainfall patterns are among the earliest and most obvious tremors of a warming globe. The warmer Earth becomes, the greater the amount of water vapor that forms in the atmosphere. Higher temperatures cause greater evaporation – and therefore more rain…” A question she poses is “how much more water vapor will fill the atmosphere in the future – and what will the consequences be...?” As we continue to use fossil fuels, climate change will continue because increased “water vapor in the atmosphere could double the greenhouse effect.” Perhaps the most shocking fact that Cynthia reports is that “Water vapor is a strong greenhouse gas, more potent than carbon dioxide or any other.” 

As we celebrate April showers that bring May flowers, let us also pause and consider what Barnett has told us.

Easter season indeed spring itself, are times when we rejoice in and celebrate life. Spring and Easter are also seasons of hope. And even as we face the fact of climate change, we find courage and optimism in the fact that humans know how to adapt to change. We can live, indeed we must live, more sustainably upon this magnificent planet that we inhabit. May the beauty of spring inspire us to seek and nourish fullness of life for all living creatures.