A Warm Winter: Why You Should Care
Graphic by Josephine Seidelmann
We are all seemingly enjoying the benefits of the warmest winter in Minnesota in 150 years according to MPRnews. It can feel like a dream to walk to class on clear sidewalks without slipping on ice, skip all of the layers, and even enjoy outdoor activities a little early. However, with snowfall behind an immense 10-20 inches, it is difficult to enjoy this weather without thinking about what should be.
Minnesota winter is a novelty, and this state is known nationwide for this harsh and long season. We joke about shoveling driveways, scraping snow off of cars, wearing the largest coat imaginable, traipsing through snowy blizzards, shedding layers of boots and scarves, and even attempting to stay inside for most of the day. However, we play in the snow, skate in our backyards, drink hot chocolate, and enjoy what this season has to offer.
These are all pieces of the identity of this midwest state, but sadly that identity is hardly recognizable this year. This year only brought a gray Christmas, melted ice rinks, and dead trees that aren’t even glistening with icicles. This might be the only thing that is sadder than our previous problems of being trapped in the everlasting cold and darkness of winter.
The off-putting feeling of a warm January and February have sparked fear and concern for what this means about the state of the world, and if Minnesota winter will ever return to what it once was. The year 2024 does have an El Nino effect, which implies warm water temperatures affecting weather patterns. This alongside a lack of snow cover has affected the temperature, but it is still easy to see that climate change is at work.
Climate change is primarily caused by carbon dioxide trapping heat in the atmosphere, resulting in warming oceans. According to the Star Tribune, the year 2023 saw 0.5 degree increase in ocean temperature since 2022, which is substantial considering the size and depth of the world's oceans. Global climate change along with the El Nino event are the most fearful reasons behind the strange weather patterns seen in Minnesota this year.
MPRnews demonstrates the climate change shift index, which measures from multipliers of -5 to 5. This year's temperatures are at an index of 3, which means that record breaking warm temperatures are 3 times more likely to be seen. This year's strange weather patterns have already taken a toll on wildlife and natural ecosystems who typically would adapt to colder weather, as highlighted by MPRnews.This complicates the issues, as it would be harmful if this was a one off winter and next year brought back the hard conditions.
As easy it is to enjoy an early Spring in Minnesota it is just as easy to remember what is missing, and why this might be the case. This year will hopefully bring about more climate awareness and education, as it can be seen right before our eyes.