Lindsay+E.+-+EN+-+SP12


 * 14 February 2012 **
 * Europe's Deep Freeze: Why Climate Change Is Not (Entirely) to Blame **

 This year, the United States usual winter season has been anything but usual. There has been temperatures way above normal and barely any snow. Many speculate this as to be true signs of global warming. Meanwhile, across the pond, Europe is knee deep in one of its worst winters. It’s proving to be a deadly historic season. Apparently more than 600 people have been claimed by this lethal weather. Many are still lead to wonder how two different extremes could be possible if the globe really is warming. It is said not to be global warming, at least not completely. Scientists believe that it maybe something called “the Arctic Oscillation (AO), which describes how air pressure is distributed over the Arctic regions and the mid-latitudes of the northern hemisphere” (Walsh). This has been effecting the warm and freezing temperatures of the two different regions. The AO has gained and lost pressure creating different types of temperatures. This shift is continuing to hit Europe due to this pressure system sticking in one area, keeping winter ought of sight for the United States. The globes shifty temperatures still is a possible factor. The ice caps are still melting and could be forcing the crazy cold weather changes around the U.S. and Europe, as well as some warming temperatures around the world.
 * Summary **:

 This article is relevant to the course in many ways. As we have progressed through history, we have started new ways of living that effect the earth. One example is our need for energy. The U.S. has needed to drill and also take other natural resources that could affect the way the earth grows. These problems specifically affect our economy and ways of living. If we run continue to use the fossil fuels the ozone begins to fade and eventually warms the earth up. This will bring severe weather changes that effect the way we live. We are currently talking about the economy and the great depression. Part of our economy is dependent on how we act with other countries. If neither country can import nor export goods because of weather complications, our economy could easily go down. The U.S. has gone through a progressivism era before that has affected the way we live today. This could easily repeat itself in the way of saving the earth and making sure that it’s safe for us to continue to live in. We would most likely have to progress in the scientific area of our life style.
 * Relevance to Course: **

 The current event works very well with the theme of environment. This is showing how the physical changes of the environment are effecting the population and health of the world. The article had stated that many have died due to this weather, as well as the rise in climate starting diseases. Since our population has continued to grow and we have used more of the limited fuels, our earth has been going through the warming stages. The article states how the melting of the ice caps has caused these weather patterns. The weather changes don’t only affect humans, but the environment as a whole. If these changes in temperature have created stranger weather patterns, these will most likely effect plants and animals. Certain plants and animals may only survive during certain parts of the year. If they get out of a usual season schedule, then this could cause them to be killed or even go extinct.
 * Relevance to Theme: **


 * Questions: **
 * Have any of the European countries planned ahead for any other climate change?
 * Have any other countries around the world started preparing for a change?
 * Is this a new type of weather creation?
 * Has this AO happened before with the same results?
 * Have there been happenings such as this in other parts of the world?
 * Have they started any general programs to help with the climate change?

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Bibliography <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Walsh, Brian. “Europe's Deep Freeze: Why Climate Change Is Not (Entirely) to Blame”. Time.com. Time Science, 14 February. 2012. Web. 01 March. 2012. <http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,2106773,00.html>