The Role of Climate Change in Storms Across the Country Dr. Randi Pokladnik p1-2 AppalachianFest Anne Caruso p3 Curious About Electric Cars? Judy Comeau-Hart p4-5 EarthFest Linda New p6 From the Treasurer Ron Prosek p7
In this month's newsletter:
The Role of Climate Change in Storms Across the Country Dr. Randi Pokladnik
Gibraltar Island. Credit: Barry Koehler
January 2023 Newsletter
Fact Ohio Faith communities together for a sustainable future
Western states like California usually welcome rain events, but the precipitation that has been occurring in the first two weeks of the new year is extreme. Additionally, the rain (4-6 inches in some cases) is falling on soil left bare from fall wildfires. The saturated soil is leaving a river of mud in many cities. That extra moisture has California seeing a 170% increase in snow pack as well, the third largest amount in forty years. The increase in rain and snow can be attributed to the fact that a warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture. The Pacific Ocean is being affected by a melting Arctic region which was 5.8 degrees warmer the first week of January than the 1979-2000 average. Scientists refer to the massive precipitation hitting the west coast as “atmospheric rivers”. These are elongated strands of horizontal water vapor transport which are responsible for moving over 90% of the poleward water vapor across midlatitudes in areas such as the western coasts of North and South America and Western Europe. Studies show that these atmospheric rivers are becoming wetter and larger as the atmosphere heats up from man-made climate change. Sadly, some will use the recent cold weather event which set record lows over the Christmas season to falsely claim that climate change is not real and the planet isn’t warming. But, when looking at the actual science behind these “Arctic bomb cyclones” and the record-breaking Winter Storm Elliott, it is obvious that climate change has played a role in these events. The ocean’s thermohaline conveyor normally circulates ocean water around the planet. Cold, salty ocean water sinks and pulls warmer fresh surface water in to replace the sinking water. This sets up a deep-sea current that circulates water round the planet. If the belt shuts down, the northern hemisphere abruptly cools while the southern hemisphere warms. Paleoclimate records from Greenland ice cores show that the conveyor belt shut down near the end of the last ice age. The ocean circulation stops when higher water temperatures and the addition of more freshwater cause the salinity and density of seawater to drop. A warming planet and melting freshwater could trigger another shut-down of the belt, throwing North America and Europe into frigid cold temperatures for hundreds of years. While most scientists agree that what happened in the 2004 movie “The Day After Tomorrow” will never occur, USA citizens witnessed some dramatic weather changes in a matter of hours with Winter Storm Elliot. Denver, Colorado experienced a temperature drop of 70 degrees in an 18-hour period. Winter Storm Elliott affected over two-thirds of our population and almost every state except the Southwest. There were record setting winds and cold temperatures in our region, blizzard conditions in the plain states, and feet of snow in the New England area; even Florida broke some records for cold temperatures. Meteorologists say this storm will be a once in a generation storm. The loss of life from Elliott included dozens of deaths over 13 states and the economic impact “will likely be in the billions.” So, what caused Winter Storm Elliott? The northern polar vortex played a major role in the crushing cold that blanketed the North American continent. There are two polar vortices on our planet, one which spins around the North Pole and the other spins around the South Pole. We are dealing with the northern vortex which was first described in an article published in 1853. Normally, low-pressure cold air circulates counterclockwise and inward towards the North Pole. The polar jet stream (high-altitude high-speed wind currents) helps hold the vortex in place, much like an old-fashioned girdle held our bulges in place. However, a weakened polar jet stream causes tiny breaks in the “girdle” and allows the cold vortex to seep out of its circular orbit dipping southward. It is like someone opening the refrigerator door and letting the cold air seep through your house. It is thought that climate change is causing a destabilization of the polar jet stream. Scientists say that the Arctic region is warming faster than any other area on the globe, on average four times faster in the past forty years. As the polar air warms, the temperature differences between that polar air and mid-latitude air lessens. This causes a “wobble” in the jet stream, or weakening of the “girdle,” allowing the cold air to advance south. This year’s 2022 Arctic Report Card, authored by 147 experts from 11 nations, tells the disturbing story of the effects of climate change on the Arctic. Some of the changes include: shrinking sea ice, warming atmospheric temperatures, and shorter periods of snow cover. These could all play a role in more frequent polar air intrusions into our region. Scientists have been warning us that the time frame for mitigating climate change is quickly closing. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said in their 2022 report, “The dangers of climate change are mounting so rapidly that they could soon overwhelm the ability of both nature and humanity to adapt, creating a harrowing future in which floods, fires and famine displace millions, species disappear and the planet is irreversibly damaged.” Winter Storm Elliott proved to be an example of how we humans cannot successfully adapt to abrupt changes in our weather, even though we have access to advanced technology. As climate changes occur more often and at a faster rate, we find that adapting to these changes will become that much harder and more expensive. Even more alarming is the fact that many of the species we share the planet with will not be able to adapt but will instead succumb to extinction. We are faced with the realization that when it comes to climate change, the phrase “pay me now or pay me later” rings true.
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Gibraltar Island. Credit: Barry Koehle
The Appalachian Studies Association will hold its annual conference from March 16-19, 2023 in Athens, Ohio. This year's theme is: “AppalachiaFest: From Surviving to Thriving”. Participating organizations and researchers will contribute programs, posters, and entertainment exploring regional progress that has been made in areas such as healthcare, the economy, education, and the environment. While the AppalachiaFest will focus on positive changes in Appalachia, ASA acknowledges that the history of Appalachia as a “sacrifice zone” still has a negative impact on residents. Sacrifice zones are defined as low-income or minority communities where polluting industries and mining have located their operations. These impoverished regions have been permanently impaired by environmental damage, sacrificed without their permission. First coal mining, then fracking have imposed negative health and environmental impacts throughout Appalachia. Americans are familiar with international sacrifice zones such as the Chilean port of Quintero and Puchuncaví where 15 polluting companies have poisoned hundreds of people. Many Americans are not aware of sacrificed areas in our own country. The more awareness, the better. Ginny McNeil is a FaCT member and also an Appalachian resident. She explained the predicament many Appalachian residents face this way: “They know working in the coal mines is dangerous, but they need a new roof so they work there. Same with the fracking pads. Their options are very limited.” Many area residents are already struggling. They live on the edge every day. They struggle for basics like heat, transportation, and housing. When a polluting industry comes to those communities, people are faced with even greater risks like poisoned water or polluted air. They can’t open their windows when the air pollution is high. In the winter not opening the windows means the house fills with smoke from burning coal. This injustice can be measured by considering the health of the people living near the waste and pollution of overly powerful industries. FaCT Ohio will offer a presentation at the Appalachian Studies Association Conference on oil and gas waste and a poster explaining the need to defeat any legislation that seeks to allow the sale of radioactive fracking waste to Ohioans as a commodity to be spread on sidewalks and driveways. Consider attending the Appalachian Fest in March. Information can be found at https://www.appalachianstudies.org/2023-conference.
FACTOhio 46th Annual ASA Conference in Athens, Ohio Anne Caruso
Are You Curious About Electric Cars? Judy Comeau-Hart A recent article in the New York Times points out that “electric cars sold today tend to produce significantly fewer planet-warming emissions than most cars fueled with gasoline.” Auto makers are shifting production to electric vehicles, and governments around the world are promoting EV’s as an effective way to address climate change. Charging stations are starting to pop up everywhere. It’s becoming more and more common to see battery-powered cars on the road and plugged into a neighborhood charging station. Technology is improving rapidly, and automakers are hard at work building EVs of all shapes and sizes. I read through Electrek, Electrifying, EV Magz, Inside EVs, and Teslarati to parse the details of purchasing and owning one of these environmentally friendly vehicles. Here’s what I found out. What EVs are and how do they work? Electric cars, or electric vehicles (EVs) to be more inclusive, are fully electric and rely on batteries for their power. There are plug-in hybrids that act like EVs but can also operate like gas-electric hybrids when the charge is depleted. Vehicles like the Toyota Prius combine an internal combustion engine and electric motor, which enable electric operation during initial acceleration and at low speeds. This can help save fuel, especially in stop and go traffic. Plug-in hybrids add a small capacity battery that enable all-electric driving for shorter distances, combining the appeal of an EV with the flexibility of a traditional car. Are electric cars more efficient than gas-powered cars? Electric motors are more efficient than gasoline or diesel engines and can provide cheaper operation per mile. Your monetary savings will depend on the cost of electricity and gasoline (or diesel) where you live, and EVs tend to cost more up front. Can I charge an EV at home? Charging an electric vehicle at home is fairly straightforward. You can plug into a traditional AC outlet or install a Level 2 charger for faster results. How long it takes to charge an electric vehicle will vary depending on both your car and your charging equipment. If you are able to plug in overnight, you should have enough charge to handle a short commute or run basic errands. If it’s your first time buying an electric vehicle, you’ll probably want to have a charging solution at home. And while charging with a standard 110-volt outlet is possible, reaching full charge using that method can take some time. A 240-volt outlet, currently the most popular option for homeowners, enables Level 2 charging. You can expect to recover 20 miles of range each hour, which is four times faster than the basic alternative. How do I use public chargers? If you need to recharge when you’re away from home, you can use a public charging station and pay as you go. And as EVs increase in popularity, more charging stations are being built across the country, making long distance travel easier. You can use an app like Plugshare to find nearby stations and plan your route. The app includes user reviews, costs and hours. Modern electric vehicles support Level 1 and Level 2 charging through the standard J1772 connector. Most new EVs sold today support DC fast charging, which uses a special CHAdeMO connector. DC fast charging converts AC power into DC power prior to entering the vehicle, which charges vehicles with up to 80 miles of range for every 20 minutes of charging. To reduce wear, fast charging is limited to 80% of your battery capacity. How much does charging an EV cost? You probably know that driving on electricity costs less than gasoline, but you may still be wondering about the exact cost to charge an electric vehicle. When it comes to home charging, what you pay will depend on where you live. The average price of electricity is 13.23 cents per kilowatt-hour. An EV like the Hyundai Ioniq Electric is estimated to use 25 kWh for every 100 miles, which would cost $3.30 to drive on average. How long does it take to charge an EV? The equipment you use plays the most important role in determining how long you’ll need to keep the vehicle plugged in. Level 1 charging uses a standard AC outlet, charging up to 60 miles after 12 hours. A Level 2 charger requires special equipment, providing up to 250 miles after 12.5 hours. For an even faster experience, DC fast chargers can go from a 20 percent charge to 80 percent in an hour or less. How does weather affect EVs? Cold is the Achilles’ heel of EVs regardless of make or model. Range can plummet as the battery pack cools, and the occupants sacrifice range further to heat the cabin electrically. Running the air conditioner will also reduce your mileage. To maximize your electric vehicle’s battery life, it’s a good idea to park in a covered space whenever possible. Which EVs are eligible for the federal tax credit? Electric vehicle tax credits and rebates can help offset the sticker price of EVs at the dealership. There is a federal tax credit worth up to $7,500 for battery and fuel-cell EVs and plug-in hybrids that are assembled in North American and that meet strict rules regulating the origin of various battery materials. Various states also offer a variety of rebates and credits that can be worth up to $5,000. For federal tax credit eligibility under terms of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA), check the Department of Energy’s updated listing. The North American assembly requirement means most EVs and Hybrids made by domestic automakers are eligible for the federal tax credit while many made by import brands are not. Some foreign automakers, however, do build EVs in the U.S., Mexico or Canada and those vehicles are eligible. What to know more about Electric Vehicles? Check out the websites listed above and consider investing in this clean technology for a sustainable future.
EarthFest 2023 at West Shore Linda New Low income and minority communities are disproportionately affected by wide ranging systems of consumption, waste, and unsustainable practices. Often the sources of pollution do not originate in the communities that suffer from the most devastating effects. In order to change these unjust systems, consumers, businesses, neighbors, and community groups must be aware of alternatives and the damage done when we don’t consider the impact on the environment and communities. West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church in Rocky River aligns its outreach work with core Unitarian Universalist Principles. Our 7th Principle calls us to demonstrate and act on our respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. Our 8th Principle states that the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association covenant to affirm and promote journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community through our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions. This year West Shore FaCT: Faith Communities Together for a Sustainable Future, as a task force of WSUUC and a FaCTOhio anchor, is working in collaboration with key members WSUUC to offer a community event that honors both our 7th and 8th principles. The purpose of our EarthFest is to promote awareness of local environmental injustice issues as well as to highlight pollution mitigation efforts happening here in our community and to demonstrate how we can best support the work that is being done to bring environmental equity to the Greater Cleveland area. We hope to put our principles into action by educating, connecting, and inspiring the community through an event that highlights the work being done locally to address environmental inequity and establish greater justice in our neighborhoods. EarthFest will benefit multiple groups in the Greater Cleveland area that are working to raise awareness of environmental injustice and how we can transform our communities. Community groups, non-profit organizations, small businesses, and government entities that support environmental justice in Cleveland and neighboring communities will be offered space to highlight their work and sell their wares. Musical performances, children’s activities, food, and forums will be offered throughout the day. A portion of the proceeds from this event will support a composting project designed by neighborhood children at Kentucky Garden Kids’ Garden on Franklin Avenue in Cleveland, part of the Urban Hope outreach center. With this project, Kentucky Gardeners hope to provide children with the tools and knowledge to establish a workable composting system for their garden and to then share their skills with others at Kentucky Garden, building a healthy, sustainable community. Please consider joining us for EarthFest 2023 on April 29 from 10am to 4pm at West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church in Rocky River, Ohio.
Thanks for Responding to FaCT’s 2022 End-Year Appeal Ron Prosek, Treasurer
Thank you for your generous support! With your help, we blew through our Year-End Fundraising goal of $14,000 and actually raised $16,472.97. We are especially grateful for some very large gifts, which were made from mandatory IRA distributions. You retirees shared most generously. THANKS! The year 2022 ended with an unusually high stock market number, and this required larger than usual mandatory IRA distributions for investors over 70. But we can’t count on large distribution donors every year. Going forward, it is important for all of us to pitch in. Those gifts in the hundreds of dollars are most helpful if folks can afford them. Some donors have elected to give smaller amounts but donate more often throughout the year, and that is fine. Every gift helps, and is appreciated. We also received an additional grant this month from the Center for Health, the Environment, and Justice (CHEJ) in the amount of $4821. The funds raised from donations and grants will be used to fund several aspects of FaCT’s operation. A large portion goes to fund contract services for organizational development. Our development consultant helped us to get Board members trained by the Institute for Conservation Leadership (ICL). She also led the Board in developing a comprehensive organization development plan to guide FaCT’s growth in the next few years. Moreover, her work in coordinating much of our volunteer work has added strength to FaCT’s programming and operations and made us a much more effective organization. In addition to the above, the funds we raise from donations and grants help fund FaCT’s major programs – the Brine Spreading Education Project and our soon-to-be-launched education program on Climate Change. These programs are focused on educating faith communities in Ohio and helping to organize their members to take action. Our ultimate success will be measured by the impact of Ohio faith communities acting together to protect Ohio’s natural environment and Ohio families. Your support is making this happen.