Summary of Chapter 2 – Climate Change in Oregon
Global warming has been an outspoken problem all over the world. Much research has been conducted in specific areas. Oregon is an example of such analysis, which is described in the Third Oregon Climate Assessment Report – January 2017.
The state of Oregon possesses an increasing level of warming because human activities result in greenhouse gas concentrations (Dalton 4). The climate in this area varies under the influence of changes in the atmosphere and ocean (Dalton 5). There is the hot phase called ENSO, which has two directions in the climate activity – warmer winters and colder winters (Dalton 5). These directions indicate the abnormal deviation represented by this phase.
When it comes to mean temperature, it is clear that there should be some stable measure. However, mean degrees in Oregon have been growing through centuries, making 2015 the warmest ever fixed in Oregon (Dalton 7). It is forecasted that the average condition will rise to 10.7°F by 2080 (Dalton 7). The last century’s statistics show that highly high degrees appear on the scale between 1930 and 2010 in the Pacific Northwest (Dalton 8). Such a scenario leads to the conclusion that the heat intensity and duration will increase in the future in Oregon.
Precipitation is another factor in the projection of climate change in the region. During the last century, annual average precipitation rose from 22″ in 1930 to 49″ in 1996 (Dalton 9). The scientists forecast that this indicator will increase to 1.9% by the 2050s and will be doubled by the 2080s (Dalton 9). Consequently, the notion of extreme precipitation should be considered for this state. This natural phenomenon in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest depends on the exact location and time (Dalton 11). Through the recent periods, extreme precipitation become frequent in Oregon, accompanied by climate modification models. One such change is the absence of snow, which is substituted by rain because of winter temperatures of 5–6°F above average (Dalton 13). This abnormality has led to many negative consequences for various industries.
Key Takeaways
Climate Shift
This chapter outlines an essential message for the population – climate variation. It focuses on Oregon, where a degree increase is observed and results in weather change. However, there are four most important points included in the chapter: variability, mean indicator of the temperature, extreme events, and precipitation. The climate variability in Oregon is essential as it reflects the level of impact of different patterns connected with the weather (Dalton 5). It decides on the season’s “appearance” and its influence on the planet and people.
Rising Temperatures
Another point is the average heat condition, which has grown through the years (Dalton 6). It is a significant aspect to be considered, for the reason that the Earth becomes heated and different cataclysms happen. A great example here is Oregon, where warming is accelerated, and greenhouse gas accumulation results in negative consequences.
Increased Wildfire Risks and Changing Precipitation Patterns
The following vital point is extreme events, such as dramatically high or low temperatures. Oregon has faced both phenomena, having hot times during the cold seasons and vice versa (Dalton 8). Precipitation also should be considered a key issue because its indicators are increasing fast (Dalton 9). Winters, springs, and autumns are observed to have more rain in Oregon nowadays and in the future than during the last century (Dalton 9). Altogether, the mentioned points create a significant threat to global warming if not taken immediate and needed actions.
Personal Reflection
The source is informative and involves many significant aspects discussed professionally. I was surprised by the consequences resulting from snow absence in Oregon. It is stated that fire seasons in 2015 were the most severe, and some of the recreational areas had to order artificial snow for their needs or spawning salmon distinction in the Columbia River because of too-warm waters (Dalton 13). All these factors are caused by human misuse of natural resources, which results in climate change. I am very concerned and embarrassed, as the projections indicate the growth of warming in the future, which makes it impossible to fight the severe consequences of natural variations.
Work Cited
Dalton, Meghan, et al. The Third Oregon Climate Assessment Report. Oregon Climate Change Research Institute, 2017.