Not a Sunshine State of Mind

The world’s weather systems are changing and we continue to experience it firsthand each stop we make.

We parked ourselves on the deck with our hoodies pulled tightly over our heads waiting for the sun. Thankful when on the third day the rays finally began to peak out in the Sunshine State. We were miffed and taken back by our climate experience even as was a person who told us that after 15 years in Clearwater Beach, Florida that they had never seen over 2 days with not a peak of sun. The disheartening thing is that we have heard this story over and over again this past year in concerning different atmospheric elements.

June with hail the size of golf balls in the South of France, Snow in Boulder, Colorado in the beginning of September, low 90’s in Southern Sweden this August, torrential rains and freezing temps in Austria in July and ongoing acute draughts in California. Experiencing firsthand major weather events and abnormalities, not slightly askew, severe abnormalities is difficult to process. As inquisitive and educated travelers we knew as these events were happening outside of the norm and each time our concerns were systematically confirmed by locals time and again. We have heard the predictions and so East Coast, do you have your snow shovels and boots ready for another predicted over snowed winter? What’s the true prediction – new normal or abnormality?

Weather reports change so quickly and abruptly we know enough now to prepare for anything and everything. This trip winter coats, howling wind, and a constant drizzle tried to bring us down, not a chance. On the day the sun did finally decide to peer out at 60 degrees there was much needed pool time, heated pool time.

Ask for what you want or you deserve what you get! Ask Paul McCartney

Upon returning to New Jersey, quite last minute, we discovered that there was a Climate March taking place in NYC.  We decided that we had to go.  Unfortunately, our daughter had already anticipated the ballet birthday of her friend scheduled the same day so she and I were predisposed.  Rick headed to the city to represent our family and “March for Our Daughters Future”.  It was massive and much larger then the police and even the organizers anticipated.  Most importantly it brought together many organizations to support the same initiative and make their presence known. The head of the UN, politician, scientists, celebrities, fractions even including religious groups and workers unions, New Yorkers interviewed mentioned that they felt the impact of what happened with super storm Sandy and wanted to make themselves heard.

My own research about the march was pivotal for my own understanding of climate change avoiders (besides politicians financially supported by oil companies and other climate invaders).  People who will not address it because it is to frightening or they cannot move past their own personal problems to address it. All information points to the fact that beyond individuals, companies need to convert their thinking for a greater, faster transition.  The good news is some corporations are becoming more conscious, such as Rockefeller’s shifting away from investing in fossil fuels. Heirs to an oil fortune join the divestment drive 

Knowing my passion for the environment and organics people tell me frequently that they feel that their powerless.  Not so!  One easy thing that anyone/everyone can do is eat less meat.  Americans, compared to other counties, eat way to much and the methane has crazy impacts besides the water and food for the cattle.   You can even just start with Meat Free Mondays.  It is a great reminder each week.  Your body and the earth will thank you and so will our daughter and the rest of the children we are leaving the earth to!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKGOy4PxOw8