Snowstorms aren’t sign of reversal of climate change [column]

On Jan. 25, parts of Lancaster County received up to 13.1 inches of snow. This was one of the largest recent snowfalls and, mixed with the constant cold snaps that have been occurring, some people may have the false belief that climate change is reversing.

A significant number of participants in U.S. surveys in recent years have reported doubting climate change during periods of colder weather, which have become more common in some regions. As this pattern continues, a concern is that even more people will begin to question whether climate change really is occurring.

Historically, Pennsylvania commonly experienced large snowstorms, as the climate is cold and humid in the winter season. About 20 to 50 inches of snow is generally a beneficial amount, as it can replenish groundwater and help agricultural plants from freezing.

Many older residents recall heavy snowfalls happening every winter, with some of the largest in 1996, 1958 and 1993. However, there has been a significant decline in snowfall since 2000. Some of the more recent storms, such as the one in January, have been used to push a false narrative that climate change is reversing and bringing back the previous colder climate.

While more snow is falling at times, the overall trend still shows increased warming. These higher temperatures can also create increased snowfall, as warmer air holds more moisture. With more moisture, more precipitation happens. If the temperatures fall below freezing, heavier snow comes down.

The warmer weather can also add energy to weather systems that power more intense northeastern storms and low pressure systems. While the snow increases, the length of winters decreases and snow melts more quickly. This shifts the pattern to fewer snow days overall, but occasional intense snow events — which is distinct evidence of climate change.

Another one of the largest misconceptions is surrounding the weather versus the climate, specifically with extreme temperature swings. The number of winter days with above-average temperatures has generally increased in Pennsylvania in recent decades. Scientists believe this is one of the most evident examples of climate change, as the weather faces extreme temperature drops and rises throughout a previously more consistent period.

These temperature drops are due to a warming planet, which seems counterintuitive but happens due to the Arctic warming. The heating Arctic causes weaker jet streams, since the temperature difference between the colder Arctic and Pennsylvania is less drastic. Loops begin to form that pull warm air from the north and push cold air instead. As this air travels south, these cold spells can occur more frequently.

Climate change also is not just a shift in temperature, as it affects many major weather events. The extreme shifts can cause severe alterations to patterns such as rainfall and droughts.

As a result of the increased snowfall, the rapid melting can cause too large of an influx of water all at one time. Agriculture plays a key role in Pennsylvania’s economy and these floods are detrimental to the majority of crops that grow in the early spring.

Additionally, many rivers such as the Susquehanna or Conestoga can swell and flood into local communities. The natural reservoir of stored water from snowfall can become disturbed by the sudden melting instead of slower melting over time. This can lead to a drought season in the spring, causing the soil to dry up.

Both variables show severe swings in the weather, creating two different detriments to Pennsylvania’s agricultural industry.

Out of all the misconceptions, the belief that climate change is already irreversible is the most concerning.

According to a study published in 2023, 13% of Americans agree with the statement “it’s already too late to do anything about global warming.” And a 2022 study found that 71% of Americans believe that humans could reverse climate change but will not change their behavior in order to do so.

This struggle regarding people’s attitudes is not only discouraging, but is one of the things holding us back from working to slow or halt climate change.

The mindset may be based on the idea that sea levels and temperatures have already increased so drastically that there is no point in fighting for change.

Many people also believe that preventive measures require too much energy and that climate change won’t affect them, as it’s a problem only for those in the distant future. This decreases the urgency to act and makes the problem feel hopeless. Lifestyle factors are another huge problem, as healthy climate choices can often be expensive.

Despite these challenges, it is important to develop a more positive mindset toward countering climate change. Cutting emissions slowly and by a small amount can also significantly reduce temperature changes over time. New technologies that are created due to science and research can help to make energy more renewable. Even small actions today can make big changes for the future.

Cate Haligowski is in the 11th grade at Manheim Township High School.