Climate change is something most of us believe in, and the rest don't believe at all. But the results of climate change actually manifest themselves often in our daily lives here in North Texas.
The severe storms that plague this part of North Texas are a very good example of this manifestation. And it seems that in recent years, the storms are more frequent and more severe, often even deadly. Not only do we experience strong thunder that can be frightening and lightening shows that are truly amazing, we experience heavy winds, severe hail, and cold, heavy rain that follow the storm systems. Damaging tornadoes and flooding are frequently the by-products of these storms.
A less threatening and more interesting result of our severe North Texas storms is the depositing of sand and soil swept into the rain by the wind and dropped on North Texas. An example of this phenomenon is the "red water" that stands in the birdbath in our yard after a rainstorm. The water in that birdbath after a storm is as red as the rock formations that dot the landscape in the western part of our state.
Recently, I have seen something else that was "blown in by the storm." Varieties of weeds are growing in local yards, vacant lots, and pastures around the county that are not native to this area. It's almost as if we have been infested with foreign weed varieties, at least some that are not common in this particular portion of the state. And after last week's monsoons, another type of infestation is occurring. North Texas residents are relating stories about sharing their homes, at least for a short time, with crickets, brown recluse spiders, and fire ants looking for drier homes - just another effect of our region's long-lasting and severe weather systems.
What can we do about climate change?
We can be better stewards of our planet. For starters, we can conserve energy and recycle more. I am surprised that the City of Van Alstyne did include a curbside recycle program, separate from household waste, when the current five-year contract was let two years ago.
We can also teach our children and grandchildren to be be better stewards. Include environmental education in classes beginning in elementary school. Educate them about conservation and recycling. Teach them that pollution has a price, one that everyone must share.
After all, this is our planet, and we are its caretakers.
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