When you gaze at “Washington Crossing the Delaware,” the ice stands out. It played a crucial role in Washington’s strategy. Alex Robb, an educator at Washington Crossing Historic Park, explains that while the ice made the crossing tricky, it also provided a cover. The enemy underestimated the Americans, thinking they wouldn’t dare cross on such a cold Christmas. But this cold weather turned out to be an unexpected ally for Washington, leading to victory at Trenton and revitalizing hopes for the war.
Robb points out that had conditions been milder, Washington might have faced fierce resistance. A few degrees could have drastically changed the outcome of that battle.
Back in 1776, Americans were familiar with harsh winters. Historical records by Thomas Jefferson show that cold winters were the norm. However, fast forward to today. Jen Brady, a data analyst from Climate Central, shares that winters are now approximately 5.5 degrees warmer than in 1970. This shift could impact how future generations experience winter.
Brady notes that while cold weather and snowfall will still occur, their intensity is diminishing. This highlights a larger trend: our climate is rapidly changing. For instance, ice core samples from glaciers reveal ancient air bubbles, offering insights into temperatures from thousands of years ago. Glaciologist Eric Steig from the University of Washington describes these samples as “time machines,” which tell us about past carbon dioxide levels.
These ice cores show that for nearly 800,000 years, carbon levels fluctuated but never surpassed 300 parts per million. A notable spike occurred around 1800, coinciding with the rise of fossil fuel usage. Steig argues that our reliance on fossil fuels since then has significantly impacted global temperatures, intensifying extreme weather events like floods and droughts.
Understanding these changes is crucial, according to Steig. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing how much our world has evolved since Washington’s time. If he could see today’s climate, he would note dramatic shifts, much different from the icy Delaware. This underscores the poignant connection between the founding of a nation and the ongoing story of climate change.
As we reflect on this history, we can better appreciate the challenges and adaptations still ahead. For more information on climate trends and their implications, consider the insights from experts like Robb, Brady, and Steig through organizations like [Climate Central](https://www.climatecentral.org/what-we-do/people/jennifer-brady), the [University of Washington](https://environment.uw.edu/faculty/eric-steig/), and [Washington Crossing Historic Park](https://www.washingtoncrossingpark.org/staff-spotlight-alex-robb/).
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Revolutionary War, Climate Change, George Washington, America at 250
