Climate change is shaking up our world, but predicting exactly how is tough. Experts from Grand Valley State University (GVSU) say that climate change is making natural disasters worse, even if they can’t see the future.
Extreme weather, like the intense wildfires in Los Angeles and unexpected blizzards in the South, points to climate change as a major player. Yet, it’s not the only factor at play.
The Atlantic recently highlighted that climate and pollution issues may have dire effects. The article suggests the next few decades could surprise us in ways we aren’t prepared for.
Robert Hollister, a GVSU biology professor, has been studying the environment for 20 years. He notes that many current weather patterns were anticipated back in the 1990s. “We predicted things like sea level rise and extreme weather events back then,” he said, emphasizing that the science was sound.
While historical studies can give us some hints about climate impacts, Hollister points out that greenhouse gas emissions are harder to predict. “We understand how these gases affect our climate, but we can’t always forecast their future levels,” he shared.
Laura Schneider, an associate professor of political science at GVSU, agrees that predicting the future of climate change is complex. “Our main tools are computer models, and they can show different outcomes based on the data fed into them,” she explained.
Schneider also noted that some of the worst-case scenarios scientists feared are now happening sooner than expected. “As we experience these changes, we need to update our climate models to reflect the new reality,” she added.
In places like California, certain natural features make wildfires more likely. But climate change is still a big factor in how bad these fires become. According to the World Resources Institute, the recent fires in the Palisades and Eaton areas were among the deadliest in California history.
Schneider echoed this, adding that local regulations on zoning and construction can heighten risks. “Southern California faces unique challenges when wildfires ignite,” she said. “It’s not just one or two fires but multiple, which makes the situation even worse.”
In Michigan, the impacts of climate change are evident too. We’re seeing shifts in precipitation patterns, temperature swings, and extreme storms. Unpredictable weather is affecting agriculture, with less ice coverage on the Great Lakes being a notable change.
During summers, “ozone action days” are becoming more common in Michigan, warning residents to stay indoors for health reasons. “Warmer air collects more ozone and other harmful substances,” said Hollister. He added that smoke from Canadian fires is also impacting Michigan summer air quality.
Without stronger action from the U.S. government, these climate issues will likely get worse. Schneider believes we need a more consistent approach. “Currently, there isn’t a federal policy that fully tackles climate change,” she said. “We have some initiatives focused on renewable energy, but if we truly want to fight climate change, we need to take stronger steps.”
