Weather

Pakistan is experiencing wide-spread flooding, along with a host of other challenges (Reuters, September 22, 2022). Hundreds of thousands of people are now displaced and living in open plains, as floodwaters cover large swaths of land. Experts predict it could take two to six months for floodwaters to fully recede. As a result of the stagnant water, mosquitos are breeding rapidly and malaria is spreading.

The area of the Fertile Crescent and “the cradle of civilization,” known for its rich crops and orchards, is drying up (The Guardian, September 7, 2022). The Fertile Crescent runs from the Holy Land, along the Mediterranean Sea, and eastward along the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.

In a quiet moment, as you consider the impact of the major issues that fill the news cycle, do you ever wonder how things will turn out? The hotly contested subject of climate change dominates the news and is on the political agenda of countries around the world. In the spirit of contemplation, fast forward in your thoughts to an evening in 2035 AD and consider the consequences to you, personally, if proposed remedies to climate changes are implemented (cue the blurry, wavy lines and spooky harp music as the scene changes):

Europe is in the midst of an unprecedented drought. “Spanish farmers are grappling with heat waves and water scarcity. Grains and olives are going dry” (Deutsche Welle, August 10, 2022). Many farmers are facing drastic harvest losses this year as reservoirs dry up.