Wisconsin meteorologists use their platform to warn about the dangers of climate change

Credit: Wisconsin State Journal

By Christina Lorey

October 24, 2023

Meteorologist Bob Lindmeier has been forecasting Wisconsin’s weather for more than 40 years, so he’s no stranger to change. He was part of the team that created the first television weather graphics in the ‘80s and has seen his share of both technological improvements and overall temperature increases. The latter compelled him to do something for the first time in his career this year (a rarity four decades in): Write a newspaper editorial.

“It is my job to sound the alarm when weather dangers are on the horizon,” Lindmeier opened his column in The Cap Times. “Well, a larger storm has been brewing for quite some time now, and I would be remiss in not alerting you to that danger as well: climate change.”

Some alarming stats Lindmeier flagged:

Wisconsin temps have climbed about two degrees since the early 1900s.
Currently, 11% of Wisconsinites live in counties with more than nine extreme heat days.
Those nine days cause an average of 900 emergency room visits and more than 80 hospitalizations a year.

READ: Lindmeier’s full editorial: “I’m Issuing an Alert Over Climate Change”

What’s the Solution?
“Science informs our day-to-day weather forecasts, and science tells us how to address it,” he continued. “That’s primarily done by eliminating the heat-trapping gasses that accumulate in our atmosphere.”

Lindmeier went on to explain that power plants are one of the biggest sources of these emissions, and thankfully, the Biden administration has a plan to significantly reduce the amount power plants are legally able to emit. But it still needs to be passed by Congress.

“When I think about my grandchildren and the lives they will lead, I can’t help but worry about the catastrophic climate change impacts they are likely to experience. We must correct course,” Lindmeier concluded.

Click here to email your local Congressperson and ask them to support (and fund!) climate change prevention programs.

MORE: 10 easy ways to start reversing climate change at home

Credit: The Week

Author

Christina Lorey

Christina is an Edward R. Murrow-winning journalist and former producer, reporter, and anchor for TV stations in Madison and Moline. When she’s not writing or asking questions, you can find her volunteering with Girls on the Run, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and various mental health organizations.

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