Climate Change - What DOES it mean to us?

I'm thinking about this topic as we enjoy a gorgeous, snowy morning.  It's a Big Picture question....  Around the world, we know the devastation being caused by worsening wild fires, storms, floods and rising ocean levels.  Mass migrations from worst affected areas are beginning, and will continue through your lifetimes.  We are lucky that the northeast US will have be impacted less that many other places.  But change here will be significant - there are projections that by 2050, Pennsylvania's climate will be similar to what's now typical in Arkansas.  There are more gloomy details available from PA state government:  PA Climate Change

In West Pittston specifically, the evidence for climate change is right here.  Do you remember having a couple weeks off from school after the 2011 flood?  And the resulting clean-up, and rebuilding of many homes?  More recently there has been a government buyout program, resulting in homes being razed.  Here is a historical story about hard-hit communities in our area including our town:  One Flood Too Many   And since we own 2 houses in West Pittston (although our houses are outside of flood zones), we absolutely do care.  I think about the possibility that a future flood could potentially affect our homes, and we have a direct interest in the local tax base.  The most obvious changes that we noticed in 2023 were higher temperatures year-round, comparatively more rain and less snow, air quality problems due to smoke from Canadian wild fires.  

There is certainly hope a better situation in West Pittston if a levee is constructed.  Take a look at this article, which is encouraging - and I know from a recent discussion with a West Pittston councilman that the borough continues to pursue funding agressively: West Pittston Levee   This article mentions “...dirty rumors” that the borough missed out on a levee in the past because some residents did not want to ruin their river view.  Years ago when Dad was a Wyoming Councilman (I'm guessing in the early 1990's), he came home from a West Pittston community meeting with the Army Corps of Engineers.  After sharing maps showing a proposed levee for the borough, he told me some people spoke about not wanting to lose their river view, largely of Pittston City.  He could hardly believe this happened!  And that shortly after, the Army engineers rolled up their maps and left.  So I would say not a rumor.  I absolutely understand the cost-benefit analysis that needs to be considered for major infrastructure investments.  And there are compelling arguments that property values and tax revenues from West Pittston's flood zones (including large, beautiful homes - many dating from the Victorian era) are critical to local for West Pittston and Wyoming Area School District.  So let's do what we can to advocate for a levee, and in the meantime continue to enjoy this lovely river town.  

Looks like we're getting about 6 inches of snow (Aunt Pam texted me, Dallas probably will be closer to 10 inches).  Alex, you began shoveling both here are at North Street late last night.  Here are winter wonderland pictures looking out from 215 Montgomery Ave earlier this morning.....  They bring back fond memories of getting you guys into snow pants & boots, and heading out to Frances Slocum or the dike near the Midway Shopping Center for sledding.