“The sun is the source of energy for all living things.” — Key Concept Statement from Energy Flow Lesson 2, SECRETS of Our Forest Home Program
Woke up to our first snowfall two days ago, a two-inch dusting at best. Nineteen degree temperatures invited frost to the landscape. And we all responded with windshield scraping, sanding roadways, delaying school openings, and of course visiting Les Schwab Tires.
This cloudless morning finds the sun in place where it was yesterday, about 93 million miles away, though now it “rises” and stays low in the southeast versus greeting us in the northeast during summer. Ironically, the sun will be closest to the northern hemisphere come January than it is in July. A mere tilt of our rotating orb brings us seasons, and changes everything in a short period of time. Hard to believe that 100 degree temperatures and fires ruled our world just a few months ago.
We crave warmth this time of year and even a few feet difference in our distance from a heat source makes a significent difference. Doesn’t it seem quicker to be able to cool down than to warm up?
Next week, humanity will have an enormous opportunity to warm up together as the next round of Climate Change Talks heats up in France. “It is important to listen to each other,” a Bolivia negotiator, chimed in. For this 6th. world climate conference, it may well be better to be united than right. One of the most intriguing planned declarations is from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who announced at the 2015 G-20 Summit that he, along with French President Francois Hollande, intends to create an alliance of solar-rich countries similar to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Emphasising the need for solar power in the face of rising coal and gas prices, Mr. Modi said the state is stepping up its solar power movement through a program under which tiny plants would be installed in on the household, which would not only ensure clean energy, but reduce the usage of coal.” There are 49 additional initiatives planned for Paris. Which ones will receive the light of day and be approved?
The Paris weather report is for increasing sunshine and warmth with temperatures in the 50’s.