Are Warming Temps Robbing Fall of Its Color?

by

A United Methodist Insight Column

Returning from a glorious annual retreat with The Order of Saint Luke, I have one regret: the fall colors we anticipated around Pittsburgh, Pa., weren't there. Once in a few miles we'd see a brilliant golden aspen or bright-red maple, but all other deciduous trees looked dry and brown.

The scientists at Climate Central had an answer for me this week, and as one might suspect, the answer was warming temperatures. Among their findings:

  • September 1 is the start of meteorological fall. The season has warmed across the U.S. 
  • Since 1970, the fall season has warmed in 232 U.S. locations—by 2.4°F on average.
  • Unusually hot fall days now happen more often in 231 locations. And 86 locations now experience at least two more weeks of above-normal fall days than in 1970.
  • Fall warming is widespread across the contiguous U.S., and most intense in the Southwest. 
  • Warmer fall temperatures prolong risks of heat-related illness, wildfire, allergies, and more.

This is bad news for the season of pumpkin spice, as Climate Central's video says. All the more reason for faith-based climate activists to be pressing for more policies to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change. What's fall like where you are?

One solution: electric bikes

Some years ago, the State Fair of Texas had an exhibit of electric bikes. I tried one and couldn't keep the wild critter upright. Since then, the Washington Post's Climate Coach, Michael Coren, says the move toward electric vehicles is rapidly gaining power (pun intended), based on findings from the International Energy Agency's World Energy Outlook. For more details, read Coren's column (subscription required, but worth the price if you're working to save the planet from burning to death).

Meanwhile, prisoners are in harm’s way

The Marshall Project, one of my favorite newsletters, reports:

"People incarcerated at the Corcoran State Prison and an adjacent facility in California’s Central Valley have suffered from extreme heat for years inside stifling cells. This year, after historic precipitation in the state, they also had to fear for their lives over flooding in the Tulare Basin, where a dried-up lake filled quickly and threatened prisoners and staff. The water has receded, for now. Corcoran’s plight is not unique. An analysis by The Marshall Project found that 700 prisons are located in high-risk environmental areas. In collaboration with Grist, Susie Cagle tells the story in TMP’s first long-form comic."

This report touches on two long-time United Methodist concerns: prisons and climate. Worth checking out.

WCC co-hosts webinar on climate emergency and faith responses

There's still to register for the Oct. 31 online webinar, "Climate Emergency & The Giant Leap—Faith Responses,” organized by the Interfaith Liaison Committee, a platform co-chaired by the World Council of Churches (WCC). Says the WCC: "The convergence of faith and environmental stewardship will be a focal point of discussion, highlighting the vital role that spiritual communities play in addressing this global challenge. Supported by a diverse range of speakers, the event will bring a comprehensive and insightful discussion that combines spirituality, science, and grassroots action." The event will occur at 8:30 a.m. CT in the United States. Register here

State grant helps church provide emergency power

Here's an encouraging story from the Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber, via UM News:

"VASHON, Wash. — Vashon United Methodist Church has received a nearly $130,000 grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce “to help power emergency access for vulnerable populations.” The church plans to use the grant to buy and install solar panels and a large battery unit to help the church serve as an emergency shelter in the event of a prolonged power outage. Elizabeth Shepherd has the story." Read story

Preserving sacred ground

Here's another note from The Marshall Project, this one involving gun violence and LGBTQ hate crimes:

"‘Sacred ground.’ Orlando officials plan to buy Pulse, the gay club where 49 people were killed in a mass shooting in 2016, and turn it into a public memorial. Similar plans are developing for other sites around the country. USA TODAY"

Media Mentions as of Oct. 25, 2023

Festival highlights unity, love in Christ's name - The Greenville Advocate – The Greenville Advocate

Methodist Reverend Takes His Own Life After Adultery Scandal Leaks In Church WhatsApp Group – iHarare News

Wife of Late Methodist Leader Praises Cheating Hubby, Recounts His Last Moments – Zwnews

Widow of Late Cheating Methodist Church Leader Revered as Exemplary Wife - Zwnews

Newly-married woman dragged into Reverend Oscar Mukahanana scandal – Zw News Zimbabwe

Why “Mainstream UMC” Is Wrong About Exit Paths - Good News Magazine

Remaining Oklahoma United Methodists manage finances, moving forward with a 'dream' – The Oklahoman

Migrant camp outside Tukwila church grows to more than 300 people | king5.com

Veteran local politician and well-known local pastor vie for delegate seat in Stafford –Fredericksburg.com

Prison Re-Entry Simulation - United Methodist Church of the Resurrection

United Methodist Church in Willmar builds light units for Ukrainians living without power –

West Central Tribune

Disaffiliation decision carefully considered - Pawhuska Journal Capital

Historic Dallas church demolishes old buildings to make room for ... - FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth

Topeka's First United Methodist Church 100th anniversary of fire restoration - WIBW

Tukwila church stretched thin with migrant influx despite state of emergency declaration –

KOMO News

Aid limited as asylum-seekers group at Tukwila church grows past 300 | The Seattle Times

Lahaina congregation finds joy in togetherness - Honolulu Star-Advertiser

An award-winning religion journalist who has reported on The United Methodist Church at all levels for 35 years, Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, an online journal she founded in 2011. "Crisis Watch" forms part of Insight's participation in Covering Climate Now, an international collaboration of 600-plus news outlets around the world committed to enhanced climate coverage, focusing especially on solutions. To reproduce this content elsewhere, please email Insight for permission.