Is climate change affecting weather?

By Lacy Hilliard
From tornado warnings to winter weather advisories to 70 degree days in February, the weather in our region has certainly had a flair for the dramatic as of late. As a citizen of the twenty-first century, you’ve likely heard about global climate change. The most recent late night call from the National Weather Service informing Johnson Countians of local storm shelters prompted a deeper look into the world of greenhouse gases and carbon footprints.
Upon investigating the top non-profit climate change researchers, the common theme proved to be prevention and sustainability. The Union of Concerned Scientists and the Environmental Defense Fund exhibit mission statements centered on greener technologies and sustainable agriculture in efforts to slow the progression of global climate change. However, they offer little specific evidence as to what we can expect from planet changes. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) however, does recognize global climate change as fact and offers supporting research. Although the EPA’s research is extensive, it does not offer clues as to whether or not climate change is to blame for current or past extreme weather conditions.
To gain insight into the recent tornadic activity from someone that knows Johnson County’s weather history, Bill McMillan, formerly of Mountain City Weather Center and now owner and operator of IndyWx.com, said, “It’s the unseasonably cold pattern that’s been lingering deep into the spring (in the Ohio Valley) that’s the real driver behind the severe weather.
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