For the most part, we’d argue that these discussions have not been very constructive. Single weather events are very difficult to attribute to a climate-changing trend, and are not always indicative of that trend.
A better approach may be to talk about preparedness. How can we as a nation and as individuals be better prepared for both major weather events and slow-onset natural disasters, which are likely to increase in frequency, severity and variability in a climate-changing world? These are the questions we should be asking ourselves when something like this occurs. And here are a few follow-up questions:
- How can we take precautions before a major storm event to reduce accidents and deaths?
- How can we maintain electricity or restore electricity quickly after a major weather event?
- Are our satellite coverage capabilities up to speed enough to predict and prepare for major weather events?
- Are there community-wide efforts that can be put in place to reduce stress on emergency responders before, during and after a disaster (i.e. check on your elderly neighbors)?
- What role can technology such as twitter and text messages play in disaster response and recovery?
- How can we improve our storm and wastewater systems so that dirty water does not end up in places it should not?
These are just a few. And if you really want to talk about climate change preparedness and this recent polar vortex, here’s is a question that might be worthwhile:
Has the reduction of these types of cold weather events over the last couple of decades meant that we have forgotten how to effectively prepare and respond to them?