The Daily Think

On January 24, 2023, a magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck Turkey, causing widespread damage and loss of life. The earthquake was centered in the eastern province of Elazig, near the city of Sivrice. This was followed by a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck near the Syrian coast on February 5th, 2023, causing even more destruction and fatalities (at the time of this writing in the 2000’s.)

In the aftermath of the earthquakes, rescue teams worked tirelessly to search for survivors and provide assistance to those who were injured. The death toll from the Turkish earthquake was estimated at over 40 people, with hundreds more injured. Many buildings, including homes and apartment buildings, were severely damaged or destroyed in the quake, leaving many people homeless. Similarly, the Syrian earthquake caused widespread damage and loss of life, with reports of widespread destruction in the affected areas and dozens of fatalities.

The impact of these earthquakes raises questions about the role of climate change in natural disasters. Climate change has been linked to an increased frequency of earthquakes in some regions due to the melting of glaciers and changes in the Earth’s crust. In addition, the effects of climate change can exacerbate the damage caused by earthquakes, as rising temperatures can lead to soil liquefaction, making the ground more unstable and increasing the risk of damage to buildings and infrastructure.

While the exact causes of these earthquakes cannot be definitively linked to climate change, it is clear that the effects of climate change can have a significant impact on the frequency and severity of natural disasters. This highlights the importance of addressing the effects of climate change and working to mitigate its impact on communities and the planet as a whole.

Meanwhile, the Northeast United States is currently facing a severe cold wave due to the polar vortex, a large area of low pressure and cold air that typically stays near the poles. As a result, temperatures have dropped to record lows, with some areas experiencing temperatures as low as -30°F.

The extreme cold has caused widespread disruptions, with schools and businesses closing, flights being cancelled, and power outages affecting thousands of people. Emergency services have been stretched thin as they respond to an increased number of weather-related incidents and assist those in need.

Officials are urging residents to take precautions, such as staying indoors, wearing layers of warm clothing, and covering exposed skin to protect against frostbite. They are also reminding people to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors and to bring pets indoors.

The polar vortex is a reminder of the severe and unpredictable weather patterns that can occur due to the changing climate. As global temperatures continue to rise, it is important for communities to prepare for extreme weather events and to take steps to reduce their carbon footprint and limit their impact on the environment.

In the meantime, residents of the Northeast United States are hunkering down and bracing for the cold, while hoping for a quick end to this intense and dangerous cold spell.

It’s not entirely on climate change, as these events would happen regardless of what humans have done, but it is climate activity that affects us all at anytime.