Minnesota Weather: Beginning of the End?

The days are getting hotter and hotter, but we shouldn’t lose hope

Karina Herrera-Cavazos

I was never really an outdoorsy person, but even I have to admit that going outside has become particularly bothersome nowadays. Every other week there were alerts about severe weather this summer. These weather events included tornado warnings, record-breaking rainfall, and flood watches. Summer is supposed to be the fun season, but chances are you’ve had at least one plan fall through because of the weather. Feeling anxious about the changing weather and its effects on one’s life is called climate anxiety. And if you’re like me, you have felt it more and more in recent years.

Climate change in Minnesota subtly affects how we experience the seasons. In the fall, the heat is indecisive about leaving, not realizing that its time has passed. And spring now feels like a depressing omen for the endless rainfall in the summer. Even Minnesota’s star season, winter, slacks off on its duties. Some years the snow falls so little, you worry if there will even be snow for Christmas. However, this pales in comparison to the main dangers of climate change: rising sea levels, ecosystem damage, and the disproportionate harm placed on marginalized communities. While the weather here can feel unpleasant, we have to remember the greater effects climate change is having on the rest of the world.

The effects of climate change are scary, and we might feel discouraged by it, but we have to remember that there are actions we can take. After all, we must have hope in the climate crisis. Here are my suggestions: join a climate focused group! The Environmental Student Association at the UMN is one example. Donate to organizations focused on addressing climate change and protecting the Earth’s ecosystems. Finally, contact your local representatives and let them know how you feel about climate change. It’s much easier to tackle this issue when we start small and local. It’s also reassuring and motivating to meet others who care about the Earth as much as you do! Ultimately, we are not alone in the climate crisis.