http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/top/all/7221022.html
West coast weather patterns indicate a major heat wave, causing the temperature in Los Angeles to exceed their record of 112 degrees on Monday, September 27, 2010. This caused electrical demand to increase throughout the state, peaking the amount of megawatts ever used there at one time. According to the National Weather Service, the cause of this heat wave is dry heat being created by a ridge of high pressure over the West coast.
Houston Chronicle- September 27, 2010
While mainly sticking to the facts, the author has a clear opinion that it is not a big deal that the temperature has risen by so many degrees. He even states that the high temperature is, "not all that remarkable," for the people of Southern California, an opinion he bases the article off of.
I. Earth Systems and Resources
B. The Atmosphere
V. Energy Resources and Consumption
B. Energy Consumption
I agree with the author. One degree increase in the maximum temperature does not seem significant enough to cause too much of a panic. If the pattern continues, this evidence would be more significant, however.
ReplyDeleteMatt Folensbee
I think that this change in temperature is significant because California rarely reaches those heights. In addition, I think that it is even more important to notice the raise in electricity used on air-conditioning compared to the averages. This raise in electricity used could cause major problems if they are not set up to take the demand.
ReplyDeleteAlthough this change in temperature might not greatly alter anything in the near future, I agree with Kelsey in the fact that these temperatures should not be ignored. It is frustrating to hear about the lax attitude of the author because these temperatures have altered in comparison to the usual temperature of Los Angeles over the years. If this pattern continues, grave consequences could happen. People need to recognize this fact and try to realize if their own actions are causing this warming.
ReplyDeleteI think that the rise in temperature definitely needs to be noted. This is a perfect example of the domino effect-- human actions have led to a small rise in temperature which leads to extreme electricity use which most likely has other environmental effects as well as an economic effect for the people of California.
ReplyDeleteThis rise may be a small change, but it is time that people step back and see the big picture. There have been and will be many "small changes," and they will add up to an indelible environmental disaster that will affect everyone.