Michael Fassnacht’s Post

“Whenever people ask me how my wife and I have endured 25 Kansas summers almost entirely without air-conditioning, I like to say we do it because air-conditioning makes it too hot outside. It’s not just that air-conditioning is making our summers even hotter. It’s also that air-conditioning has altered the way most Americans experience heat. Our bodies have grown so accustomed to climate-controlled indoor spaces, set at a chilly 69 degrees, that anything else can feel unbearable. Of course, I’m not suggesting that anyone switch the air off in the middle of a heat wave. Year in and year out, heat waves kill more people than any other type of natural disaster. If you live in Miami or Phoenix, you need air-conditioning to survive the summer. But if you live in the middle of the country, try leaving the air-conditioning off when it’s hot but not too hot. Our species evolved, biologically and culturally, under wildly varying climatic conditions, and we haven’t lost that ability to adapt. Research suggests that when we spend more time in warm or hot summer weather, we can start feeling comfortable at temperatures that once felt insufferable. That’s the key to reducing dependence on air-conditioning: The less you use it, the easier it is to live without it. During heat waves — such as the one that gripped the middle of the country this week, when temperatures rose above 100 degrees and our brains became heat-addled and the sheets sweat-soaked — we deploy a portable air-conditioner in the bedroom overnight. To keep us going through the rest of the summer, we rely on electric fans, which consume only about 2 percent of the energy needed to air-condition one room. They’re not only free of the refrigerants that amplify air-conditioning’s contribution to global warming; they can also save you money. In a 1979 book the architect Lisa Heschong maintained that just as the senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch crave variety, the thermal sense does, too. A tightly controlled “optimum” temperature is the thermal equivalent of beige, elevator music or soda crackers. Here in Kansas, there’s ample temperature fluctuation to enjoy; when a storm front rolls through on a hot, sticky afternoon, the mercury can drop 20 degrees in a matter of minutes. Those storm cycles feel good because they give our thermal sense a good workout. When cranking up the air-conditioning is necessary, by all means, let’s do it. But the more time we can spend outside or inside without the air-conditioner blasting, the better prepared we’ll be — both to slow climate change and to adapt to it.” https://lnkd.in/eMAUnqcn

A troubling issue lies in the beauty of this photo from our family's outing to our local lake last week. For the past two years, each summer, much of the nation has been plagued by the smoke of wildfires. This used to happen occasionally but has become more significant this year and last. "The easiest way to protect yourself from wildfire smoke is to stay indoors, close your windows and doors, use an air-conditioning unit with HEPA filers or run an air filtration system." But that's not a great lifestyle, especially when many health experts tell us we need to get outside and exercise more. These increased fire seasons are a symptom of climate change and also feed into climate change as they grow. We need to do our part to invest in emissions reductions in hopes we can blunt the effects of these fires for our health and the planet's. It's a big issue to tackle, but every little step we take as individuals helps. Here's an article from the NYT's on the fires. https://lnkd.in/eZHC5KU6

Climate change is real. The climate has always been changing since the beginning of earth's creation. As the media babbles on about record heat while summer approaches, let us not forget the record COLD we just experienced, especially here in British Columbia where -30 temperatures just wiped out up to 100% of orchardists crops. I'll bet most of our farmers wished we had been warmer. The thermometer swings both ways. The central question is are humans the primary culprits for these temperature swings? And will taxing everyone to death stop the climate from changing? Watch for media narratives kick into full gear. Climate change. yes. love and take care of planet earth. yes. tech and innovation, and sustainability. yes. msm fearmongering, and misdirected narratives justifying nonsensical government overreach and taxation. No. And...what of the effect of cloud seeding and manmade initiatives to control the climate? A whole other related topic for another day. https://lnkd.in/guqvJ-6n

Growing up in upstate New York, all I wanted to do was move to a warmer location. Somewhere with mild winters and definitely hotter summers. Fast forward to living in DC today, I can barely stand going outside in the summer heat. I don’t want to go for walks, eat outside, or do the other things I generally enjoy this time of year. Friends - this is not normal. And it’s certainly not something we want to get worse. Don’t give your power away by thinking there’s nothing you can do about climate change. Every decision you make - your thermostat setting, where you source your food, the type of clothes you buy - makes a difference to you, to us. Tips on how to deal with extreme heat 👇 https://lnkd.in/eQBxPf7b Share a few quick things we can all do at home to combat climate change 👇 https://lnkd.in/eJMXAtz4

It's hot, y'all. Today was our first 100˚F day at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (I know no one lives there!). It's the (tied) 7th earliest 100 degree day on record, and our records go back to 1944. Typically, we'd see our first 100˚F around July 14, if at all. We've had 100˚F days in each of the past 3 years. We were spared in 2020 (remember that year? we had enough going on), and you may remember 2019, when we hit 100˚F in early October. Extreme heat isn't just a July and August occurrence anymore. We're likely in for a continued hot summer. Days like today are an important reminder that heat is actually our number one weather-related killer, but also that heat-related deaths are incredibly preventable. And while Carolina summers have always been hot, with climate change they're getting hotter. Thanks to North Carolina State University for interviewing me about our new heat planning toolkit, co-developed with lots of partners!

Finally, a nice snow! I used to hate Michigan winters, but I've come to appreciate the beauty of this season... and I can't help but think about how climate change is affecting us, even here in the Midwest. Scary how many of these statements are spot-on (from interview with UM professor Richard Rood - https://lnkd.in/gbM4DuJY):   “Cold and snowy weather still comes, but it's compressed into a smaller time frame, largely in January and February” “models forecast increasing average air temperatures, with winter temperatures rising the fastest, and snowfall increasingly transitioning to freezing rain or rain.”   “Metro Detroit (and all of southeast Michigan) is increasingly less likely to get a "white Christmas," and get a wet one instead.”   “The character of winter is changing…It's like getting little punches of cold air outbreaks…The rhythm of cold, snow and ice is changing."   “Warm air can carry more moisture, so winter storms are dropping more snow or freezing rain…if warm weather causes ice and snow to melt, areas can experience winter flooding.”   I appreciate how this article emphasizes the need for both mitigation and adaptation, but the thought of how much work needs to be done can be daunting. It’s important to hold this reality - and get to work - while also balancing it with a calm appreciation of the beauty of today’s fresh snow (and hopefully more on the way!).   #climatechange #michigan #goblue #thisherenow https://lnkd.in/gbM4DuJY

June 21, 2024, marks a grim milestone in Phoenix, Arizona's history, as the city ties its daily high-temperature record at 117°F. This extreme heat wave is a reminder of the devastating consequences of climate change, which demands immediate attention and collective action. ☀️ As we face this intense heat wave, we are reminded that climate change is a pressing reality that threatens our lives and well-being. The crisis is urgent, and the root cause is clear: our reliance on fossil fuels and lack of investment in renewable energy have led to extreme weather events like this heat wave. 🚙 Phoenix's 10th consecutive day of temperatures above 110°F highlights the urgent need for action. We must acknowledge the severity of this crisis and take concrete steps to mitigate its effects. We must work together to create a safer, more sustainable future for our communities. 🥵 The time for action is now. Let’s join forces to combat climate change and ensure a livable future. Phoenix's record-breaking heat wave is a clarion call to action on climate change. We must heed this warning and work together to create a safer, more sustainable future for our communities. The future of our planet depends on it. 🌵

What weather can we expect this summer in Chicago? In an article in the Chicago Sun-Times, I shared insights on rising temperatures, climate risks, and how insurers and other financial institutions are focusing more on the effects that rising global temperatures are having on human health and businesses. We continue to research the impact and mitigation of climate risks at the Society of Actuaries Research Institute -- thanks to our staff and research volunteers who work with us on these projects! #actuaryresearch   Read the full article here:

Who else feels like a whole new person when the sun's out? Lunch breaks in Hyde Park become the highlight of my day! Not only does it boost my mood, but it also gives me that much-needed Vitamin D – something we often miss out on with our usual weather. But here's the thing – while I'm enjoying the sun, I can't forget about an article I recently read. The UK's Climate Change Committee warned that our homes aren't ready for the future. They say we're way behind in making our houses comfy for hotter weather, considering how quickly our climate's changing. As much as I'm soaking up this sunny weather, let's face it – our homes aren't made for this heat. Anyone else feeling the struggle when it's super hot outside? Let's chat! Do you find your home a bit tough to handle during a heatwave? (Makes me happy I work in the Office with the ac blasting) #ClimateChangeFacts #BritishWeatherProblems #HotHomeIssues

What month is it? If you look inside our climate trends, you'll find the every day weather. And wow, does it continue to be warm! Today Dallas, Texas is flirting with its all-time February record of 96 degrees set 120 years ago, Feb. 25, 1904. Dallas has only reached the 90s in February nine times since 1899, according to NOAA. Tomorrow, all-time February records are in jeopardy in Chicago (75 degrees on Feb. 27, 1976), Green Bay (65 degrees on Feb. 22, 2017) and St. Louis (85 degrees on Feb. 29, 1972), among other locations. Chicago has only reached the 70s in February five times since 1873, according to NOAA. Sure, a cold front is coming in this week to move this warm weather out with some cold, but the winter taste won't last long. Warm air will return to the middle part of the country by the weekend and next week. These highs could be even warmer. Eighties could surge as far north as Iowa and 70s as far north as the Twin Cities by Sunday. This will be a record-warm winter for many in the country. Through the first three weeks of February, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin were on pace for their warmest December-February period dating to the late 19th century. Other Midwest and Northeast states were targeting their top-five warmest winters. Due to a warming climate, winter has been the fastest-warming season in most of the U.S. since 1970. They found that especially true in the Great Lakes and Northeast. Most of experiencing shorter cold snaps, less extreme cold and more unusually warm winter days now than before 1970. Stay in the know with our free newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/dsNVyatw