Hello gardeners!

I often hear gardeners asking "Why are we having this crazy weather? Why so many more fires?". It makes me wonder whether people are making the connection between pollution and extreme weather events.

Climate change is a critical issue that significantly impacts our environment, including the gardens we cherish.

The following simplified definitions may help you understand what is causing the extreme weather events we are experiencing:

What is the Greenhouse Effect?

This natural process warms the earth's surface. Solar energy in the form of radiating waves reaches the earth's surface and then most of it is reflected into space. The earth's atmosphere (a protective barrier that allows for human life on earth) traps the energy being reflected but it also traps pollution, known as greenhouse gases. The pollution in the form of greenhouse gases is what is heating up our atmosphere.

Two significant greenhouse gases contributing to this greenhouse effect are:

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and various industrial processes.
Methane (CH₄) is a potent greenhouse gas emitted during the production and transport of coal, oil, and natural gas. This gas is also created in landfills from the decay of organic waste plus agricultural operations involving livestock.

The Role of Greenhouse Gases in Climate Change

Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, trap heat within the earth's atmosphere through this greenhouse effect. While this process is natural and necessary for life, human activities have increased the concentrations of these gases, exacerbating the greenhouse effect and leading to global warming.

THE Impact OF THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT on Weather Patterns

With humans creating increasing amounts of greenhouse gases the greenhouse effect is resulting in a warmer atmosphere for the earth, and the increased heat is disrupting established weather patterns leading to more frequent and severe extreme weather events.

In June 2021, British Columbia experienced a "heat dome," a meteorological phenomenon where a high-pressure system trapped warm air over the region, leading to extreme temperatures. This was not a random weather event. This was a direct result of the earth's atmosphere warming - changing the climate - and an extreme weather event occurring. For gardeners who experienced this event, few will argue that climate change is not happening. And if it does happen again, the trees and shrubs in our gardens will need water. The wildlife using our gardens will need protection and water. For our gardens to survive future events like this, we may need to consider interventions and/or change our methods.

Implications for Gardens and Gardeners

As gardeners, we need to understand the role greenhouse gases are playing in changing our weather patterns. This is not like historical weather patterns. This is different and worthy of our attention. We must stay informed and proactive, because as gardeners we can play a part in addressing the challenges posed by our changing climate. We can begin questioning our planting schemes. Can we add more trees to our garden? How can I collect rainwater during heavy storm periods to water trees and shrubs during dry periods when watering restrictions may be in force? Can I add more layers of shade, below the existing tree canopy in my garden? Places for wildlife to seek refuge from weather.

Please remember these are not random weather events like our grandparents might have experienced. These extreme weather events are a result of the temperature of the earth’s atmosphere increasing. Greenhouse gases (pollution) are increasing the temperature of the earth’s atmosphere. This is why we have crazy weather.

And why the picture of polar bears? For me, it is the quintessential reminder of our changing climate.

Be well, pollute less and let’s get our hands dirty,