While the terms "climate change" and "global warming" are often used interchangeably, scrutiny of the two phrases reveals a cause-and-effect relationship between the two. Global warming refers to an increase in our planet's average temperature, while climate change refers to the planet's many and varied climactic effects triggered by, among other things, global warming.
When hearing the phrase "global warming" people often assume it means that every place on Earth is getting warmer. Not so. In fact, a recent study surmises that the expansion of warming Arctic air will push colder air south, resulting in a cooling of Europe. A warming globe causing a cooler Europe? That just might be the case.
Just as ironic is the conclusion of the research that inspired today's comic strip: global warming is causing trees near the Arctic to freeze. Reduced snowfall in that region is one of the climactic effects triggered by warmer conditions. With reduced snow cover, the roots of yellow cedars aren't getting the insulation typically provided by snow. This insulation is needed to protect the cedars' shallow roots from freezing, since conditions in and near the Arctic circle -- while warming -- are still cold.
Question: How should we deal with a global phenomenon that can use warmth to freeze things?
Answer: Very seriously!
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An earlier version of this blog incorrectly stated that there are yellow cedars in the Arctic.
Except I JUST read this in the news: "Less sea ice brings more snow" at http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/338792/title/Less_sea_ice_brings_more_snow
So which is it, more snow or less snow?
I guess there is more snow in some areas and less snow in others?
Typical, that you can prove anything you want with the AGW theory.
A) As best as I can tell the graphic in your linked article shows minimal, very isolated increase in snowfall in Alaska. (Admittedly I don't see any decrease either). Reminds me of Greenland, whose ice sheet is melting rapidly at the edges, creating moist air, which leads to more snow (and, thus, ice) at high altitudes in the middle of the sheet. So it is both losing AND gaining ice.
B) You ask if it is "more snow or less snow." The graphic shows that some areas around the globe get noticeably more snow, while others get less.
C) Scientists will be the first to tell you "exact science" is a misnomer. They are struggling to learn about our world so we can all understand it better. Findings aren't released as an official decree that all the answers have been found. Climate science will forever be a work in progress—I view the consensus as a valid warning to be heeded, rather than a final conclusion.
A) CORRECTION: While yellow cedars are in Alaska, they are not in the Arctic. Frankly, I had subconsciously associated them with the Arctic and never realized my oversight until you folks pointed it out. Good catch!
B) While "What on Earth" is a humble blog and comic strip, I work very hard to correctly cite credible sources — and provide links — to support my cartoons and text. I want WOE to entertain, inform and always be accurate. I'm proud of my track record, and regret this strip's error.
C) I appreciate your input. Following up on your comments, I've been able to increase my Arctic knowledge. That's a good thing.
There are STILL no trees in the Arctic and your article STILL mentions the "trees in the Arctic" as freezing.
You see, the other thing is... is that the trees "SOUTH" of the tree line, every year, freeze and thaw. Because there are four seasons there.
So the study quoted is ridiculous.
B) I did not delete anything. HuffPost has complete control over which comments appear and when - including mine.
C) I'm guessing you feel you know more than every researcher you take issue with.
C) You sound very angry.
A) You may want to contact the U.S. National Park Service and explain that their Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve - which is within the Arctic Circle contains "boreal forest. This is the largest forest ecosystem on earth..."
http://www.nps.gov/gaar/naturescience/plants.htm
B) "Contrary to popular belief, the Arctic is not all snow and ice.... a large portion of the Arctic is comprised of forested and tundra regions
"Trees are unable to survive in the high Arctic because of the extreme low temperatures"
http://www.mnh.si.edu/arctic/html/resources_faq.html
C) A link in the story tells you who did the research
http://www.fs.fed.us/r10legacy/spf/fhp/cedar/onset.html
Summary: The Little Ice Age enabled the yellow cedar to migrate down the mountains. The Little Ice Age is over so they'll migrate back up the mountains.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r10legacy/spf/fhp/cedar/tree.html
To answer your question: The yellow cedar is dying in southeast Alaska and northwest BC in the Coast Mountains.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coast_Mountains
It is very mountainous there.
http://www.athropolis.com/map5.htm
That's what defines it as the Arctic.
This is so typical of the stupidity of global warming alarmists.
ps - the shrubs and ground cover in the Arctic go through thaw and freezing every year and always have - they actually have four seasons up there.
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http://www.sciencefriday.com/blog/author/NeilWagner/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/neil-wagner