Climate Change. Remembering Hot Summer Days. Dr. Ed Iannuccilli

Climate Change. Remembering Hot Summer Days. Dr. Ed Iannuccilli

I enjoy chatting about science with friends. Recently we have been discussing climate change, trying desperately, though not always successful, to stay out of its dreadful politics. On the political prism spectrum, they lean toward pink. I lean toward light blue.

Though not much of a surprise, I note a change in their thinking these days. Whereas years ago, they did not believe climate change was anything more than earth’s cycles over millennia, nowadays, with the heat and extreme weather issues so prevalent, they agree that climate change is real and palpable. But they hold steadfast in their thinking that humans have nothing to do with it, and oil, methane, and  “all that other stuff” do not play a role as in, “Nah. C’mon. Ya gotta be kidding.”

I  disagree as I adhere to compelling science and lean to the blue. Oops, sorry, no politics.

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The oppressive heat and other climate assaults overwhelm so much of this country and world and remind me of the days of my youth when we had brief periods of heat spells, but nothing like today. It was common to hear, “You can fry an egg on the sidewalk.” I loved hot summer days when we cooled under sprinklers or swam at the Olneyville Boys Club Pool. We made tar balls from hot tar we scraped off the steaming streets, those same streets that heard my frost-crunching footsteps in winter and now heard a soft breeze and a sewing bee in summer.

Our third-floor bedroom of the three-decker on Wealth Avenue was hot. The murmuring voices of adults sitting on their porches below penetrated the night. Low talking rumbles came from neighbors sitting and chatting the heat away in sounds that were soothing and comforting. The chatter and the small window fans lulled us to sleep. People made the best of the hot evening, understanding they all had to tolerate what was a brief spell.

Complemented by moonlight, layers of stars sprinkled the dark, clear night. Lacy light came from a nearby streetlight, bugs flickering to tap its metal hat now surrounded by smooth halos. The light strafed the streets with purple shadows.

But no matter how hot those days, albeit brief, those of today far surpass them. Nowadays, instead of frying an egg on the sidewalk, one can get a third-degree burn by strolling in bare feet.

Yes, no matter the reasons, climate change is upon us, and humans can help to make a difference. We all need to consider doing a little something about it. How about trying simple generic things that, even if you do not believe humans contribute to climate change, are inherently good: walk or bike more, drive less, don’t speed, avoid traffic, fill your tires to the max, adjust your thermostat, use less hot water, recycle more.

I loved those summer days and evenings. I fear today’s. Let’s preserve what we have, like that small neighborhood, and never yield to devastation. Commit to what you love. Preserve it. And don’t forget to cover your feet.