The COASTER asked the following Shore area residents, “Do you think our recent weather patterns are as a result of global warming?” this week…and here’s what they had to say:
Norma Velez, Neptune – Yes, absolutely. I’ve heard on the news and read about global warming. We’ve had the warnings. Down south with the floods. And we’ve had really wild winters lately, and now the severe storms this year. It all makes sense to me. It’s getting warmer up in Antarctica by one or two degrees, but it makes a big difference. Things just keep happening.
Liza Aschettino, Wanamassa – Yes, I do. Global warming throws off the natural weather patterns. Lots of research has shown this to be true. I’m a huge environmental advocate. We all need to become more aware of the proper methods to keep the earth clean.
Taylor Carton, Oakhurst – Yeah. Even though it’s been very cold, the patterns are changing. It’s getting warmer around the ice caps and sending the cold weather here. I think things are going to get worse. It can’t go back at this point.
Larry Cross, Neptune City – No, not at all. I think it’s just a natural weather change. I’ve seen it get cold and I’ve seen it get warm over the years. It’s just Mother Nature.
Peggy Keane, Belmar – I think it’s a mix. I think there is a natural process in play, but I think society and its impact on the environment is a huge contribution.
Eric Krause, Groovy Graveyard – No, I don’t. Similar weather patterns are happening on Venus and other planets. There are no carbon emissions on those planets that I know of.
Dr Sandra Kuhn, West Long Branch – It depends on what scientist you listen to. However, with the number of people on the planet earth, using all of its resources, there has to be consequences. The best we can do is to respect our planet and use our natural resources wisely.
Mark North, Bradley Beach – Yes, I do. The extremes we’ve had in the weather the past two or three years, well, I’ve never seen that before. We don’t have just a normal summer shower – it is a major thunderstorm. And, then with Sandy and this winter with the record cold and the record snowfall. I don’t think you can ignore the fact that the climate is changing, whether it’s global warming or not, it is changing.
Jacqueline Norwood, Neptune – Oh, yes I do. I think we’re in for a rough summer, too. I think it’s going to be a hot summer. I’m not looking forward to the summer.
Benjamin McKirachan, Asbury Park & Nicole Paventi, Red Bank – You can’t deny the science. Putting carbons in the air depletes ozone. The loss of ozone causes the artic caps to melt, due to increased sunlight. The water from the melted ice caps causes the change in climate. If this weather we’re having is caused by the melting of the polar caps, then, yes, it’s causing climate change. It’s all cause and effect.
Judy Penney, Neptune – Yes, I do. Its’ getting worse and worse. It’s getting warmer later in the year. In November you don’t even need a sweater. In the 70’s, you needed a heavy jacket to cover your Halloween costumes. Now, you don’t. It’s shifting. It’s warm until December and it’s brutal after that. It’s too hot, too cold – all mixed up.
Diane Pohel, Neptune City – An emphatic no! Weather is cyclical and God is in charge. I think the environmentalists are incorrect on this one. Over the years, the weather patterns will change.
Stephen Rogers, Allenhurst – I personally think it does. I think we’re seeing the trend rising with carbon emissions rising and temperatures rising across the globe. It’s an issue that has to be addressed.
Rachel Savarese, Oceanport – Yes, I think so. But, then again years ago ,I remember weather like this. When I was young I remember how cold it was and storm after storm. It’s the way the world is, unpredictable, like everything else these days. I think the summers will get hotter and hotter and the winters colder and colder as time goes by. You can’t fool with Mother Nature.