Building a Relationship between Future Climate Change and Allergies (credit: Climate Central)6/3/2018  DISCUSSION: As the spring 2018 season continues to get into full-swing, one of the premiere nuisances among a large portion of the general public both across the United States and around the world is the prevalence of various types of pollen. In the presence of a gradually warming average global temperature and an evolving global climate regime from season-to-season, there is a corresponding threat for both earlier and lengthier allergy seasons.
In the presence of a gradually warming planet, warmer temperatures will often allow for various types of plants and foliage to bloom at an earlier date than is climatologically normal. Therefore, with an earlier flowering date, many types of plants and flowers will often produce greater amounts of pollen starting from an earlier date in a given year. Hence, under such scenarios, an earlier and a longer Spring would cause more pronounced health issues for people who suffer from nasty allergies to tree pollen, dust, ragweed, and other types of foliage-borne air pollutants as well. As far as how location may affect the magnitude of the impacts from pollen on society, some recent studies have been conducted to study this exact issue and there have been some big findings which are detailed below as found in the article shared by the Climate Central team on Twitter. Here is the exact snippet from the piece courtesy of Climate Central: “However, the increase in pollen is not consistent across all locations. One study measured pollen at 50 sampling stations in the U.S. between 1994 and 2010. The researchers found that the total amount of pollen in the air was increasing and that the pollen season was getting longer — even more so in northern locations. Another aspect of climate change is that plant species are shifting. This introduces different types of pollen into new locations, possibly triggering new allergies. There is also evidence that the pollen is worse in cities than other areas. Researchers planted ragweed in downtown Baltimore, Md., where CO2 levels were about 30 percent higher and temperatures were 3.5°F higher than outside of the city. They found that ragweed plants grew faster, flowered earlier and produced more pollen than those planted outside of the city.” Hence, this finding with the city of Baltimore, Maryland is one of many cases wherein downtown and more urbanized regions see greater impacts from a longer allergy season. Thus, it would always be good to stay ahead on the seasonal forecast for your region, so you can try to better anticipate when the worst of your allergies may impact your day-to-day life and so you can try to also “escape the sniffles.” To learn more about other stories closely related to this topic and mentioned in the original article referenced by Climate Central, click here, here, and here! To learn more about other interesting social science stories and topics from around the world, click here: https://www.globalweatherclimatecenter.com/social-sciences! © 2018 Meteorologist Jordan Rabinowitz
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Rain: The Natural Remedy for a Better Rest (Credit: Verywell Mind, Health, Live Science, Daily Mail)4/30/2018 DISCUSSION: Take a moment to recall falling asleep on a rainy night. Did you feel frightened and uneasy or relaxed and clear-headed? If you fall under the second category of relaxed and clear-headed, you’re not alone! So, the question becomes ‘why have so many people found it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep when it’s raining outside?’ As you can imagine, there is some really cool science behind the answer.  Image: A woman sleeping peacefully Well, it all stems from autonomic nervous system(ANS) activity. Also known as the fight-or-flight instinct or threat-activated vigilance system, ANS is a protective mechanism in the brain that determines whether not a situation is dangerous and requires you to go into defense mode. In turn, it helps determine when the fear response is appropriate. Now, imagine you’re about to fall asleep and you are startled by a loud, abrupt noise like a siren. The vigilance system will cause your brain to interpret that sound as a threat which yields increased heart rate, causes you to become tense, and makes it harder to fall asleep. Contrarily, the sound of rain is perceived as a calming non-threat and therefore assists in the sleeping process.
There is additional research from Pennsylvania State University that further explains this process. Specifically, it found that you are more susceptible to wake-up from sudden noises out of your control than from sounds that gradually increase in volume. Since rain water gradually varies in volume and blocks out noises the brain considers threats, it relaxes your fight instincts and allows your brain to focus more on sleep. Whether you suffer from insomnia or are just having a hard time falling asleep on a given night, remember that the rain has a natural restorative effect on your psyche, and may be the solution to sleeping through the night. As we end April, expect to see more springtime showers. Here’s to a good night’s rest! To learn about more connections between the weather and social sciences, click here. © 2018 Weather Forecaster Amber Liggett How To Resolve Severe Weather Anxiety Issues (credit: NOAA National Weather Service, WeatherTap)4/27/2018 
DISCUSSION: Through the course of both the Spring-time and Summer-time months, there is a threat for a combination of severe weather event outbreaks and/or tropical cyclone events. Having said that, along with the threat of severe weather events and/or tropical cyclone events, comes an inherent threat associated with the natural dangers associated with such atmospheric phenomena. The threat of severe storms and tropical cyclones alone can often intimidate many people into a state where they are left feeling helpless and not knowing what to do during any period of time leading up to such an event. Thus, many people will often talk to mental health professionals about such issues or work to seek out someone or some resource which could help alleviate the headaches tied to worrying about such threats.
However, in thinking about such issues, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS) has created a platform to help people that contend with issues pertaining to storm anxiety and provides suggestions for people who suffer from such fears. It is worth noting that a fear of storms and the natural danger tied to them is a completely natural part of life as severe weather can produce some of the greatest natural threats to life and property that exist on Earth. Thus, the link to this resource provided by the NOAA NWS which is attached above provides some great tips and pointers for dealing with this terrible problems with plagues many people all over the world every day. To learn more about other interesting issues pertaining to social science application to weather and climate, be sure to click here! © 2018 Meteorologist Jordan Rabinowitz  Image: Sad Man And Rain DISCUSSION: Do you feel happier and more energetic when the sun shines or when it’s warm outside versus when it’s rainy or cold? Well there’s a scientific explanation for it! From your mood, energy level, and even hormone production, the weather and climate affect both your mental health and how you feel on a day-to-day basis.
A 2008 study highlighted climatological factors including cold temperatures, decreased sunlight, and higher wind as contributors to negative moods, and I can attest to higher winds putting a damper on my mood! More recently, a 2017 study explained how extreme heat during the severe Californian drought resulted in increased poverty crime. Looking more generally, a Huffington Post article shared similar results from additional studies that showed a direct correlation between increasing global temperatures and crime such as domestic violence, rape, and suicide. While the psychology behind these acts are still being explored, researchers have created multiple models to explain why violent crimes are more common in hotter climates. The changing of seasons can greatly impact your emotions as well. Many people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression associated with the changing seasons that impacts the body’s energy level and oftentimes mood. This is very prevalent in the wintertime as cold temperatures reduce sensory feedback, dexterity, muscle strength, blood flow and balance. The cold temperatures can shock people’s systems and make it very easy to put off daily duties and be secluded under warm blankets in bed. Changing seasons aren’t the only weather patterns that cause SAD though, day-to-day weather phenomena will do the trick as well. You’ll often hear people complain about rainy days, or any form of precipitation in general. Well, in the absence of sunlight on cloudy or rainy days, your body produces more melatonin (the hormone that makes you feel tired) and your brain produces lower levels of serotonin (the hormone that affects your mood when there is less sunlight). Many people also feel sleepier and melancholy on cold and/or rainy days, because your heart rate speeds up and body uses more energy to stay dry and warm. You are also more likely to stay inside as a result of SAD on rainy days. This minimizes socialization, one of the most powerful antidepressants. As we are nearing the final month of the 2017-18 winter season, here are a few tips for combating changes in mood or mental health due to changes in weather and climate.
Learn more societal impacts of weather here. © 2018 Weather Forecaster Amber Liggett  DISCUSSION: On earlier Wednesday morning (02/07/2018), the global meteorological community was shaken in a profound way with the sudden loss of a true pioneer from the field of tropical meteorology. This was a terribly sad day for many of atmospheric scientists and tropical researchers the world over due to the fact that Dr. Krishnamurti forever changed the way in which atmospheric scientists have come to understand the importance and impact of both tropical cyclone and seasonal/intra-seasonal tropical meteorological forecasting issues. Dr. Krishnamurti revolutionized the way in which tropical meteorology was recognized and understood by people both inside and outside of the global tropical research community. To even better understand what he meant to both scientific and non-scientific people alike, there is an exact excerpt from Dr. Lance Bosart from the State University of New York at Albany in which he gives tribute to Dr. T.N. Krishnamurti. Through reading it, you can more fully understand what he meant to people both within and beyond the extent of the global meteorological community.
"Krish, as everyone called him, was born in 1932. He was one of the legendary giants in the field of tropical meteorology and numerical weather prediction. Krish, along with equally legendary Bill Gray who died in 2017, played very prominent roles in pushing modern tropical meteorology forward............... Krish the person was equally impressive to Krish the scientist to those who knew him. He was the real deal. What you saw is what you got. His enthusiasm for meteorology was contagious and knew no bounds. He was outgoing, friendly, and considerate. He loved to talk meteorology with anyone. He was equally comfortable talking with students, early career professionals, and established scientists. Krish will be sorely missed by all those who had the privilege to know him. On a personal note, I will always treasure my visits to Krish’s home. On one visit, Krish, his wife Ruby (a prominent FSU fluid dynamicist), and I took a car trip to Wakulla Springs. Krish drove his old Dodge Dart, if I am recalling the type of car he drove correctly. I was in the front seat with Krish and Ruby was in the back. Krish waxed on how his car had more than 200,000 miles on it, how he had never had any significant problems with the car, and how he seldom, if ever, changed the oil. From the back seat, Ruby piped up and said: “Would you like me to tell you the names of the famous scientists who have helped push this car?” I still laugh to this day when I think about Ruby’s one-line zinger." Rest in Peace, Dr. Krishnamurti. You will be dearly missed by all of us. To learn more about other interesting stories from around the world tied to both social science and meteorology, click here! © 2018 Meteorologist Jordan Rabinowitz How Might a Changing Global Climate Regime Affect Beer Production? (credit: Climate Central)2/4/2018  DISCUSSION: Of the many things which could potentially be impacted by an amplification of current average planetary temperature regime changes, one such product is actually beer. Though it may not be immediately apparent to a given individual, beer contains many products which are and will continue to be at risk due to various consequences of a globally changing climate system. Perhaps the most profound issue would be problems pertaining to the availability of clean water. Due to the fact that the Earth's global population is continuing to still gradually increase with time, this creates a proportional and corresponding increase for fresh water resources both for bathing, cooking, drinking, etc. Therefore, as seasonal rainfall and snow-melt percentages decrease and increase unpredictably across various parts of the world, this causes a net strain on the overall readily available amount of fresh water in any part of the world at a given point in time. Thus, it is critical to always be good stewards of our planet and its various natural systems, so we can maximize the duration of time over which we can utilize its naturally-provided resources such as (but certainly not limited to) water.
The other two major components of beer which will also be in jeopardy moving forward (especially if the global net population does not further alter its usage of fossil fuel resources) are barley and hops. Based on the fact that continued net planetary warming will induce differential rates of regional heating and cooling in various parts of the world, both barley and hops (which are essential to the manufacturing of nearly all beer products) will most certainly be very much at risk. Especially in parts of the United States and Europe where there has been a greater frequency and magnitude of regional and/or continent-wide drought events, this puts an even greater strain on the farming and harvesting of those respective plants. Hence, it will be that much more challenging to keep up the global demand for overall global beer production moving forward in time (and especially if we do not collectively make a substantial effort to curb our added influence to further alter/modify the natural long-term evolution of the global climate system associated with Earth. Moreover, this potential beer-stricken scenario would also substantially increase the average price of beer. So, bear that in mind the next time you are shopping for a car or planning your next overseas trip since it may just help save our planet one mile and one person at a time. To learn more about other interesting social science stories both directly and indirectly connected to atmospheric science, be sure to click here! © 2018 Meteorologist Jordan Rabinowitz Insights to Weather Conditions Projected for Super Bowl 52 (credit: Meteorologist Kelly Cass)2/3/2018 
DISCUSSION: There is no debate that there have been some Super Bowl games in the past which have involved very cold temperatures throughout the course of the game. That being said, with later today being the 52nd Super Bowl in the history of the National Football League, it is interesting to acknowledge the fact that outside of the actual dome in which Super Bowl 52 is being played it may be as low as 15°F at the time of kick-off just outside the stadium. Thus, even though the game is being played inside the dome contained within U.S. Bank Stadium, it will be a VERY cold trip for those fans who are commuting to the stadium during the course of the day tomorrow. As you can see from the graphic above (courtesy of Meteorologist Kelly Cass from The Weather Channel), even the coldest air temperature at the time of kick-off at the 1982 Super Bowl game was 16°F. Hence, this upcoming Super Bowl 52 has the potential to soon be the coldest game-time air temperature of all-time come tomorrow afternoon up in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Therefore, if you or anyone you know plans to venture over to go watch the Super Bowl during the course of the day tomorrow, be sure to stress that dressing in layers will be key so as to not be freezing while both going to and coming back from the big game. Nonetheless, it should be a fun, cold, and exciting day for everyone who attends. To learn more about other interesting social science stories both directly and indirectly connected to atmospheric science, be sure to click here! © 2018 Meteorologist Jordan Rabinowitz   DISCUSSION: As society continues to move deeper into the 21st Century, there is no doubt that people all over the world are continuing to become more and more aware of the fact that consequences of a gradually warming planet Earth as well as other climate change issues. This is chiefly a result of the fact that the effects of a gradually warming planet are beginning to become realized in many places. That is, more specifically in terms of a reduction in annually-averaged Arctic sea ice coverage, gradually increasing global sea level rise, etc. Thus, society is now much more often looking for ways and/or lifestyle methods to help curb the magnitude by which man-kind influences its net impact on Earth's natural systems (i.e., the lithosphere, the biosphere, the atmosphere, and more).
One of the more popular ways in which many people strive to curb their carbon footprint and minimize their contribution is by purchasing automobiles which are of either a electric or hybrid-based design. Thereby, allowing a given individual to utilize automotive vehicles which have a much smaller net impact on global fossil fuel emissions. There is also an inherent advantage to own an electric and/or hybrid vehicle in the modern era based on the fact that prices for vehicles are gradually decreasing as the market demand for them is coincidentally increasing with time. This increased market demand has even more so increased over the past 5 to 10 years as more and more scientists across various parts of the geo-science world have come out with more and more profound statistically-proven facts about the detrimental impacts of both coal and fossil fuel consumption. The following website attached within the following link includes a database for all of the current electric and hybrid automotive vehicles which are currently being sold at various locations across the span of the contiguous United States. Thus, it is a great resource for all people who are currently looking for a newer and more ecologically-friendly vehicle. Note that you can search by state which makes its that much more user-friendly to find the cars which are being sold across the 50 U.S. states. To learn more about other interesting social science stories from around the world, be sure to click here! © 2018 Meteorologist Jordan Rabinowitz  Image 1. Poor air quality resulting in a thick layer of smog over Salt Lake City, Utah. DISCUSSION: Air quality takes into account the amount of particulate matter, ozone, and other air pollutants in the atmosphere to give a sense of the cleanliness of the air. Particulate matter includes airborne particles like dust, dirt, soot, and smoke. Ozone reaches ground level as a build up of harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like motor vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents. The result of these air pollutants can be seen in the image above per Los Angeles Times.
Monitoring air quality is important for environmental and socioeconomic reasons, though this article solely focuses on the socioeconomic impacts. According to the National Weather Service, poor air quality is responsible for 60,000 premature deaths in the U.S. each year, while air pollution-related illnesses (asthma attacks, eye, ear, nose, and throat irritation, heart attacks and other respiratory and cardiovascular problems) cost an estimated $150 billion each year. As part of the Clean Air Act passed in 1970, the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have partnered to issue daily air quality forecast guidance. These forecasts have tremendously improved air quality. There is still much work to be done for continued improvements in air quality. A recent study conducted in China found that exposure to high levels of air pollution increases stress hormone levels and negative metabolic changes in otherwise healthy young adults. Researchers focused on fine particulate matter (PM2.5), a component of man made air pollution emitted from vehicles, factories, power plants, fires, and smoking. In brief, the study recruited 55 healthy young college students who received alternate treatments of real and artificial air purification in random orders in their dormitory rooms. The scientists looked for differences in bodily fluid metabolites, biomarkers, and blood pressures with increasing exposure to PM2.5. They found notable changes in 97 metabolites after PM2.5 exposure. There was also an average 82% lower level of indoor PM2.5 with air purifiers vs. artificial purifiers. Finally, there were short-term reductions in stress hormone levels after air purifiers were used in a safe range of exposure levels for PM2.5 after 24 hours with real air purifiers. From this research, the use of air purifiers proves to be another way to continue improving air quality. Keep in mind this study was local to China, and results would vary dramatically in other countries. Nonetheless, the study brought to light a solution for the negative impacts of poor air quality onto people’s health. To further investigate the societal impacts of weather, click here. ©2017 Weather Forecaster Amber Liggett  DISCUSSION: The above figure shows the amount of warming from 2012-2016. It was copied from a Capital Weather Gang article that explains the importance of putting climate projections in proper perspective. For example, presenting a worst-case climate projection is not very helpful without some sense of the likelihood of it occurring (i.e., the risk of that scenario). The points raised in that article really apply to any type of science communication. It is important to put scientific results in context and provide the level of uncertainty associated with those results. This is especially true when using science to inform policy decisions. Referring back to the climate example above, presenting the worst-case scenario to a policy maker without any context may lead that policy maker to develop policy based on a scenario that has virtually no chance of occurring, which is, obviously, unwise. The main point here is that science can be a valuable tool, but results of scientific studies must be placed in the proper perspective to get the best understanding and use of the science.
To learn more about other social science stories in the world of meteorology, be sure to click here! ©2017 Meteorologist Dr. Ken Leppert II |
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