This winter, Kansas City has felt more like autumn than the blistering cold season that residents are familiar with. Though January temperatures are expected to be in the 30-50 degree range, this past December has broken records for being so warm.

Climate Central, an independent climate change research organization, said that “Winter was the season with the largest and most widespread rise in normal temperatures of well over 1 °F within nearly every region.”

Although many other natural disasters have been exacerbated by climate change, this winter is an indication of climate change that many experienced on an individual level.

Erin Spence ‘23 comments that “I am very concerned about the weather. It is ruining the environment, and it has made my skin noticeably more dry. And I would say it is definitely warmer than last winter. There are more warm days.”

Some may enjoy a shorter and milder winter, but these warmer winters can have terrible consequences on the environment and ecosystem. 

Insects like mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks will survive at a higher rate, which can cause damage to seedlings. Fungal infections that impact crops can also be exacerbated by warmer weather. Additionally, warmer weather during the winter negatively affects cycles of the environment such as pollen synchronization, migration time frames, and hibernation patterns.

In the Midwest especially, certain pests and diseases can wreak havoc on agriculture. Certain fruit and nut trees also suffer as they require cold temperatures. Without this cool period, these trees cannot produce the next season. 

Additionally, when there are snowstorms, there is often more precipitation. This is due to the evaporation of more water into the atmosphere, caused by warming temperatures. At the same time, less snow overall has caused a declining snowpack and earlier snowmelt. This reduces streamflow, affects freshwater supply, and increases the likelihood of wildfires.

Kansas City almost saw its hottest December day ever with a temperature of 73 degrees. There have only been three times in Kansas City history when temperatures in December have reached 74 degrees.

In Kansas City, normal winter temperatures have increased by 0.4 degrees, twice as much as temperature rises in spring, summer, and fall. This is a nationwide occurrence. Over the last half-century, the US has warmed almost three degrees. More northern states, such as Alaska, Minnesota, and Vermont have seen more than five degrees increase over the last half-century.

Amelia Mohamadi ‘23 urges us to take action. She says, “Global warming is real. Did you know that if we just stop our carbon production, the ozone layer will regenerate itself? But we have to start now, or it will continue to deteriorate.”
This winter’s weather is very concerning. While climate change affects low-income countries more than high-income countries like the US, it feels like the effects are finally being felt in our own backyards.

Kansas City almost saw its hottest December day ever with a temperature of 73 degrees. There have only been three times in Kansas City history when temperatures in December have reached 74 degrees.

In Kansas City, normal winter temperatures have increased by 0.4 degrees, twice as much as temperature rises in spring, summer, and fall. This is a nationwide occurrence. Over the last half-century, the US has warmed almost three degrees. More northern states, such as Alaska, Minnesota, and Vermont have seen more than five degrees increase over the last half-century.

This winter’s weather is very concerning. While climate change affects low-income countries more than high-income countries like the US, it feels like the effects are finally being felt in our own backyards.