April is a big deal for me. The month is, and always has been, a seasonal turning point, reminding me that I鈥檝e officially survived Ohio鈥檚 dreary winter season.
But since I began working as an environmental journalist here at 精东影业, it鈥檚 become much more significant.
April is Earth Month. I do this throughout the year, but am particularly mindful during this month to finding unique and exciting stories about sustainable practices, environmental education opportunities and climate solutions big and small happening throughout our 22-county region.
While I鈥檇 love to write a feel-good column about the wonders of Earth Month, its and ways for our audience to get involved, I鈥檝e found myself instead obsessing over weather.
Local environmental and climate experts have been transparent about the impending effects of climate change on Northeast Ohio. While we may not fall victim to wildfires that are becoming more prevalent on the West Coast, the heat domes of the Pacific Southwest or the worsening hurricane seasons in the South, the Midwest will with have its own severe weather to contend with.
As CEO of the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District Kyle Dreyfuss-Wells said, Northeast Ohioans should expect 鈥渨armer, wetter, wilder weather.鈥� And while a rainy season is typical for spring, Northeast Ohio is beginning to deviate from its norm.
In 2024, dozens of tornadoes touched down in Ohio, leading some experts to consider an that may continue to impact Ohioans. Last April, severe storms brought more flooding and more than 150 tornadoes to the Midwest according to the .
This week's severe storms brought a brief tornado warning to many Ohio counties, and high winds knocked out power for more than customers by Wednesday morning.
Experts say these effects will only worsen if climate change goes unaddressed. Long-term climate effects are expected to affect farmers' growing seasons, leading to increased grocery prices. And hotter temperatures can raise energy bills at home.
Even rebuilding after climate disasters comes with a lofty price tag. Ohio saw between in weather and climate disasters in 2024 alone, according to NOAA.
Trust me, I know news is always happening. There are plenty of things the average person is expected to prioritize, like work and family obligations, budgeting in the rising costs of gas or keeping tabs on the Browns Stadium development. The last thing I want to do amid everything else going on in the world is fearmonger.
I simply hope to remind you that climate change comes at a cost, and we must consider the ways it will continue to affect our lives and the lives of the people we care about.
Earth Month is a perfect time to learn more, from my reporting here at 精东影业 or other resources. Now's the time to engage with city officials, organizations and community members working to spread awareness about sustainable practices that can leave an eco-friendly mark on the planet.
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