Various communities around the world have faced recent environmental setbacks and unfortunate tragedies. Virginia faced numerous back to back snowstorms that had a noticeable impact on schools, business, and national politics and governance. There has also been a wave of major earthquakes, from Haiti to Chile to Japan. While these are not felt directly by most, they have similar macro effects that bring out many aspects of humanity. We are all affected in many ways, both subtle and obvious, by the acts of nature and alteration of climate. We cannot assume an exemption or isolation from the global forces of nature and their impacts on humanity. Climate instability and disasters are taxing on the entire globalized system, creating social unrest and economic loss, and we should take these many happenings as a lesson of what may lie ahead for the planet.

 

Given this, we must move forward into spring with continued efforts to mitigate the potential havoc of a flustered climate. Spring is when nature reemerges with vibrancy and beauty and it's not too late to act in that capacity ourselves. We must continually renew our love for and intensity in protecting the environment. There is always more that can be done and opportunities are always there.

 

I am searching for and taking advantage of many opportunities to do more to protect the environment, and intend to report on these various opportunities as they unfold. So as the temperature rises and the school year enters the final stretch, as the sun comes out and you embrace the outdoors, remember that we must work to keep that which we cherish. The joys of spring weather should be a strong reminder of what is at stake in the fight to limit climate change and restore the health of and interaction with our environment.