Texas Climate Change

(United Nations 2022) Researchers from the United Nations describe climate change as
long term changes in temperatures and weather patterns. Over the year of 2021, Yale went
through a series of surveys and questions amongst adults in America to find the total percentage
of adults that think climate change is happening in our country, their specific state, and their
county. Throughout my research and as I navigate through Yale's data collection, I will be
focusing more specifically on the data related towards Texas and my perspective on the
responses given.
According to 64% of adults in the United States, global warming is affecting our
country's weather thus inflicting climate change. Surprisingly, another 62% of adults in Texas
think Texas is experiencing climate change. As a long term resident of Texas, I have never heard
an actual discussion on our state's shift in climate and weather over recent years. I think it's valid
for both percentages to be the same considering Texas in February is all over the news due to
black ice incidents and extreme temperatures for a southern state. I haven't experienced much of
an unbearable heat wave that I can remember in the last few years so I think it's pretty reasonable
for 62% of Texans to agree that global warming is affecting our weather.
As we move directions and look at a scientist's perspective and ask their opinion, 54%
agree with the fact that Texas is experiencing climate change. As I stated before, I haven't seen
much of a noticeable change in heat getting more intense but rather than the winters getting more
intense. The percentage could be so high due to scientists conducting more research and
observation on our state's climate than we do, so they are more inclined to notice a change.
Looking from a different perspective, 72% of Texas adults believe climate change is happening
while only 54% of scientists think it's happening could mean we only feel climate change
intensely because we are not used to it. Texas isn't used to getting heavy snow fall, therefore
houses aren't built for icy conditions. Thus causing easy pipe bursts, power outages, and easy
access for house fires due to trying to keep warm from a fireplace/heater. While it's a change for
us, it's not uncommon for the normal person to experience snowfall.
Majority of Texans believe climate change has a less chance of affecting them while
those who do consider it a threat are located in counties along the Mexico border. I am from a
county that thinks they have a less chance of being affected and I somewhat agree. Climate
change is a process and has been a process for many years. Things have constantly been
changing and shifting throughout life so while I might experience Texas weather getting a little
bit warmer, or a little bit colder over the years, I don't believe it will completely affect me at a
noticeably, upsetting level. Looking at Presidio County, 63% of the population believes they are
at risk while 32% of Loving County believes they are not. It's interesting considering they both
have different opinions but both are bordering counties to a different state and different country.
As a resident of Texas, the majority of the counties surrounding the border are of low income.
Low income could be due to poor job opportunities and considering the world we live in today,
people restrict others based on their race, religion, background, age, sexuality, identity etc. So
being without a job, or at a job with poor money intake, humans resort to cheap living
circumstances or no housing at all. Poorly built houses are at risk of being affected by climate
change and could put the family inside at risk. Low income families hit by drastic weather might
not have the right clothes, food, or heat providers prepared which could ultimately lead to illness
& death. However, members of Loving county are sharing weather ranges with Colorado.
Colorado experiences more snow and cold climate than Texas, so when residing in both, you
have a taste of both.
Throughout my own research and analyzing each survey, map and data analysis, I am
very stunned by the information I've come across. I didn't expect so many Texans to understand
and recognize the slow inclination of our weather. If I were to be included on the next advertised
Yale global warming poll, I would ask adults who have seen the news, watched interviews and
read articles about climate change if they think we are capable of slowing down. To be more
clear, I'd ask specifically, “Do you believe humans are capable of slowing down climate change
to preserve our normal conditions for further generations?”. Many people are doubtful of change
nowadays considering the smoke we pump out of factories, garbage we throw into the ocean &
just all of the harm we challenge our planet with. I just think it would be very interesting to see
how many Americans believe in making a difference and being the change.
Citations:

United Nations. 2022. What is Climate Change? United Nations.

https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/what-is-climate-change