Monthly Archives: August 2015

The Sea Level Is Already Rising Due To Climate Change

Climate, Energy, World,

National Geographic published this article, Sea Level Rise: Ocean Levels Are Getting Higher-Can We Do Anything About It?

National Geographic article-sea-level-rise_16648_600x450 svd 31AUG2015  This photograph from the article,  shows Venice, Italy, during a big flood in 2008.

According to this article, the sea level has already risen in the past century 4 to 8 inches, and the rate of rise is expected to increase substantially, due to climate change.  Since the early 1990s it has risen an average of 0.14 inches per year, ( which is about 1/6 of an inch per year).  This suggest that it has risen perhaps 4 inches in the 25 years, and maybe the rate of increase has already picked up.

What are the implications for us who live on Galveston Island, an average of 7 feet above sea level?   Eventual inundation.  Of course, it is a gradual process, marked by higher tides here and there, according to the sun, moon, and storms.  In the meantime, we can enjoy our beach, homes, and city, as the people do in flooded Venice, above.

In answer to the question, can we do anything about it?  Of course we can.  We can use our resources, including all energy and brain resources to transitions off of fossil fuels.  We should already have been transitioning away from them.

 

 

Season of Creation, September 1, 2015 Through October 4, 2015

Climate, , , , ,

As an individual world citizen, I am following the Catholic Church’s Season of Creation, strongly put forward this year by Pope Francis.

barrier-island

This picture of Galveston Island part of this article on barrier Islands.  These  islands have been around for around 18,000 years.  We who live on these islands are at especially high risk during storms, because of their low elevation, and the easily moved sand.

DSC02800 This is a Gulf side view from Galveston Island’s Seawall.

The average elevation of Galveston is 7 feet above sea level.  I can tell you that I am very concerned about  the impact of sea level rise and other aspects of climate change on our barrier island home.    For this and many other reasons I am observing the Pope  Francis’s Season of Creation observations.

Mandala Type Crochet Projects

Art, Crochet, ,

These I consider “art” crochet, where I get to make up the rules  for myself.  The common sense which I use to keep them flat is not  sufficient.    Stitching through the crochet from the back helps to remedy these problems, as does blocking, starching, and pressing from the back.

26JAN2015 005 My first mandala crochet.

DSC06504 Inspired by the card on the rightI began this unintentionally small tablecloth. DSC06505 Some detail of a work in progress.

DSC07481 Much effort at flattening produced this.  The edge of this is intentionally ruffly, because I liked the effect of the off-white motifs surrounded by green which ruffled into place.  Altogether the effort came together.

Ava's Garden at Sina's 1 rcd 26APR2015 My second mandala crochet in its home.