“There is no question that climate change is happening; the only arguable point is what part humans are playing in it.”
~ David Attenborough, English broadcaster, writer and naturalist

Real spring showers fell over the Crescenta Valley on Monday. These were not the typical misty “May Grey” marine-layer variety either. All in all, even though it seemed like more, only .13 inches fell. At present, the grand total for the 2017-18 Rain Season stands at 10.18 inches.

The precipitation over the season has been hard earned. The storms have been of short duration, mostly gentle and low water producers. As is said about clouds, there is a silver lining. With these, the local fire-ravaged hillsides were spared from floods and mud flows.

Before the rain began, Crescenta Valley High School held its senior prom on Saturday night. As usual, the biggest after-prom party was held at the Crescenta-Cañada YMCA – Prom Plus. Ensuring the students have a memorable time are the volunteers (myself being among them). We were surrounded by the most handsome, beautiful, fun, appreciative and mannerly young people. This being said, we can rest assured our future holds promise. But what about …

Global warming and climate change: terms that often become more political than scientific. Weather in the Foothills does not touch politics. As they say, weather is always a safe subject of discourse. But a newspaper article caught my attention: “The Sea is Rising, But Not Because of Climate Change” by Fred Singer.

In summary, his words: Earth might be slightly warmer and sea levels might be slightly higher, but the changes are natural and should not be blamed on fossil-fuel emissions. He said, “Human influence on the climate is very, very small – barely detectable.”

Such views run contrary to what a consensus of international scientists concluded years ago, that with 90% certainty, global warming is being fed by increasing levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses from man-made sources: power plants, factories and cars are the major ones. According to the United States EPA, China is the No. 1 producer of CO2 worldwide at 30% and the U.S. is No. 2 at 15%. Europe and India follow.

No matter our opinions on climate change and global warming; our survival depends on keeping the Earth healthy for its future inhabitants.

Over the weekend, the forecast includes low clouds and fog. Colder than normal temperatures for this time of year and possible light rain are in the weather mix. Towards the middle of next week, spring-like conditions return, warming into the 80s.

Sue Kilpatrick is a Crescenta Valley resident and Official Skywarn Spotter for the National Weather Service. Reach her at suelkilpatrick@gmail.com.