A conversation on being stewards of the earth

By: 
Patrick Fisher, The New Prague Times
Bill Middlecamp, center, talks with Gabriel and Isaiah Podratz and their mom Ana Podratz, listening off to the right is Jason Fife. One of the boys had done a science fair project about climate change and its effects on soil erosion. He asked Middlecamp about it, who took the question very seriously and gave a couple of examples of how climate change can result in dramatic erosion. (Submitted photo)

In its continuing series New Prague Community Action Network (NPCAN) had a Community Conversation on Sunday, Jan. 27, about Stewarding the Earth: Realities, Responsibilities, and Opportunities. Held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, they also partnered with FaithPoint Lutheran Church, NewDay Church, and the New Prague Area Catholic Community.

Main Speaker for the evening was Bill Middlecamp, who has a degree in Meteorology from the University of Wisconsin. He has also been an environmental activist for ten years and is a commissioned "Earthkeeper" with the United Methodist Church and a charter member in a coalition of churches called Interfaith Creation Care South Metro.

During his presentation he noted how instead of global warming, some are using the term “Global Weirding.” He explained that the climate change is causing weather extremes with higher flood risks, more rain, less snow and the northern migration of invasive species that were once kept at bay due to colder weather. He also noted that the changes in climate is causing a “loopy” jet stream that is deviating from its usual path. This creates weird weather where sometimes it’s unusual heat, but sometimes it’s unusual cold.

Middlecamp noted changes in weather has affected several places. He explained that at Glacier National Park 150 glaciers existed in the park at the beginning of the 1900s, now only 25 remain. He said that Hurricane Harvey dropped....

To see more on this story pick up the Janaury 31, 2019 print edition of The New Prague Times. 

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