Climate Change Around Us

I may be no expert on climate change but I've certainly noticed a few changes around here. I've lived in Chico, CA for eight years now and have been in tune to the landscape around me. I frequently visit the creeks to swim in them during the hot summer. I also go hiking and biking along various paths throughout Chico.

One of the most disappointing things I've noticed are the creeks. It's mid June and they have all dried up, leaving the fish stranded in pools that are contaminated with garbage and pollutants. Many of the fish that are supposed to be spawning now will die before they reach their destination.

Just a few days ago, I noticed a whole group of fish waiting to jump the dam at the One Mile recreation bridge--Unfortunately, I don't think they'll make it up the creek because it is too shallow and polluted.

Already this summer, I've swum in the creeks and noticed how dirty they are. This year's stingy rainfall has not replenished the water supply and it shows. More algae than usual covers the rock bottom, suffocating fish and amphibians who need oxygen in the water and whenever anybody swims, they disturb the dirt, clouding the water with particulate matter.

If you've ever swam in Bear Hole, you may have seen all the college students bringing their illegal beer cans and bottles which they then dump at the creek site, letting it clog waterways. It also poses a potential hazard to fish and animals.

All the vegetation is really dry this season and several fires have started as a result. Around Honeyrun canyon, there was a huge fire that threatened many homes and I'm sure people had to be evacuated. People are not allowed to burn but you never know who may start a camp fire that sparks out of control.

Trees are dying because they haven't received enough water, making them vulnerable to fire and disease. I've seen many trees being cut down lately and it's a real shame because now we lose any shade we could have enjoyed from them. We definitely need more trees for our 100° and above summer days.

Water usage is also another issue. Due to the short rain, we're experiencing a drought, and Chico may have to order its residents to cut down on the extra watering. No green lawns this summer.

Smog is always an issue here and Butte County is the worst for allergies and asthma. Smog may be a debatable cause of Global Warming but it's still a major health threat to people and unless we cut down on our carbon emissions, we're going to experience more health related problems like asthma (which can be fatal) in our area.

I have no evidence to back all this up of course, this is just stuff I've seen in my area as I bike ride in Lower Bidwell Park, swim in Honeyrun and Bear Hole or simply look outside. I am not a scientist or a climatologist, I'm just an ordinary person. But somehow I don't think that matters because if I can see what's happening then so can you. The sooner we all take a look at what's going on, the sooner we can start to change it--and believe me, it's not that hard.