Some agreeable effects of climate change mask future problems

Los Angeles Times : Despite numerous studies detailing the adverse effects caused by climate change, most Americans have actually been enjoying much better weather. That is according to a recent study published in Nature. The researchers focused on the public’s experience with weather rather than on more general data, such as average temperature and precipitation measurements. The scientists found that most Americans prefer warmer winters, which is what has been occurring throughout the US since about 1974. Combined with the fact that summers have not become markedly hotter, the weather for about 80% of the US population is better than it was a half century ago. However, the researchers warn, that will change by the end of this century if greenhouse gas emissions continue unabated. To force Americans out of their complacency, the researchers suggest that climate scientists and communicators focus attention on extreme weather events, such as wildfires, droughts, floods, and hurricanes, which are already wreaking havoc on certain parts of the country as well as around the world.