Climate Change

We hear so much about “Climate Change” these days, but, perhaps, if you are like me, I wonder what the phrase really means. What exactly is “Climate Change”?

I have looked it up, read about it, attended discussions on it, and I still don’t feel comfortable trying to think about it, much less write about it. One thing I have read, though, is that “climate change” has partially come about because of the way we have treated the earth. We have cleared so much land of its native trees, grasses and other ground covers. “If we could only return the land to its original condition?” Well, that’s not going to happen, is it?

What I do wonder, though, is why do we establish subdivisions with so many houses and streets where the land has indeed been stripped of its many trees, understory shrubs, native grasses, etc. Then we plant grasses which have to be mowed, watered regularly, and usually fertilized. Yes, this looks neat, tidy, and, in many cases, pretty monotonous. In most cases, neighborhood associations require this kind of landscaping. Why? Why can’t we retain more of our native trees, grasses and shrubs?

Why can’t we plant wildflowers or just let the ones that were there in the first place keep growing?

One of my neighbors did that this spring in the first front half of their yard.

They let Mexican Hats grow all over and they never cut the area until the Mexican Hats had gone to seed. These rather invasive wildflowers are not by any means my favorite but they looked just fine in this yard. Congratulations to the owners!

Maybe more of us should think about redoing our landscapes? Maybe we can let nature go back to some of its original design? Is this one way we can begin to contribute toward improving our climate? If not, as some have said, our land may be reverting to or turning into pure desert.