“Am I Witnessing Climate Change?”

September 2017
 
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“Am I Witnessing Climate Change?”

By Keith Coursin, President, Desert Aire

As I watched the traumatic weather events of the past few weeks unfold on TV, I started thinking about our country’s political battle and debate on the existence of climate change. I also considered where I personally stand on this issue. Since I am getting closer to retirement age, it brings to mind that my long-term plan of becoming a “snow bird” may no longer be an option. I also have been thinking about what climate change means for Desert Aire’s long-term business plans.

However, my focus could not remain very long on my own well-being and future. The devastation, property damage and loss of life from hurricanes, wildfires and other natural disasters make the discussion much larger. The discussion must focus on what the future is for all of us. I am amazed at the goodness of the American spirit, how we watched the fundraisers and simple acts of kindness play out for all to see. Who was not astounded when NFL star J.J. Watt started out with a simple fundraising goal of $200,000 that quickly morphed into an amazing total of over $37 Million raised? 

I read an article in the USA Today newspaper titled, “For first time in 300 years, no one is living on Barbuda.” This smacks us in the face as to the devastation these storms can yield. Could this be the fate of southern Florida some day? So maybe the hurricanes were not created by climate change. But it is impossible to argue that climate change did not make them bigger and more ferocious.  

So yes, I am in the camp of believing that climate change is real and that we, them, us need to do something to create a different outcome. We cannot live in denial that these events did not happen. We must stand for something, not always saying “no” this has no effect on us. 

One of the first steps is for the United States to ratify the Kigali Agreement. This international agreement calls for cutting down the worldwide production and use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). HFCs have served as substitutes for ozone depleting substances like Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in the refrigerants used in refrigerators and air-conditioners. HFCs have the potential to trap greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere at a rate 1,000 times that of carbon dioxide. An implemented Kigali agreement by itself can reduce the global temperature rise by one-half a degree Celsius by the year 2100. 

I know this date will be well past the point that I will be alive, but we cannot keep kicking the can down the road. We need to take responsibility for leaving a habitable planet for our grandkids and beyond. For more information on the Kigali Agreement, click on this text link for one of the best summaries I have found: Kigali Agreement  

For those consumers who have experienced the devastation of the past few weeks, AHRI has provided a summary of what action you should take with HVAC equipment that has been flooded. The link to the article AHRI Provides Tips for Flood-Damaged Heating, Cooling Equipment can be found here: AHRI Flood Tips

While I sit thousands of miles away from the disasters I remind myself that devastation has impacted my customers. To that end, Desert Aire and its parent company Multistack are offering a special program to help customers impacted by the hurricanes Harvey and Irma. We are offering a special discount to replace equipment that customers cannot clean up and reuse. 

Our representatives in these two areas will be your key contacts as you strive to bring your lives back together. They will be your ambassadors as they too survived these events right alongside you. For more information on the discount program, contact your Desert Aire and Multistack representatives.

Where do you now stand on Climate Change? 

- Keith Coursin