I just heard a news report on the radio that blends together current events, farming, and the HIGH COSTS of Global Warming that we have been discussing. The US produces 30% of the world's raw cotton. We all are now aware of the fact that the last 8 years were globally the hottest in about 150 years when temperatures began to be recorded. Well, this new recent occurrence ties these issues together. We, also, all know that there have been record and near-record temperatures set throughout the SouthWest US.
Well, northern Texas has just TRIED to harvest its cotton crop. Due to excessive heat, their cotton harvest is down a disastrous 50% or more from normal. The news article said that it would cost the north Texas area BILLIONS and would ripple through the state economy. Also, I imagine that the worldwide cost of finished cotton products will go up. I imagine that 1st thing tomorrow that I will run out and buy some cotton T-shirts and denim pants before the price goes up.
But seriously, I think that this is a good example of how everyday people can be affected by price increases and cost of living increases that are a direct result of the inability of humans to deal with the planet's heat increases. I am sure that there will be naysayers telling me that we just have an isolated incident here. But, I see the record heat in the SouthWest to be very meaningful, especially in light of all the examples that I and others have given about rising planetary heat.
..........The Mother Earth is trying to signal something to us humans and she is not being SUBTLE !
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