Why on Earth Are Winters Getting Worse if the Planet Is Getting Warmer? | Weathered

The Arctic is warming much faster than any other place on Earth. This climate change effect, known as Arctic amplification, is destabilizing the polar vortex which normally keeps the coldest air farthest north. When the polar vortex fluctuates, it can bring extreme winter weather to places where it’s not expected.

In this lesson, animations and expert explanations will instruct students on how major air currents work together to form winter storms. Climate scientists will also explain how global warming can create colder regional winters, and how climate models improve over time.

About the Author:

Merek Chang is a high school science teacher in Hacienda La Puente Unified School District in Southern California. He received his bachelor of science degree from UC Davis and a  master’s degree in education from San Diego State University. He is a KQED Media Literacy Innovator and is passionate about uplifting student voices and connecting the community to the classroom through the lens of environmental literacy and civic engagement.