Fading Winter
I used to love winter—the most treasured of my memories taking place during the season. Winter was my heaven until she faded away.
While the season's spirit remains, the overall essence of winter's being continues to deplete.
According to Climate Central,¨…nearly two-thirds of locations now have less snowfall than they did in the early 1970s;¨ a significant change that continues to deplete as the years progress. This statistic represents a profound alteration of our world's health, a tangible reminder of how climate change is reshaping even the most beloved aspects of life.
While some may not consider the erasure of winter an important issue, this realization sparked a dedication towards protecting the environment against climate change—a reminder to cherish the fragile beauty of winter.
To make a meaningful difference in the face of climate change, we must educate ourselves. By taking small steps like getting involved in initiatives and exploring the various resources available, we can each contribute to shifting the course of this global crisis. Every action, however small, creates ripples that amplify across communities. I am determined to be part of this change and work toward a more sustainable future. Together, our efforts build momentum, and our collective impact can protect the world we cherish—so that winter's beauty never fades, her snowfall a timeless gift for generations to come.
I used to love winter—the most treasured of my memories taking place during the season. Easily, I recall the luminescent white snow reflecting off the porch railings of my family's small apartment. The frosty air filling my lungs, as addicting as nicotine.
Winter imprinted society with holiday cheer; it was the welcoming of celebration, the Adam to my Eve.
Winter was my heaven until she faded away.
As I grew older, I began to notice her visits becoming shorter, the sun remaining prominent while winter lingered in the background. The once mesmerizing frozen clouds transforming into mush. The cold air altering into a cool breeze. Winter was enclosed in an autumn.
Louise Jalbert, “Early March Colors”, 2018, Gouache on paper, 8.5 x 11.5 inches