Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine November 2024

HVACR NewsMagazine November 2024

gasoline and diesel, paint, perfume, shaving cream, and air fresheners, frequently depend on oil and natural gas. Without oil and natural gas, our way of life is not just interrupted it is overwhelmingly disrupted. Even if, yes, even if, we could change from gasoline to electricity for our cars and freight transportation and even if we could get our electricity from solar and wind, what will we do for the other 6,000 products we presently get from derivatives of oil and natural gas. What will the “utz” do when the air planes no longer fly to get them to their conferences. Look, I fully believe that nothing is without limits. Not oil, not gas, not water. Our grandchildren’s future depends on our commitment to them today. I can’t spend all my money and leave them anything nor can I consume all the oil, natural gas, and water and them have any. Perhaps there will be substitutes. I certainly hope so. However, it is a good thing to begin finding those substitutes today so we can leave them a future that is prosperous rather than sitting around talking about those great rallies some once attended. Our fossil fuel economy cannot be abandoned overnight, in a decade, or in the foreseeable future. There has to be a transition to whatever is the future. I believe in America and I believe in Capitalism. It brought about the industrial revolution and the digital revolution. It will bring us the next revolution of economic prosperity as well. Hurray America. Hurray Entrepreneurs.

• Since 1970, average annual temperatures have increased approximately 4.5°F. In the southeastern U.S., temperatures are expected to increase another 5 to 10°F at inland locations. • The number of days with maximum temperatures exceeding 90°F is expected to increase. That number is expected to increase to up to 150 days. Heat indices are also on the rise. • Precipitation is expected to increase slightly, but it will be offset by higher evapotranspiration rates. • There are expected to be fewer below freezing days, and a longer growing season. • There are expected to be a greater frequency of both intense rainfall (flooding) events and more prolonged heat waves and drought episodes. Now, I don’t know what to believe and am unlikely to become an evangelist for either side of the global warming debate. There is one thing that I know. We have to be judicious about the way we move forward. Our cartoon shows a person who, in his youth, participated in rallies to stop the drilling and use of oil and gas. It looks like he won; yet, did he realize the unintended consequences of eliminating fossil fuels / oil and natural gas. When normal conveniences and foods are reduced and perhaps eliminated, I think lots of folks will have some regrets for their early exuberance. Live Science says that over 6,000 everyday products are derived from petroleum (4). From toothpaste to chocolate coatings, to packaging to