Thomas Jefferson vs. Climate Change

Thomas Jefferson was the third president of the United States and a preeminent mind who envisioned the future ahead of his time. That is why, in 1781, Thomas Jefferson rose the question about climate change and global warming.

Climate change and global warming is a popular topic today. Still, back in the 1800’s, the founding fathers had other issues on their mind, such as slavery, civil rights and the constitution. Despite this, Jefferson managed to write a relevant and accurate text about global climate change that is often used today by the promoters of green initiatives. In 1781, Jefferson wrote in 'Notes on the State of Virginia' that a change in the planet’s climate is happening very slow, but sensibly. He noticed that, in winter, snows were not that frequent as before and were less deep and lasting. He also made observations about the alternation of heat and cold. Because of Global warming, we now have hotter days and colder nights, an alternation that broke the balance of the seasons. This is very worrying for experts all around the world because it affects agriculture. Jefferson warned about this danger when he said that climate change will affect fruits and vegetables. Because winters aren’t that intense today, the accumulated snow that is supposed to melt down in rivers and irrigate the land where crops grow is very rare now.

Climate change affected several states of the union back in the 1700’s. Jefferson acknowledged that the same situation was affecting Europe as well. He wrote that in Italy, for example, the regular temperature of the year changed with 1 degree Fahrenheit every century. This is an extraordinary observation made so many centuries ago. Jefferson predicted climate change, but didn’t present a solution. Still his observations are remarkable since they represent the core problem of global climate change and global warming.