WEATHER GURU DAVID PHILLIPS TO TALK ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE AS ROTARY GUEST SPEAKER APRIL 17 AT OPERA HOUSE
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
GRAVENHURST — David Phillips still gets up in the morning to check the weather.
Like most he’s excited to see what the wind blew in or if he needs ear muffs.
But unlike us — and some agriculturalists — he’s most likely to know what we’re going to get.
And also of what he speaks as Environment Canada’s senior weatherman for 58 years.
He told me today (see audio interview below) that in the next 20-40 years it’s going to get “warmer, wetter and wilder.”
Whether you believe it or not we’re all weather forecasters. Look out the window, step outside and make your prediction. Some, however, are more accurate than say TV, radio or your smart phone.
But they all got their information from Phillips for more than decades since 1966.
Until last September when he officially packed in his barometer and wind sock when he turned 80.
Or sort of. Environment Canada allowed him to work for free with the honour of “emeritus.”
For all those years he’s seen it all and still loves wild weather stories.
On April 17 the acclaimed climatologist will tell all at noon when the Gravenhurst Rotary Club hosts him for an hour-long talk about his favourite subject here at the Opera House.
An author and speaker now, the Barrie resident will share how he did it for decades beating the odds most days to provide accurate and important forecasts that helped shape lives dawn to dusk — even overnight and beyond.
From a tornado in Barrie to snowmageddon in Gravenhurst you’ll get the scoop from this colourful commentator.
He says he will be talking a lot about this winter’s storms that hit south Muskoka and mostly about the difference between weather and climate.
While he will “entertain with gee whiz” stories, he says watch for droughts and wild fires ahead long range. He says your kids and grand kids will feel the brunt.
With warmer winters that mean less snow, but wetter months before and after Christmas.
Phillips says predictors like him 25 years ago foresaw what is happening today, with the exception of rising sea levels. Ocean levels are going up, but fresh water lakes levels are dropping “a bit.”
While still optimistic given human threats like Trump’s negative American policies on climate change, he says people are going to have to “suck it up” and “adapt” to climate changes.
Thankfully, he says, younger generations are waking up to these new norms and realities.
And adopting new regulations to deal with climate change such as building codes that can withstand worsening weather events.
Ask him if he’s still more accurate than Wiarton Willie or Punxsutawney Phil.
Tickets are $15+HST+Opera House ticket fee.
Contact the box office online to order at www.gravenhurst.ca.opera-house
Hear MuskokaTODAY’s 28-minute preview interview with him below.
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