Fall Canceled After 3 Billion Seasons

Posted by Dr. Joseph Romm, Climate Progress at 5:22 PM on December 3, 2007.

Yesterday's New York Times had the sobering story:

Fall, the long-running series of shorter days and cooler nights, was canceled earlier this week after nearly 3 billion seasons on Earth, sources reported Tuesday.

The classic period of the year, which once occupied a coveted slot between summer and winter, will be replaced by new, stifling humidity levels, near-constant sunshine and almost no precipitation for months.

"As much as we'd like to see it stay, fall will not be returning for another season," National Weather Service president John Hayes announced during a muggy press conference Nov. 6. "Fall had a great run, but sadly, times have changed...." The cancellation was not without its share of warning signs. In recent years, fall had been reduced from three months to a meager two-week stint, and its scheduled start time had been pushed back later and later each year.

Okay, maybe this isn't exactly a news story -- Tom Friedman in yesterday's NYT was merely reprinting a hilarious story from The Onion," America's Finest News Source."

What makes this especially sad funny ironic is that, the same day, the New York Times also ran a front page news story on how the fashion industry is turning to climate experts to help them respond to the bizarre weather and changes in seasons we have been experiencing. In a stunning case of life imitating art, the Times quotes Michael Alexin, vice president for apparel design and development at Target, on what is happening to the fall (fashion) season:

"Retailers used to consider September the start of fall," Mr. Alexin said. But Target now stocks lightweight jackets during that month, waiting until November to sell heavy coats. And even then, Target is avoiding the thickest fabrics. "We sell very, very little wool," Mr. Alexin said.

Fall may not be knocked out, but it is on the ropes. In memorial, the Onion listed "Some of fall's most memorable moments":

1841: Leaves crumple gently underfoot
1969: Nation charmed by adorable kids bundled up in scarves
1998: A number of highly anticipated weddings showcase stunning foliage
2006: Crisp autumn air makes its final appearance

Yes, I will always remember the days we needed scarves during the fall. Let's hope we act fast enough so our children don't ever have to remember the days they needed scarves during the winter.

Tagged as: global warming, climate change, weather

Dr. Joseph Romm is a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress, where he oversees the blog ClimateProgress.org.