The storm that wreaked havoc on Caribbean nations and the U.S. East Coast in late October offers a glimpse into our future. Along with recent heavy rainfall, flooding, heat waves and droughts throughout the world, it's the kind of severe weather event scientists have been telling us to expect as global temperatures rise.

Have you ever thought about the grass that grows in sidewalk cracks? To survive these conditions is a testament to the plants' resilience. Within this complex urban ecosystem, species are constantly adapting. Yet, while some of our feathered friends and crevice-loving plants have been adapting, the speed and scale of urbanization in Canada has pushed many native species to the brink of extinction.

We should probably be happy that the candidate who at least acknowledged the seriousness of climate change won the U.S. election. But climate change is already costing the U.S., and the rest of the world -- in money, human health and lives. Many of us -- not just Americans -- hope the president will show stronger leadership this time around.