I was aware of climate change when I bought my house in Motovun almost exactly ten years ago, as can be seen from the first mention of the term in my writings (“Suspiciously Green,” July 19, 2002). However, the first mention of global warming can be found only four years later (“What Warming?” March 15, 2006). The same holds for the first mention of abrupt, dramatic, or rapid climate change (“Thickening Fast,” November 5, 2006). In short, I was hardly aware of the sort of change in climate that actually took place in the last ten years when I bought my house. And it shows it. In particular, I refused to install air-conditioning in it. I started regretting my rash decision about two or three years ago, but I still refused to do anything about it. Air-conditioning became a long-term option, but I would not commit myself to any sort of action. That has changed. This morning I made a call to a man who installs air-conditioning systems in Motovun and the surrounding area. He will come to see my house within a few days. And the temperature in it will suddenly drop several days afterwards. The decision has been made, and I cannot stop bragging about it. Global warming be damned. As an added benefit, the air-conditioning system will help me keep the house warm in the fall and spring. The central heating system, which uses heating oil, will be of value only in the winter. The decision has been made, indeed.

Addendum (September 13, 2012)

The man I called on this fateful day took close to two weeks to visit my house together with a partner of his. They promised to be back with an offer within a few days. I have not heard from them in more than two months, though. So much for local businessmen. Now I am looking farther afield. But my main problem is when to go for the project. This fall or next spring, that is? It is good to remember that air-conditioning systems are now used both for cooling and heating in these parts. This fall still strikes me as the best time. Once I figure it out, I will make a deal with a bigger company in one of the larger towns on the western coast of Istria.