Story perspectives

Washington's Icy Victory: Climate Change and History Intersect

2/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

On Christmas 1776, George Washington, American general, led a surprise attack across the icy Delaware River, a turning point in the war.
Educator Alex Robb notes cold weather, which the enemy underestimated, helped Washington win at Trenton.
Since 1970, winter temperatures in the Philadelphia area have risen by 5.5 degrees, per data analyst Jen Brady.
Glaciologist Eric Steig explains that ice cores reveal rising carbon dioxide since the Industrial Revolution.

1 of 1

Story summary

On Christmas 1776, George Washington, American general, led a surprise attack across the icy Delaware River, a turning point in the war.
Educator Alex Robb notes cold weather, which the enemy underestimated, helped Washington win at Trenton.
Since 1970, winter temperatures in the Philadelphia area have risen by 5.5 degrees, per data analyst Jen Brady.
Glaciologist Eric Steig explains that ice cores reveal rising carbon dioxide since the Industrial Revolution.