Global warming may spur fiercer hurricanes

[wildflower]

Yet another global-warming article. This is technically 14 hours old but I didn't see it in LBN; and I noticed the mention of hurricanes, and of McCain.

Global warming may spur fiercer hurricanes

As Hurricane Ivan and its powerful winds churned through the Gulf of Mexico, scientists told Congress on Wednesday that global warming could produce stronger and more destructive hurricanes in the future.

Global warming will increase the temperature of ocean water that fuels hurricanes, leading to stronger winds, heavier rains and larger storm surges, the researchers told the Senate Commerce Committee. However, the increase in ocean temperatures is unlikely to boost the average number of Atlantic hurricanes that form each year, they said.

snip

However, 10 climatologists and scientists sent a letter to senator John McCain, the Arizona Republican who heads the committee, saying there is no scientific evidence of a link between severe weather — such as hurricanes, blizzards and heat waves — and global warming. They argued that warmer periods of temperatures have actually led to a decline in the number and severity of storms.

snip

McCain said during the hearing that human activities are contributing to global warming and require “real reductions” in greenhouse gas emissions. The United States is the world’s biggest producer of the gases, which come from automobiles, power plants and other sources.

more

http://www.htnext.com/news/5922_1010440,001500230005.htm

Okay I'll stop my LBN-posting frenzy now. :)

-wildflower

[phantom power]

1. There's also a thread on this in Environment/Energy

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=115x14197

[wildflower]

2. Thanks! And DU protocol question...

If there is a recent news article about the environment or energy, should it be posted only in the environment/energy forum?

Or is it okay to post in LBN instead?

Or can it be posted in both forums? (Would one be considered a dupe?)

Thanks!

-wildflower

[FlaGranny]

3. Not certain about your questions, BUT

if you post them in the Ask Administrator forum, they will let you know for sure.

[wildflower]

4. Will do...thanks! n/t

[hatrack]

7. Post it in LBN - someone might read it that way . . . nt

.

[ozone_man]

9. Sounds like an invitation

to visit the Environment/Energy forum. Need some company over there?

As I recall Wildflower, posting in both is no dupe, as long as it fits both forum requirements.

[HysteryDiagnosis]

5. The United States is the world’s biggest producer of the gases<<

Not hard to understand why.... and it's also not hard to understand why we invaded an oil rich nation.

http://www.cnn.com/US/9910/12/population.cosumption/
>>NEW YORK (CNN) -- As scientists note the arrival of the six billionth human being on the planet, they also are warning that 16 percent of the world's population is consuming some 80 percent of its natural resources.<<

>>Americans, while making up only four percent of the world's population, operate one third of its automobiles. U.S. citizens consume one quarter of the world's global energy supply.<<

[mtnester]

6. Mother Nature will try DESPERATELY to cool the planet off

expect bigger hurricanes, worse tornado seasons, and terrible winters/blizzards/snowfall totals in normally temperate regions

[HuckleB]

8. This is one possible connection that appears incredibly hazy.

The current onslaught of 'canes is not unprecedented, and it appears to be part of an ebb and flow of hurricane activity that is poorly understood.

Expect three decades of this, experts say
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2002038154_ivancycle17.html

Of course, the lack of a connection doesn't mean that one doesn't exist. Still, this seems like a weak point for those of us who have noted climate changes and their effects. I think we're better off staying with the effects that are much more plain and much more supported by the overwhelming majority of world scientists.

On the other hand, it could just be the Cubs:

Hurricanes following Cubs around
http://www.suntimes.com/output/cubs/cst-spt-csep17.html

[cliss]

10. thanks for the article, W.

Keep posting! LBN is my favorite forum. Of course, I like the Bush-Bashing threads too....

Anyway, it is my humble opinion that we are in for more of the same....LOTS more. And this is going to cause huge problems for the economy. Think of the insurance settlements that have to be paid out. Lots of people unable to work, factories & businesses shut down. Gov't money being spent to help out with FEMA, and so on. It's going to impact the economy, for sure.

[TedsGarage]

11. Hey, Florida put Bush in the White House

Happy with the results, guys?

[PurityOfEssence]

12. Boy, does it get any more karmic than this?

If the Polar Ice melts, Florida will be a sandbar.