WMO Supports Theory Of Link Between Warming World, Stronger Hurricanes

[hatrack]

GENEVA - There is growing evidence of a link between global warming and natural disasters such as droughts and flooding, the head of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said on Friday.


But Michel Jarraud, secretary general of the United Nations weather agency, said more research was needed into the links between global warming and extreme conditions like hurricanes.

Jarraud told a news briefing: "We know for certain that there is an intensification of the hydrological cycle, which translates into greater risk in some areas of a rain deficit and accentuated problems of drought linked to climate change."

EDIT

He noted 2005 was a record year for hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean, including Hurricane Katrina which devastated New Orleans. "There is not yet a consensus in the scientific community on the link between hurricanes and global warming, but there are leads. I am fairly confident that in two or three years we will have more credible answers," Jarraud said.

EDIT

http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/35795/story.htm

[darkmaestro019]

1. And it's just beginning. Katrina was a warning shot.

edit: to add, that just in case anyone doesn't know or didn't think of it that way--that great red spot on Jupiter that's been there as long as we've been able to see the planet? Most scientists seem to think that's a STORM--many, many times the size of the Earth. Nice thing to make one go for a drink, ne?