Millions of people throughout the Caribbean and in Florida were devastated by Hurricane Irma. Hurricane Maria crushed Puerto Rico. Hurricane Harvey killed scores of people in Texas and will cost a fifth of a trillion dollars.

Millions of people throughout the Caribbean and in Florida were devastated by Hurricane Irma. Hurricane Maria crushed Puerto Rico. Hurricane Harvey killed scores of people in Texas and will cost a fifth of a trillion dollars.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) issued its “Annual Climate Statement” today in Geneva. There was nothing particularly revelatory: We’re still looking at a looming catastrophe. In fact, for millions, the catastrophe has already occurred. Ask the folks in the Philippines, or California, or Britain, or Australia. Yes, but what about all the cold weather in the Eastern half of the US this year you ask. Well, it’s climate change too: the polar vortex has been weakened by the melting of Arctic ice, allowing cold air to migrate south. (Sorry, denialists.) Continue reading
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has issued a report, “2001-2010, A Decade of Climate Extremes,” that underscores, if we needed it, how late in the day it has become.
“WMO’s report shows that global warming was significant from 1971 to 2010 and that the decadal rate of increase between 1991-2000 and 2001-2010 was unprecedented. Rising concentrations of heat-trapping greenhouse gases are changing our climate, with far reaching implications for our environment and our oceans, which are absorbing both carbon dioxide and heat.” That statement, from WMO Secretary-General Michel Jarraud in the press release, couldn’t say it better. Continue reading