How are we doing on walking/biking to school? I have to tell you, it feels pretty great to stand in my driveway with a cup of coffee (free trade certified of course) in my hand and wave good-bye as my three older kids head off. For their part, my kids love the independence and the time out in the fresh air in the morning.
Speaking of fresh air, as we are moving closer to fall, the morning air is getting a little crisp here in Chicagoland. In coastal regions however, the warm ocean air is generating a lot of storm activity. September is the middle of hurricane season, which officially runs from June 1st to November 30th. The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center has predicted an above average level in the number and intensity of storms in 2008. As of early September, there were 10 named storms, 5 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes. Although there is no scientific consensus as to whether this increase is related to global warming, the 2007 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concluded that the increase in number and intensity of Atlantic storms was "more likely than not" caused by anthropogenic (human-induced) climate change.
Whether or not the recent increase in hurricane activity in the Atlantic is attributable to Climate Change, few scientists doubt the existence of such change or its anthropogenic nature. Republican Vice-Presidential nominee Sarah Palin (you know, the moose-hunter who sued to prevent the protection of Polar Bears) bucks not only the scientific community, but the Republican party line, in her belief that there is no relation between human activity and global warming.
Make of it what you will... I'm having another cup of coffee and feeling thankful I don't own any beachfront property.
CSF
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
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