Extreme Weather Linked to Climate Change?

You might have seen this video of a wild baby armadillo drinking water from a hose, due to very dry conditions in parts of Texas. About ninety percent of Texas is in a state of severe, extreme, or exceptional drought, according to Drought Monitor. Texas state climatologist John Nielsen-Gammon said, “Certainly global warming has contributed to the rate at which the ground has dried out because of the warm temperatures.” (Source: NYTimes.com)

The largest wildfire in Arizona history is still going, though it appears to be under control now. It has consumed over 500,000 acres. The US Forest Service has said the several million acres of land burned nationwide by wildfires this year is partly related to climate change. In a number of areas around the world, global warming is melting mountain snowpacks that feed rivers and watersheds significantly so there is less water for forests, plants and animals.

In other regions increased raining and flooding have been acknowledged to be influenced by climate change, “The computers found that the chances of those memorable floods, which sent geese swimming through city streets, were roughly doubled in a climate with the greenhouse gases.” (Source: NYTimes.com)

When it comes to tornadoes though, a potential link is not as clear. Harold Brooks, research meteorologist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Severe Storms Laboratory has said, “We see no correlation between global or US national temperature and tornado occurrence”. (Source: Google News)

The following well-crafted video references extreme weather types and climate change, but lumps tornadoes into the same category. It is persuasive, but perhaps not all that accurate when it comes to that form of extreme weather.

Image Credit: Tomas Castelazo

Read more: Environment, Nature, Nature & Wildlife, Wildlife

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Danuta W.

12:55AM PDT on Jun 24, 2012

Thanks for the information.

June 24
send a green star

Juliet D.

2:44PM PST on Feb 5, 2012

I reckon they'll lynch that climatologist, then have another prayer-fest.

February 5
send a green star

Past Member .

8:07AM PDT on Sep 4, 2011

"Hate to say I told you so."

September 4
send a green star

jane r.

11:57AM PDT on Aug 31, 2011

YOU THINK!!!

August 31
send a green star

11:55AM PDT on Aug 31, 2011

YOU THINK!

Catsy D.

12:07AM PDT on Aug 9, 2011

How sad:-(
Indeed it is not so much Global Warming.. as it is ACTUALLY ""Climate Change!!"" Or Global Extremes. The weather sure is ALL OVER THE PLACE. Winter is Colder, Summer is warmer.
It is SCARY. As much as one tries to help, I feel my existence is only adding to the problem:-( I try to only eat fresh vegies, live close to work, dont drive too much, etc. But I still do drive, I use electricity (though sparingly, I still use it) I consume just like everyone else???
I feel powerless to do anything. Every little bit helps... Right??? Right?? Or does it??? I try to consume less.. but I am still consuming :-( We can only do our best...