Global Warming Could Spread Extreme Drought

[tex-wyo-dem]

Global Warming Could Spread Extreme Drought

BOURNEMOUTH, England, October 4, 2006 (ENS) - Drought could double by century's end because of global warming, threatening the survival of millions of people around the world, according to new research by British climate scientists. The researchers warn that this estimate may actually be too conservative, as it doe not take into account the potential for carbon feedbacks in the climate system that are likely to accelerate warming across the planet.

The study was funded by the British government and carried out by climate scientists at the Met Office Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research.

"This report is jaw-dropping," said Andrew Simms, spokesman for the Climate Clinic, a coalition of UK environmentalists, businesses and the Energy Saving Trust. "The new projections on drought from the Hadley Centre are like being told that this is the day the earth catches fire."

The researchers examined climate records for the second half of the 20th century and found global drought increased 25 percent in the 1990s.

Using a powerful climate model, the researchers analyzed future drought based on temperature and rainfall predictions.

The research shows that extreme drought could affect 30 percent of the world's land surface, up from the current span of 3 percent. Severe drought will affect 40 percent of the earth's land, up from eight percent, and moderate drought, which currently affects about 25 percent of the world's surface, will rise to 50 percent.

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http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/oct2006/2006-10-05-01.asp

[redqueen]

1. I'm shocked that they're shocked.

I mean come on, now... they really had no clue that this might happen? I call BS.

These clowns were whistling past the graveyard, and they have no one to blame but themselves for their cluelessness.

[Nihil]

2. Maybe a bit of diplomacy? Just to see if *anything* will sink in?

I've noticed quite a few of the recent environmentalist statements
have claimed that "we were surprised to find xyz was so bad" - more
than could be explained by those people (who, let's face it, *are*
well aware of the impacts) being ignorant.

I suspect that there is a faction whose approach is to try to get
the public on their side with a diplomatic "hey, even the experts
were not taking this seriously enough so you're having to learn
with us - come on, we all need to work on this" rather than the
more honest "WAKE UP YOU FUCKING IDIOTS!".

The idealist in me says that it's a damn shame that we have to play
to the lowest common denominator rather than raising the level of
education so true understanding is shared.

The realist in me says that whatever works is better than nothing.

[redqueen]

3. I like that take on it...

And yes, whatever works... 'cause at this point, we'll be lucky if anything does.