Weather deaths don't match globo warmer forecast
Yes, it is still bad to be poor. There are other factors besides forecasting weather if not deaths. Engineers have a better understand of the force of storms so buildings are stronger and placed on land this is less likely to flood.GREEN scientists have been accused of overstating the dangers of climate change by researchers who found that the number of people killed each year by weather-related disasters is falling.
Their report suggests that a central plank in the global warming argument – that it will result in a big increase in deaths from weather-related disasters – is undermined by the facts. It shows deaths in such disasters peaked in the 1920s and have been declining ever since.
Average annual deaths from weather-related events in the period 1990-2006 – considered by scientists to be when global warming has been most intense – were down by 87% on the 1900-89 average. The mortality rate from catastrophes, measured in deaths per million people, dropped by 93%.
The report by the Civil Society Coalition on Climate Change, a grouping of 41 mainly free-market bodies, comes on the eve of an international meeting on climate change in Bali.
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Compared with the peak rate of deaths from weather-related events in the 1920s of nearly 500,000 a year, the death toll during the period 2000-06 averaged 19,900. “The United Nations has got the issues and their relative importance backward,” Goklany said.
The number of deaths had fallen sharply because of better warning systems, improved flood defences and other measures. Poor countries remained most vulnerable.
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I have long argued that to the extent global warming is a problem, man can adapt to it easier than he can stop it. It is clear from the numbers in this study that we already are.
We HAVE TO adapt because we have already damaged the planet, because of advancements in communications and technology we can better 'cope' with extreme weather, hence the figures. Have you ever heard that prevention is better than cure? Do you think we are better off continuing to use the planet as our dumpsite and endangering ALL future life? That’s how this reads. If so it’s incredibly irresponsible and ill informed.
ReplyDeleteWe HAVE TO adapt because we have already damaged the planet, because of advancement in communications and technology we can better 'cope' with extreme weather, hence the figures. Have you ever heard that prevention is better than cure? Do you think we are better off continuing to use the planet as our dumpsite and endangering ALL future life? That’s how this reads. If so it’s incredibly irresponsible and ill informed.
ReplyDeleteI do not accept the premise that the earth is badly damaged. The environment is not fragile. In fact it is quite robust. In order to shape the Earth to our purposes we need heavy tools from chain saws to bulldozers just to clear the underbrush. but, if you don't stay after it it is back in a matter of a few years. Driving in the country you can see abandoned houses that are completely overgrown like they are some Mayan ruins found in the jungles. The idea that the Earth has a fragile environment is the product of the imagination of people who live in a manicured environment and not some who lives in the country.
ReplyDeleteMerv, come on man. Your arguing that the environment is ok because wild grass and plant life thrives when we abandon a piece of land? Are you informed at all on the topic of climate change or did you just stumble upon this Sunday Times article?
ReplyDeleteCome on man, this is a real opportunity for humanity to do the right thing. To take responsibility for our actions.
Its time to listen and be aware of the facts and consequences of climate change? Listen to the IPCC, listen to recent Nobel Peace prize joint winner Al Gore.
The reality is we need to act now to minimise the effects that climate change will have on this wonderful planet. We need to give something back instead of taking, taking, taking.
People need to be better informed and aware of what they can do to stop wasting energy and resources they dont need.
Some simple questions to get people thinking:
1) Do you turn off your computer and monitor when you are finished with them?
2) Do you turn of lights you are no longer using? (Also are you still using old incandecent light bulbs - Approximately 90%-95% of the power consumed by an incandescent light bulb is emitted as HEAT, rather than as visible light)
3) How many electrical devices are on in your home and workplace that you are not using?