Global Warming and Hurricanes

As the Bush brothers inspect storm wracked Florida this week it`s
curious that they haven`t mentioned the impact of global warming on
hurricanes. Rising tides and temperatures, hydrologic cycle (rain) and
hurricane intensification have been documented by the Woods Hole
Research Center and other reputable scientific organizations.

The issues are also addressed for the first time by the Bush administration in the 2005 budget supplement: "Our Changing Planet." The Bush budget has quietly proposed a "no regrets" policy which tacitly admits that global warming is a real issue. A "no regrets" policy means acting now to prepare for rising tides and stronger, more frequent storms over the next ten to 20 years. Unfortunately, too little too late plans like the Bush budget proposals cannot stop the tide. Over 40 million people living in coastal communities, including Cedar Key, are at risk according to the reports. Alternative energy sources, such as hydrogen fuel, will slow the global impacts, but that will take the luxury of time that is not on our side. The Bush administration has been reluctant to act against big oil and conventional energy business interests that have lobbied for anti-science energy policies.

Local governments have
been reluctant to admit there is a problem. They seem to have their
head in the sand. It`s time to change the posture at every level of
government. Locally it is city planners who must address how their
communities will respond to the inexorable rising tide. In Washington
they should dust off the Clinton era reports and policies and wake up to
reality. Voters should send a message at every level of government by
electing candidates with a proven record of taking action for the people
and not for special interests.

George Sandora
george@cedarkey.com
P O Box 100
Otter Creek, FL
32683-0100

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