Hello Friends,

This month?s topic is a sobering one. It is a topic in which we take a glimpse into the ugly reality of global warming and climate change. Recent global warming has caused many such storms around the world that have left the world shocked. Throughout the history of the world we have seen many mega storms and natural disasters which have claimed many human lives. These storms have seemingly been freaks of nature. They have historically been events that have shook us but have never broken us. We mourned the ones lost but could not do anything as humans since these storms were caused by a force beyond us. However, recently a new type of killer storms has emerged. It is deadlier and occurs more frequently than before. And, worse it is not a product of nature rather it is self-inflicted by us?upon us. These killer storms are a testament to our changing weather patterns in our world. They are the ugly face of global warming.

To understand the relationship between these killer storms and global warming we must understand how a typical storm called a cyclone forms. Cyclones form near the warm equatorial waters where the water is warmed by the direct and intense solar radiation received. Cyclones form usually over water because water has a higher heat capacity than land. This means that water can retain its heat longer than land, thus cyclones develop over water as opposed to land. The cyclone starts to form when the warmed air begins to rise and under the Coriolis Effect begins to swirl in a cyclonic motion. If the storm system collects more moisture from warm water it will eventually develop into major storm system called different names depending on its location. In the Atlantic Ocean it is known as a hurricane. In the Indian Ocean it is called a cyclone and in the Pacific it is called a typhoon. All these names classify the same type of storm: one with winds above 119km/hr. These winds cause widespread destruction from blowing down power lines, crippling infrastructure and causing massive storm surges.

But, what does that have to do with global warming? Well, as the planet warms, the waters in the oceans will also warm and feed more and more massive storms. The frequency and magnitude of these storms will increase not to mention that ?hurricane season? will affect more places for an extended period of time. In fact in my province in Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador, we never experienced a hurricane season until two years ago. Since then we have been hit with 3 category 4 and 5 hurricanes and countless other tropical storms. But, we have been very fortunate compared to other places around the world where these freak storms have claimed hundreds of lives. The Philippines, India, China, the South Pacific, United States?All hit by mega storms which have taken the lives of thousands over the last decade.

This is an ultimate reality. Caron emissions may be allowing us to manufacture and produce technology and consumer goods. But have we really ever took the time to think and reflect upon the effects that this has been having? I think not. What we are really manufacturing is mega storms which cause people to lose their homes, possessions and sometimes even their loved ones. They may be in a completely different part of the world but does that mean we should not care for them? No as President Obama said: Our morals command us to care for the people we may never meet. That is because they are human. So, let?s come out of this narrow minded view where we are immersed in our own little world and care for only ourselves. Global warming is called global because it affects everyone. Many people say that we should wait to react until we see the effects or wait until it hurts. Well, it?s already hurting?Open your eyes and you will see the destruction that global warming has caused. And the worst part this is only the trailer?the movie is yet to come.

So, let?s take initiative in our communities, countries and world. Global warming affects us all. We the youth have to step up and prevent this threat. We will soon take the reins of this world in our own hands. We have to be the eco-generation!

Regards,

Nitish Bhatt

Photo Courtesy:

Photo 1: Japanfocus.org

Photo 2:commons.wikimedia.org

Photo 3: Wikipedia.org