EU Environmentalism: Score Another One For Global Warming?
After reading the round-up of German newspaper editorials in Spiegel Online, one can't be blamed for thinking that global warming is leading to an increase in the number and intensity of hurricanes hitting the US mainland (strangely, Halliburton was not mentioned as the culprit in this present storm). Going back to 1851, what does the actual data from NOAA say:
The average number of all hurricanes per decade (in red) is 17.7
The average number of major hurricanes per decade (in red) is 6.0
Of course, 2001-2004 is not a complete decade. If you think the increase in the number and intensity of hurricanes is due to global warming, be glad I did not add trend lines. There are plenty of real environmental problems to consider, save the global warming hype.
Knowing the above facts, consider the statement by Germany's Environmental Minister, Jürgen Trittin, a Green Party member (natch):
"There is only one possible route of action," he writes. "Greenhouse gases have to be radically reduced and it has to happen worldwide. Until now, the US has kept its eyes shut to this emergency. (Americans) make up a mere 4 percent of the population, but are responsible for close to a quarter of emissions." He adds that the average American is responsible for double as much carbon dioxide as the average European. "The Bush government rejects international climate protection goals by insisting that imposing them would negatively impact the American economy. The American president is closing his eyes to the economic and human costs his land and the world economy are suffering under natural catastrophes like Katrina and because of neglected environmental policies."
What else is Jürgen wrong about?
Update: Further thoughts on Jürgen at Medienkritik.
Update II: Welcome Instapundit readers. Don't be stingy, make a donation to the American Red Cross. Even if you are scrounging (as is your humbly unemployed author), find a way to give.
The average number of all hurricanes per decade (in red) is 17.7
The average number of major hurricanes per decade (in red) is 6.0
Of course, 2001-2004 is not a complete decade. If you think the increase in the number and intensity of hurricanes is due to global warming, be glad I did not add trend lines. There are plenty of real environmental problems to consider, save the global warming hype.
Knowing the above facts, consider the statement by Germany's Environmental Minister, Jürgen Trittin, a Green Party member (natch):
"There is only one possible route of action," he writes. "Greenhouse gases have to be radically reduced and it has to happen worldwide. Until now, the US has kept its eyes shut to this emergency. (Americans) make up a mere 4 percent of the population, but are responsible for close to a quarter of emissions." He adds that the average American is responsible for double as much carbon dioxide as the average European. "The Bush government rejects international climate protection goals by insisting that imposing them would negatively impact the American economy. The American president is closing his eyes to the economic and human costs his land and the world economy are suffering under natural catastrophes like Katrina and because of neglected environmental policies."
What else is Jürgen wrong about?
Update: Further thoughts on Jürgen at Medienkritik.
Update II: Welcome Instapundit readers. Don't be stingy, make a donation to the American Red Cross. Even if you are scrounging (as is your humbly unemployed author), find a way to give.
posted by Georges at 03:28
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