People send me stuff. I’m thinking they must be worried about the urban animals. Why else would a wildlife federation be jumping into city public policy? Hmmm.
I’m not against making cities cooler with more greenery and white/green roofs,. In fact I think the FLIR rooftop image they have in the report is pretty cool.
But when trying to convince people for the immediate need of something, timing is everything:
From NOAA: “Ohio, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania experienced their coolest July on record.“
Also note that the record high for Cleveland in August was set on August 27th, 1948 with 102°F. The all-time record high in Cleveland of 104 °F (40 °C) was established on June 25, 1988.
Funny how they mention in the report they released today that “With mostly pleasant temperatures across the Midwest and Northeast in summer 2009, it is easy to lose sight of the long-term warming trend. But, this is not the time to let down our guard. This temporary respite is due largely to natural climate oscillations working in our favor. We are nearing the end of a minimum in the 11-year solar cycle during which the Earth is receiving slightly less heat from the Sun.”
They seem worried, because in this one press release they manage to cover just about every talking point we’ve ever heard. Here’s the nifty press release.
Immediate Release: August 25, 2009
Contacts:Tracy Sabetta, National Wildlife Federation 614-581-2907
tsabetta@initiativeohio.com
Cleveland Will See Increase in Heat Waves Risks
More Extremely Hot Days Projected with Global Warming
Cleveland, Ohio (August 25)–This morning, environmental and community advocates gathered in a cool location to discuss a hot topic. Together on the “green” rooftop of a downtown building, representatives of the National Wildlife Federation and others announced that Cleveland is on a list of the 30 cities believed to be most vulnerable to heat wave effects as the planet warms. According to a new report by the National Wildlife Federation and Physicians for Social Responsibility, Cleveland’s relatively high level of vulnerable populations and low rates of air conditioning were among the reasons cited by the groups for its selection to the top 30 list.
“Many American cities are vulnerable to increased heat waves that will result from global climate change,” said Tracy Sabetta of the National Wildlife Federation in Ohio. “People in poor health and the elderly often suffer the most, but everyone will feel the heat unless measures are taken to adequately prepare cities.”
In a report being released today called, “Heat Waves: Global Warming’s Wake Up Call,” scientists have concluded that heat waves caused by global warming are going to bring significant challenges for American cities. The report’s authors examined four major risk factors associated with heat-related mortality to identify 30 large cities in the United States that are especially vulnerable to heat waves based on current conditions. Factors considered included the average number of oppressively hot days each year, percentage of homes without central air conditioning, percentage of the city population living in poverty, and the quantity of ground-level ozone pollution.
Three Ohio cities appear on this list: Cincinnati, Toledo, and Cleveland. According to the report, 49 percent of the households in Cleveland are currently without central air conditioning and 30 percent of the population is living below the federal poverty level of $16,530 for a family of three. That is more than double the national average.
As the United States warms another 4 to 11°F on average over the next century, we will have more extremely hot summer days. Every part of the country will be affected. Urban areas like Cleveland will feel the heat more acutely because asphalt, concrete, and other structures absorb and reradiate heat, causing temperature to be as much as 10°F higher than nearby rural areas.
“Cooler years like this one can set us up for trouble by making us complacent and less prepared for inevitably hot years to come,” continued Sabetta. “And make no mistake — the trends clearly show more hot years are on the way.”
Cooler-than-average temperatures across the Midwest and Northeast over this past summer make it is easy to lose sight of the indisputable long-term warming trend. According to the most recent science on heat waves, the jet stream took an unusually southern track across the nation this summer, bringing more Arctic air and less tropical air to the Midwest and Northeast.
But while it may be cool in Cleveland, Ohio this summer, the planet as a whole is continuing to warm. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, this July was the 5th warmest on record globally. Temperatures through July put 2009 at the 6th warmest year on record, tying 2004
The increased air pollution that typically accompanies heat waves can especially harm children, who have a higher risk of developing asthma, have lungs that are still developing and growing, and have higher exposure because they breathe at a higher rate than adults and spend more time outdoors engaging in vigorous physical activity. Historically, about 20 to 28 percent of weather-related deaths have been due to heat, more than any other single weather-related cause.
“Through our programs that focus on the environmental health concerns of children and the elderly living in poor neighborhoods, we at Environmental Health Watch are all too aware of the health consequences of more frequent extreme heat events and increased air pollution associated with global warming,” said Stuart Greenburg, Executive Director of Environmental Health Watch. “Our focus in the fight to reduce greenhouse gases is on the housing sector, which accounts for 24 percent of carbon emissions. We need widespread home weatherization to reduce carbon emissions, increase comfort and health, and make housing more affordable.”
Residents of all Ohio cities can begin to prepare for hotter temperatures by reducing climate change pollution that is heating the planet while taking steps to cool our cities and boost public health response systems.
“Our nation’s environmental challenges are inherently tied to the economic needs of our most vulnerable communities,” said Shanelle Smith, Ohio Organizer for the Apollo Alliance. “This report makes it clear that if we want to have a sustainable environment and put people back to work, we must invest in clean energy. Investing in the clean energy economy will reduce the impact of pollution on our climate and create good green jobs in the process.”
“If we are to prevent crossing critical tipping points such as the melting of all arctic permafrost which will cause the release of huge amounts of methane into our atmosphere, we must act now,” said Dr. Eric Schreiber, speaker for the Climate Project. “The task falls to us. Those who came before us did not understand the need to act. Those who come after us will be powerless to prevent the crippling and deadly effects of climate destabilization. Future generations will judge us by our willingness to make the tough decisions.”
We can reduce the severity of heat waves and their impacts on vulnerable populations.
Curbing global climate change pollution as much and as quickly as possible is an essential first step. Legislation recently passed by the US House and currently being considered in the Senate will reduce carbon emissions and move us toward a clean energy economy. Shifting to clean solar energy is an especially promising option because sunlight is plentiful during heat waves, when electricity demand for air conditioning peaks.
At the same time, we must make our cities cooler and greener, for example by introducing more green space—parks, trees, and “green, reflective roofs” —to greatly reduce the urban heat island effect. Furthermore, cities must implement public health measures—such as heat watch and warning systems, public cooling places, and assistance to low-income residents for home improvements that make buildings cooler—to reduce the impact of extreme heat that we cannot avoid.
###
[snip – a bit too hostile in phrasing, you are welcome to resubmit the question though. ]
So if it is cooling its solar caused but if its warming its man caused. Funny how there is no direct evidence to prove one or there other but it is settled right? Or maybe or something but its man’s fault.
I think I was too harsh in my post so I think I will say it is settled and cities are man’s fault and we should be stopped and live in caves again.
“49 percent of the households in Cleveland are currently without central air conditioning”
I notice they didn’t say “without air conditioning” but rather “without central air conditioning”. Did they bother to count households with window a/c units?
Nice job of cherry pickin’.
“30 percent of the population is living below the federal poverty level of $16,530 for a family of three. That is more than double the national average.”
Perhaps our money would be better spent helping these folks rather than trying to change the climate.
Here in Wichita it’s been considered an unusual August because it’s normally the hottest month of the year and our only real hot days this month were at the beginning of the month. We also hit our first record low for the entire summer.
Intellicast is predicting a streak of 70 degree days to conclude the month, can be considered unusual here though we had a typical August day today.
OK, I admit that I did not even read the article. Call me BAD. But these moronic articles come out of the woodwork every day, and they are simply not worth the time to read. Just how could somebody keep coming out with this nonsense?
And how could anyone keep reading it.
And DOES ANYONE ACTUALLY READ IT, except for the NYT, WPo, BBC, and all the little whores that adore those liberal freaks?
Do these massive thinkers realize if a million a/c units were turned on in Cleveland, the out door temps would go up?
Cleveland has a lot of old housing stock, and is right next to a natural refrigerator. Who needs central air? Snow in April or October is not out of the ordinary.
I guess it’s good for that 49 percent that it’s been so stinkin’ cold this summer. They’ve saved a bundle on A/C costs. I blew through $400 worth of propane in the pool heater for nothing. The water wouldn’t get above 75 degrees. Warm? Where? Not here in Cleveland, that’s for certain.
Thank you, sir, for having this site. I am learning a lot more than I expected and I am enjoying every minute of it.
Tracy Sabetta’s experience as a consultant with National Wildlife Federation includes: “…Whether you need to jump start your advocacy program, have your issues noticed by lawmakers, or want consistent representation at the statehouse, Initiative Consulting can help you achieve your goals.”
Hey, let’s call them up and see if they will advise and advocate for global cooling. …Oh, I see, the carbon credit money is predicated only on global warming. Skeptics need to set up a $cam like the AGW crowd has done with carbon credits so that we can attract politicians like flies to honey. I guess those who are dedicated to truth are just too honest.
JAE asked :
Just how could somebody keep coming out with this nonsense?
Ric has answered that nicely – they are PAID to do it. And that’s how the whole thing has gotten so far – lobbyists write this stuff, which scares more people into funding more lobbyists to write reports, which . . .
One of the arguments I face often in debating AGW vs GW is “why would the scientists and media say all this if it isn’t true, and here is the simple answer. The bigger it gets the more funding there is, and the more funding there is, the bigger it gets.
I’m at home in Cleveland visiting family. When I was at my father’s store today, my friend (and an employee of my father’s) starting reading this story to me off the cleveland.com web site. He mentioned the National Wildlife Federation and Physicians for Social Responsibility and immediately remarked, “two organizations that know nothing about weather and climate.”
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
(By the way, Cleveland can’t afford to take any significant measures to avoid heat wave-related problems. It’s not Detroit economy-wise, but it’s not far from it either.)
I’m a little worried this Grand minima won’t be pronounced enough to break the Cult of AGW. Not that factual data would have any effect on the Cult anyway.
So, if the U.S. warms 4 to 11 degrees ON AVERAGE, how does that break down? Does it mean that winters will be not quite as cold and summers a little hotter and Spring and Fall lasting a little longer or a little shorter; or will it break down by area? Will the Southwest become much hotter and the rest of the country a little cooler? They are talking about Climate, not Weather. Can the models accurately predict what the weather in Cleveland is going to be in 100 years — or 100 days — or 10 days — or Tomorrow?
I am all for energy conservation, but I flinch whenever it is tied to mitigating AGW. There are many things that can be done to keep a house cool. Radiant barriers are a good start. I put a foil house wrap on my second story addition to keep it from becoming a solar oven (I told the neighbors it was so the kids wouldn’t have to wear foil helmets when they were at home). You need to set the siding on battens to maintain an air gap, but it wasn’t too much of an extra hassle or expense, and it works quite well. I did something similar in the attic and I put light colored shingles on the roof.
As for solar energy, my mantra is “Rooftops and Parking Lots.” It makes a lot of sense at that level (especially if you skip the compact flourescents and go straight to LEDs), but paving the West with solar farms would be an unnecessary ecological and economic disaster.
There are some very good solar cooling solutions available, but they use ammonia and that has been a hard sell for residential.
I am sure that if global warming comes, we can deal with it much more easily than global cooling, but I think we will be able to cope with that as well — if we are allowed to.
In January 2009. OK, we know what you meant. November is my guess.
Hey how about this as a story…
Motorists offer a unique boon to the biosphere
Over the past century motorist have become the mainstay of travelers but few people recognize the great boon that their travel has given to the biosphere. “I never knew” said on motorist, ” that the simple act of travel could actually help plants grow more rapidly.”
This is of course due to the release of sequestered carbon dioxide that resides in many fossil fuels. Thousands of lab experiments with many different crops and plants have shown definitively that an increase in carbon dioxide, even in the minuscule amounts that can be attributed to the populations use of carbon based fuels, can accelerate growth and fruit yield of most species of plants. As one scientist said, “It’s like the biosphere has slowly been choking itself to death. By allowing planets more CO2 they can more easily build the bonds they need to grow.”
On hearing that President Obama is trying to quell the growing increase in plentiful plant food, shock entered another motorists face. “Why would anyone try to keep something so good away from the public?” This reporter could only respond that the President is most likely relying on outdated information that Carbon Dioxide is bad thing rather then a good thing. Regardless of his motivations many motorists are delighted to know that each time they get into their vehicles they are doing the bio-sphere proud.
By the way, and I am sure you all figured it out, I was just writing a fun piece of nonsense. Looking back through it though I think it may have more truth then many of the global warming articles I have read… Yikes…
More scaremongering, this time in Queensland, Australia.
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/homes-becoming-dangerously-beachfront-20090825-ey2h.html
And in the news recently on TV, we’re experiencing a “heat wave” at the moment, with temperatures 11c-16c above average for this time of year in some parts of NSW.
This a/c discussion is a bit of a joke. I’ve lived most of my life in So.Calif, Arizona, and Hawaii and 90% of the time had no a/c, central or otherwise. Hot weather is uncomfortable, not fatal. Try spending a winter at the Grand Canyon without heat (I did in 1953-54) and you’ll quickly learn the difference. After all, until quite recently, no one in the world had air conditioning and we are none the worse for the experience. Back in SoCal as a teen, when it got too hot in the house, I slept on a chaise lounge on the lawn to avoid it. Duh. People today are such pussycats! (avoiding a snip) What the AGW folks (and the converts in their wake) lack is the slightest sense of perspective. What is also lacking is common sense. “Give me a warmer earth or give me deaf!”
Maybe this is all leading to a peer reviewed paper about how the UHI effect will adversely affect polar bears in captivity…
We are nearing the end of a minimum in the 11-year solar cycle during which the Earth is receiving slightly less heat from the Sun… Hmmm and here I thought the science was “settled” on that:P
Ya cant have it both ways, if the theory is the sun has no effect on heating us up then youre not allowed to use it as an excuse as to why were cooling off. Expecially with the line “nearing the end of a minimum in the 11-year solar cycle” Even our solar guys wont say that much anymore .. hehehe.
Heh?
For the first time in ages I had windows open over-night to take advantage of the cool nights.
In late August. In southern Ohio. We didn’t even break 75 last weekend.
Those poor souls up-state had better get ready. It ain’t gonna be pretty when the weather turns.
Hmmmm…maybe if they collect enough Hope & Change signs they use them to keep warm for the Winter of ’09/10.
More drivel from an ever more desperate AGW PR machine. Even dedicate AGW believers must be wincing when they see such rubbish in print.
Sounds like a pre-IPCC meeting SEPTEMBER alarm festival = “Scare the public. We need the publicity to pass cap-and-trade immediately or we won’t be able to pass it later.”
Today in Australia We just heard that climate change is shrinking polar bears heads.
http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2009/s2667304.htm
And all the while they preach this claptrap China goes on building a couple of coal fired power stations every week. Never mind, we were told last week that China’s CO2 emissions will stabilise in 2030. But I guess only then if we pay them.
We in the UK will be treated to three large climate change camps week. Just when do these greenies do any work?