2010 calm year for Hurricanes

"For the first time in recorded history, 12 hurricanes formed this year in the Atlantic basin without a single one making landfall in the United States, according to experts at Colorado State University" (USA Today). These hurricanes either turned right towards the Atlantic Ocean or left to the Caribbean Sea; in other words the U.S. got very lucky with the Hurricane season officially ending Tuesday. Now, why did these storms dodge the U.S.? Meteorologists think the hurricanes were deflected due to high and low pressure ridges. Only one actually made landfall, Hurricane Bonnie despite five of the twelve hurricanes being categorized as major. 

http://www.usatoday.com/weather/storms/hurricanes/2010-11-29-hurricanes29_ST_N.htm

Environmental progression remains slow

President Obama seems seems to have an array of problems coming his direction. His plans to reduce industrial pollution 17% from 2005 levels by 2020 has not been accepted by Congress, and with the increase of Republicans in the House and Senate will further push his plans out of the mix. Currently, he is pursuing smaller measures and has made a bit of progress. "He has cited efforts to promote electric vehicles, nuclear power, renewable energy and energy efficiency. He also has touted the Environmental Protection Agency's plans, beginning next year, to regulate carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases" (USA Today). 


The major problems with Obama's plans and environmental agencies, is that they are trying to promote large scale changes. "Climate" is a word that seems to scare people, rather than inspire people to make a change. Companies need to begin focusing on what the people find appealing such as electric cars; things that directly affect people right now.


http://www.usatoday.com/weather/climate/2010-11-29-climatepolicy29_ST_N.htm

Wintery weather across the globe

LONDON - Heavy snow spread across much of the United Kingdom over the weekend and temperatures are expected to remain below freezing through Sunday afternoon. Up to 6 inches of snow was expected for Scotland and around 4 inches for Northern Ireland. Snow blanketed the Netherlands as well which was the first snowfall of the year. On Saturday, up to 16 inches of snow buried northeast England and Scotland which the BBC said was the most widespread snow for the date since 1993 (MSNBC). This harsh weather pattern caused several delays and cancellations of races and soccer matches. Meteorologists warned people to avoid travel and stay indoors if possible. 


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40399876/ns/weather/

Minnesota storms take residents by surprise

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Rare November tornado strikes southeast Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE - Cleanup has begun for southeast Wisconsin after a rare and unusual Novemeber tornado went through the area late Monday night. Racine county was one of the hardest hit, and winds were strong enough to damage several homes and overturned semis. Approximately 3,000 homes lost power in the storm. Fortunately, no one was killed and only a few minor injuries were reported. Utility services returned power to people in the area quickly and clean-up crews standing by to help. By early Tuesday, the storms had moved from southeast Wisconsin into Indiana and Michigan.

http://www.usatoday.com/weather/storms/tornadoes/2010-11-22-midwest-storm_N.htm

Pakistan flooding major wake up call

ISLAMABAD - As posted earlier this year in my blog, Pakistian was hit with major flooding. This summer's floods covered 1/5 of the country, approximately the size of Louisianna. The disaster caught everyone by surprise, and overwhelmed emergency response teams. Many experts believe the floods were due to climate change, and others aren't sure the direct relation, but almost all can agree the floods are occuring more frequenty and people are ill equipped to handle the situation. People agree that changes need to be made and soon. Implementing programs that help the displaced and get people back to their normal lives a bit easier. "The failure to address the threat of climate displacement could undermine the long-term stability of countries likely to experience increased floods, storms, droughts and other disasters," said Gabaudan, the Refugees International chief. "Taking preventive steps now will strengthen these countries and provide support to the world's poorest people" (MSNBC).


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40309467/ns/us_news-environment/

State of emergency declared

BOGOTA, Columbia - Columbian President declared a state of emergency Thursday for Columbia after heavy rains and flooding hit the area affecting 1.2 million people. 136 people have been killed already and over 200 have been injured due to the flooding and mudslides in the area. Many people have lost everything they have, so the President really wants to try to utilize outside resources to help the people. Additionally, large amounts of crop and livestock have been damaged. Meterologists are predciting more rainfall in Columbia for the next two weeks, so help right now is neccessary to prevent more death and damage.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/11/19/colombia.rain.calamity/index.html?hpt=T2

http://gnrworld.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/colombia_bogota-lg-map.jpg