Lost in Translation: Climate Science Not Sinking in

by Eli Kintisch on 22 October 2009, 2:05 PM | 0 Comments

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Two stories from today:

The latest national survey by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press, conducted Sept. 30-Oct. 4 among 1,500 adults reached on cell phones and landlines, finds that 57% think there is solid evidence that the average temperature on earth has been getting warmer over the past few decades. In April 2008, 71% said there was solid evidence of rising global temperatures.
Over the same period, there has been a comparable decline in the proportion of Americans who say global temperatures are rising as a result of human activity, such as burning fossil fuels. Just 36% say that currently, down from 47% last year.

And

The UK's Met Office Hadley Centre, today unveils a new map of the world showing devastating impacts on the world's agriculture, water resources, and weather systems if climate change is left unchecked ...

The map illustrates the serious consequences for many major American cities and coastal areas if global temperatures are allowed to rise by 7˚F:

--Major U.S. cities such as New York; Washington, D.C.; Chicago; and other metropolitan areas along the North East could experience an increase in their hottest days of the year by as much as 18-22°F, affecting more than 30 million Americans.

--Tropical storms and hurricanes could be more intense and destructive as sea levels rise, putting coastal populations at greater risk of disaster and loss of life.

--Large areas of the interior of the United State would face increased risk of forest fire, as well as sharply reduced agricultural and crop productivity.

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