Funny that on 18th July 06 it was one of the hottest July days since records began, blamed on Global Warming.
This year it's floods also blamed on Global Warming.
Strange ??? But then again a good reason to put up your taxes
In fact this variability is exactly what is being predicted. Weather events will become increasingly intense and 'out of season', along with a general trend of drier, hotter summers and warmer, wetter winters for much of the UK.
It is not possible to blame any one weather event directly on global warming, certainly not with any valid degree of certainty. It will be possible to demonstrate that a trend of weather events over a period of years is the result in changes in global temperatures.
It should also be recognised that the UK economy can absorb the cost of events like the June/July 2007 flood incidents if they occur every 5 years or so. However, if we start to see flood incidents more frequently then the cost of 'picking up the pieces' after an event will become increasingly more difficult for the economy to shoulder.
Spending on flood risk is a drop in the ocean compared to spending on military, health, education, welfare to name but four. It is by no means certain that increasing investment in flood risk management will mean an increase in taxes.
Investing in better flood risk management (including flood defences, mitigation measures and more sustainable development etc) will save money. Spending hundreds of millions now will save tens of billions later.
It will also directly benefit people now by making living more environmentally sustainable - using less water, using less electricity saves money. Reducing the risk of flooding reduces the insurance premiums. Living in a reduced risk community reduces stress, increases well-being and reduces the likelihood of having to cope with 'disasters' and disaster recovery.
The mend of the world is now!
