Update on Climate Change (Global Warming)

NOAA has just published the an updated compendium of information on climate change (or climate warming).  A series of relevant measures are included that show rather clearly the impact of mankind on the climate and the planet.

The 2009 State of the Climate report released today draws on data for 10 key climate indicators that all point to the same finding: the scientific evidence that our world is warming is unmistakable. More than 300 scientists from 160 research groups in 48 countries contributed to the report, which confirms that the past decade was the warmest on record and that the Earth has been growing warmer over the last 50 years.

There is virtual no doubt that man through his economic and cultural practices has led to process of global warming that will require major mitigation and prevent efforts by the major contributors to this process.

The report emphasizes that human society has developed for thousands of years under one climatic state, and now a new set of climatic conditions are taking shape. These conditions are consistently warmer, and some areas are likely to see more extreme events like severe drought, torrential rain and violent storms.

The consequences of climate change for Coral Gables, Florida and the Tropics will be significant in coming decades.