Permafrost and Climate Talks

Permafrost diagram
http://www.wunderground.com/climate/permafrost.asp

Scientists want countries to consider the impact that permafrost will have on our atmosphere at the climate talks. As the temperature of the globe increases, the permafrost has begun to melt. The permafrost contains lots of decaying organic matter and as the permafrost melts this matter is released in the form of carbon dioxide or methane. The earths permafrost contains twice as much carbon dioxide than the earths atmosphere. The permafrost melting is also an issue because it will make the ground in these areas unstable and cities built in these areas may have issues with buildings and other structures collapsing. 

Looking at the effects that permafrost melting will have on the planet and preparing for the hazard is a good mitigation tactic and should be considered when looking at global warming. 

http://www.weather.com/news/climate-change-melting-permafrost-20121128

Climate Talks

The UN has formed a meeting to discuss the climate and global warming. The main goals of these talks is to find ways to reduce greenhouse gases and finding ways for developing countries to adjust to it. The climate talks in the past have not resolved the issues that are occuring and the temperature of the globe is still increasing at a higher than normal rate. The climate change is believed to increase flooding in coastal areas and cause problems with agriculture. The Kyoto Protocol which was a major climate agreement that was signed in 1997 expires this year and very few countries are willing to sign it again. The US does not agree with it because it does not give any restrictions to developing countries like China which is the largest carbon emitting country. China argues that they should not have any restrictions on carbon emissions because it would cause major problems with there economy and countries growth. 

I think global warming is a serious issue and I hope that these talks will help them reach some sort of agreement. I think developing countries need to take some responsibility for there carbon emissions and make an effort to reduce them.

 

http://www.weather.com/news/climate/climate-talks-open-20121126

Flooding in the UK

The River Exe flooded
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20488645

Storms causing heavy rainfall in England and Wales. Over 800 homes have flood damage and more flooding is expected. 260 flood warnings have been issued in England.  One women was killed when a tree fell on her. The government has made a lot of changes to there flood warning system and preparation for floods since the massive floods they had in 2007 and it's predicted that 20,000 houses were saved because of this. Some people think that the government still needs to do more and that the climate changes will increase the amount of flooding in the upcoming years. 

The warning systems and defenses that the government has put up is an example of mitigation and it has made a difference with the 20,000 homes that have been saved. The death toll for this event is low and while 800 homes were damaged, this event could have been worse if they hadn't been as well prepared. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20488645

Preparing For Another Storm Like Sandy

New York Harbor with barrier

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/25/new-york-harbor-barrier-storm-surge_n_2188684.html

City planners and builders want to put a large barrier in the New York Harbor to prevent a disaster like super storm sandy from happening again. Other storms such as Sandy are predicted to occur in the near future and putting a barrier in the harbor would help regulate the flooding. The barrier would be expensive but if it  prevents damage from other storms it will eventually save the city money. However, the barrier may not get put in because some people don't believe the risk of another storm and possible destruction will be worth the initial costs of the barrier. Other ideas for preparing the city for another storm is a rocky causeway and a better drainage system in Manhattan.

Putting in a barrier or a rocky causeway and drainage system is an example of mitigation. Determining whether or not to do this is determining the risk and probability of another storm hitting them again. I think that putting in a large barrier might be over kill but I think they should do something to prepare for other storms like Sandy.  

http://www.weather.com/news/nyc-superstorm-blocking-the-sea-20121125

Another Storm Hits after Sandy

Taken in New York City

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/11/04/looming-colder-weather-adds-urgency-to-recovery-efforts-in-areas-hit-hard-by/

The New York and New Jersey area are predicted to get hit by a Nor'easter storm this week. The storm won't be nearly as bad as super storm Sandy but there will be some heavy winds. The storm will delay the recovery and could make the damage worse. People who's homes have been badly damaged will have a hard time finding good shelter from the storm. There is also some cold weather coming that will make it difficult for the people who's houses still do not have power. 

This is another good example of the Swiss cheese model where certain events line up and make a natural disaster worse. The delay in recovery is going to make everything considerably worse. The longer people are without adequate shelter, the more issues there will be with people getting sick and even dying. 

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/11/04/looming-colder-weather-adds-urgency-to-recovery-efforts-in-areas-hit-hard-by/

Super Storm Sandy and Election Day

The damage from super storm Sandy may effect the election on Tuesday. People in areas that were severely damaged will have difficulty getting to the polls and it's expected that there will be a very low turn out in those areas. The election officials promise that they will be ready but there is still a lot of confusion. The City Board in New York City doesn't have a plan to ensure the people without transportation to the polls will be able to vote. Another issue is that 59 of the polling areas had to be moved to a different location some of which will be in tents.This will make it even harder for people to know where to vote and how to get there.

It will be interesting to see what happens on election day. It will be harder for lower income people to vote because there is less of a chance that they will be able to get to the polls which could affect which candidate gets the majority of the votes. If the race is even somewhat close then I won't be surprised if there is a recall. I think that with the large amount of confusion going on with the make shift polling buildings/tents that it would be very easy to make mistakes and for the ballots to be miscounted..

http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/storm-forces-poll-site-143-000-city-residents-article-1.1196596

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/11/02/nyc-nj-ct-to-carry-on-with-election-day-despite-massive-storm-damage/