Looking into the future the Pelican feeding its young from a self-induced wound in its own breast (as depicted, mysteriously, on the state flag of Louisiana) is accepted as an appropriate symbol of both self-sacrifice and rebirth. Through his selfless efforts, man is raised from the slavery of ignorance to the condition of freedom conferred by wisdom. Given the current state of affairs in Louisiana, one hopes that the understanding of the Pelican as a symbol shall point the way towards a new consciousness of ourselves as a whole, and lead us to face our futures with strength, grace, wisdom and faith, to learn from our mistakes and carry our successes and zest for living to future generations.

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Study: Number Of Strong Hurricanes Doubled Since '70

By Neil Johnson
Reprinted from: The Tampa Tribune
http://www.tbo.com
June 2, 2006

TAMPA - The number of Category 4 and 5 hurricanes since 1970 more than doubled at the same time ocean temperatures rose by 1 degree, and that could be bad news for Florida, a scientist said Thursday.

If global warming continues to raise ocean temperatures, it is unlikely we will ever see a return to the quiet hurricane seasons seen in the 1980s, said Judith Curry, one of two Georgia Institute of Technology professors who conducted the study of global Category 4 and 5 hurricanes and water temperatures.

Curry spoke as part of a presentation sponsored by the National Resources Defense Council also given in Tallahassee and Fort Lauderdale.

An increase in the number of powerful hurricanes could put more on Florida's doorstep.

Since 1995, when the Atlantic Ocean entered a period of heightened hurricane activity, 48 percent of the storms that hit the United States struck Florida, Curry said.

The study found that from 1970 through 1974, there were 40 Category 4 and 5 hurricanes worldwide. From 2000 through 2004 the number jumped to 90, the same time the average ocean temperature around the globe increased 1 degree, Curry said.

Hurricane activity in the Atlantic also increased from the last peak in hurricane activity. From 1945 through 1955, there were 19 Category 4 or 5 hurricanes.

From 1995 through 2005, 28 Atlantic hurricanes reached Category 4 or 5, Curry said.

Climate models match an increase in greenhouse gases with the boost in water temperatures that provide fuel for hurricanes, she said.

Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide trap the sun's heat in the atmosphere, raising temperatures.

The study showed a 1 degree rise in ocean temperatures translated into five more storms per season, she said.

Not everyone agrees with the study.

William Gray, the Colorado State University professor who has issued forecasts of hurricane seasons since 1984, said data from the 1970s was incomplete, making it difficult to accurately measure the number of powerful storms.

A review of the past 20 years when information is more reliable showed no trend toward more Category 4 or 5 storms, Gray said.

Curry said the data stands up to scrutiny.

Joe Romm with the non-profit Global Environmental and Technology Foundation also said Thursday the only way to stop the increase in water temperatures is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and vehicles.

Unless emissions are reduced by 50 percent, water temperatures could rise 2 more degrees by 2050.

Contact Neil Johnson at (352) 544-5214 or njohnson@tampatrib.com