Nobel expert: Global warming causing Irish floods; ‘We have reaped what we have sown’
By PATRICK REYNOLDS, www.IrishCentral.com Staff Writer
Published Friday, November 27, 2009, 9:23 PM
Updated Friday, November 27, 2009, 10:44 PM Ireland’s massive flooding has almost certainly been the result of climate change, says Nobel Prize-winner and Ireland’s leading climatologist, Prof. John Sweeney. “We have reaped what we have sown,” he said. Devastating floods have swept large parts of the country. Areas of the south and west of Ireland have been under water in the worst flooding in 800 years, according to experts. Major rivers such as the Shannon and the River Lee have burst their banks and thousands have been evacuated. Sweeney, of Maynooth College, was one of the climatologists who formed part of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and won the Nobel Prize in partnership with Al Gore in 2007 because of their warnings about climate change He pointed out that, per capita, Ireland is one of the largest contributors to climate change, as the country has far greater greenhouse emissions than Germany, France and Britain. Sweeney was was also the main author of a report published by the Environmental Protection Agency about the effect on climate change in Ireland. Among his predictions was that winter rainfall amounts would rise steeply in Ireland, which seems to be happening. “Floods have always been with us and we can’t point the finger at any human agency, but the effects of climate change will mean that events like this will become more frequent,” he said referring to the flooding. …
Nobel expert: Global warming causing Irish floods, climate change via The Oil Drum
Jim, here's a draft of a letter – do you think I'm over-reacting?
Dear President Tilghman,
My daughter is a senior at Princeton and she is planning to take a 6-week course in Kenya, through a program sponsored by the University, this spring. I have told her I do not want her to go, because the country is unstable. She responds that her professor, Dr. Rubenstein, and the University, would not allow the trip to proceed if there was any question of ensuring her safety.
I have had exchanges of emails with Dr. Rubenstein and others who have attempted to reassure me. However, the news from Kenya – the little that is available in the US media – continues to describe a situation that is fast deteriorating. Please read the links below which document the rising violence in that country, which is suffering from extreme drought, lethal floods, famine, and the violence that accompanies such plagues.
This story (http://www.latimes.com/news/nation-and-world/la-fg-climate-conflict27-2009nov27,0,303698.story?page=1) in the LA times begins:
"Kenyans draw weapons over shrinking resources"
"The situation is getting out of hand and people are starting to worry about where all this is headed," said Mohammed Ahmed, a field officer with the British aid group ActionAid in Isiolo, where scores of people have been killed in recent months."
Here is a map (http://www.laikipia.org/general-information/general-information/the-laikipia-district.html) indicating the location of Isiolo.
This story (http://desdemonadespair.blogspot.com/2009/11/climate-refugees-mau-forest-evictees-in.html) documents the ongoing violent eviction of thousands of families from the Mau Forest.
Here (http://baraza.wildlifedirect.org/2009/11/17/the-pain-of-saving-the-mau-forest-complex/) is a map of the Mau Forest, which is the green spot.
And here (http://www.mpala.org/researchctr/environment/images/ewaso_lg.jpg) is the location of the Mpala Research Center.
It looks an awful lot to me that the MRC is smack in the middle of violence to the East in Impala, and violence to the west, emanating from the eviction of settlers in the Mau Forest.
Now is that a smart place to be?
Here (http://worldfocus.org/blog/2009/10/06/prolonged-drought-devastates-kenyan-people-wildlife/7636/) is Princeton's own Dr. Dan Rubenstein describing the collapsing ecosystem where he plans to travel to with his students.
Naturally, Dr. Rubenstein does not want to cancel research upon which his career is based. But is that really the best decision for my child?
I would greatly appreciate it if you would keep this message confidential. My daughter is quite worried that my opinion will reflect to her detriment as she applies to graduate schools.
I think it would be a good idea for Princeton to heed the warnings of the US State Department which states on their website:
…There is a high rate of crime in all regions of Kenya, particularly Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and at coastal beach resorts. There are regular reports of attacks against tourists by groups of armed assailants…
…Violent criminal attacks, including armed carjacking and home invasions/burglary, can occur at any time and in any location, and are becoming increasingly frequent, brazen, vicious, and often fatal. ..There has been an increase in armed banditry in or near many of Kenya’s national parks and game reserves, particularly the Samburu, Leshaba, and Masai Mara game reserves…A number of incidents have also occurred near the game parks or lodges north of Mwingi, Meru, and Isiolo, which are frequented by tourists. The precise areas tend to shift over time. Recent cattle rustling incidents have involved firefights between hundreds of members of rival tribal groups and the theft of thousands of head of cattle at a time.
Thank you very much for your attention,
Gail Zawacki
Hi Gail,
I'm not in a position to judge, but I wouldn't describe this as an over-reaction by any means.
There's no doubt that it would be an adventure. My feeling is that 6 weeks would be a reasonable stay, balancing adventure against long-term safety.
I'd be interested to hear how this works out!
Jim