Global Warming Responsible for Last Winter’s Storms

Washington State Insurance Commissioner, Mike Kreidler, testified before the U.S. House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming earlier this month. According to the press release, last winter’s windstorms in Washington are a result of global warming. I understand that global warming will cause changes in the weather, but to blame global warming for this past year’s storms is like Jerry Falwell blaming gays and feminists for 911.

“If you’re looking for evidence of climate change, you need look no further than the recent increase in insurance losses,” said Kreidler. “Insurance shows the economic reality of climate change. Last winter’s windstorm was the most severe in our state’s history and cost hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to homes and property. Nationally, the insurance industry lost more than $61 billion in 2005, the year of Hurricane Katrina.”

There have been more severe storms in the past — what do we blame those on? Global cooling? The weather fluctuates. Some years, some decades, are worse than others. Ever heard of the dust bowl? Ever read Grapes of Wrath?

Sunspot activity is causing the climate to warm (yea, I think it is the sun and not us doing the majority of the warming), but whatever is causing it, I don’t think you can blame it for the current weather.