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February 3, 1995

contacts.
Accu-Weather, Joseph Sobel (814) 237-0309
GCC, Jennifer Davick (202) 628-3622

Leading Forecasting Group Finds No Rise in Extreme Weather;
Challenges Perception of Catastrophic Global Warming

(

WASHINGTON, DC -- No convincing evidence exists to support claims that
hurricanes, tornadoes and other extreme temperature and precipitation events are on
the rise, according to a new report by Accu-Weather, the world's top commercial
weather firm. The finding seriously challenges perceptions that global warming is,
leading to an increase in hurricanes, floods and other weather-related catastrophes.
Proponent of global warming theories suggest that recent events, such as Hurricane
storins h—t—t
a s turck
, evastating floods in the Midwest and the bruWwft
the Northeast last year, are signs that weather is becoming increasin 1 extre e. The
cause, they say, is human-i iiediIäFawIiiiiihj
After reviewing comprehensive global weather data, interviewing key scientists and
surveying the scientific literature, Accu-Weather experts say there is no convincing
evidence that global weather is becoming more extreme.
According to the report's co-author and Accu-Weather senior vice president, Dr.
Joseph Sobel, "Scientific evidence squarely disputes the hypothesis that hurricanes
are becoming stronger and more frequent, that tornadoes have increased in number,
and that droughts and floods are becoming more common. In fact, the data show that
hurricane frequency is not increasing, the number of violent tornadoes is not
increasing, and temperature and precipitation extremes are no more common now
than they were 50 to 100 years ago."
(MORE)

 Leading Forecasting Group Finds No Rise in Extreme W eather;
Challenges Perception of Catastrophic Global Warming

Page 2

The report attributes the appearance of an increase in extreme weather to two factors:
the increase in housing and related development along coastal areas, and the ability
of scientists (through satellites and improved computer technology) and the media to
report quickly on extreme weather events worldwide.
According to co-author and Accu-Weather consulting m
MacDonald, "Hurricanes and floods toda often do mo
es are higher. It
e livc in coastal areas and pr
the past, because more
is interesting to note tha we a .ple today are killed by extreme weather events,
prepare fol i o s is enormously improved."
because our ability to alert
MacDonald added, "The world is much sma er today, as well, thanks to the media's
ability to bring us the news from any corner of the globe. As a result, we hear about
or see on television more stories about devastating floods, hurricanes, droughts and
so on. This contributes to the illusion of an increase in these events. But the illusion
is easily shattered by the facts."
On the question of global warming, the report's authors agree with most climate
experts that global temperatures have risen slightly (about one degree Fahrenheit)
ove lb
t century. However, they conclude that the small temperature increase is
n in phase ith the increases in so-called greenhouse gases. The authors note that
the
of the slight temperature increase occurred before 1940, while the
majority of greenhouse emissions occurred well after 1940
Journalists may obtain a copy of the report by calling Jennifer Davick at (202) 628-3622.
The Global Climate Coalition is an organization of more than 50 business trade
associations and private companies established in 1989 to coordinate business
participation in the scientific and policy debate on the global climate change issue.

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