Historically the Mississippi River experiences some degree of flooding about once every 12 years. So when Senior Meteorologist Jonathan Erdman of the Weather Channel describes the recent events as a "only a 1-in-300 year flood", people should begin to take notice. Erdman himself does indeed make the link to climate change.
The Mississippi anomaly arises at an interesting time; This week 2 bills were passed in the House (with overwhelming support from House Republicans) to expand drilling in the gulf while eliminating post BP spill safety/research regulations. Legislation that tries to strike swiftly on societies recent fear of growing gas prices, and global oil shortages. Ironically these bills were voted on at around the same time Exxon Mobil CEO testified in front of Congress, blaming speculation for the price hikes, and debunking any supply and demand connection. While the Republicans maintain their 'Drill Baby Drill' stance, Congressional Democrats are pushing forward legislation to end Top 5 Oil Company subsidies.
The outcome of these votes could determine our future environmental doctrine, as well as bring major reform to the corporate structure of our country. In his weekly address President Obama came out firing on these topics. Assuring Americans that the gas prices are speculation, and not a sign of necessary increases in drilling.
Perhaps the most important environmental news this week came from the National Academy of Sciences (Yes the people that actually know what they're talking about). Their scientists released a report titled 'America's Choices' yesterday, which not only concludes that global warming is very real, but also that each passing moment in which we don't act, could be devastating.
