Increasing Vulnerability To Hurricanes: Global Warming's Wake Up Call For U.S. Gulf, Atlantic Coasts

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While Florida and Gulf Coast
residents bear the brunt of Tropical Storm Fay, the latest science connecting
hurricanes and global warming suggests more is yet to come: tropical storms are
likely to bring higher wind speeds, more precipitation, and bigger storm surge
in the coming decades.

"As so many grapple with Tropical Storm Fay’s landfall in the United States, our thoughts and prayers are with
those in harm’s way," said Dr. Amanda Staudt, climate scientist, National
Wildlife Federation.  Increasing Vulnerability to Hurricanes: Global Warming’s
Wake-Up Call for the U.S. Gulf and Atlantic Coasts details how:

• Hurricanes Are Getting Stronger As Oceans Warm;
• More Stormy Weather Lies Ahead;
• Increasing Coastal Population and Development Puts People
  in Harm’s Way;
• Hurricanes Affect Wildlife;
• Wetlands Are The First Line of Defense Against Hurricanes;
  and
• To Reduce Risks and Prepare for Future Hurricanes

The report was discussed on a tele-press briefing with Dr.
Staudt, joined by Dr. Robert Costanza, Gund Professor of Ecological Economics
and Director of the Gund Institute for Ecological Economics at the University
of Vermont; Dr. Judith Curry, Professor/Chair, School of Earth and Atmospheric
Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology; David Conrad, National Wildlife
Federation Senior Water Resources Specialist; and Jerome Ringo, President, The
Apollo Alliance and former President, Board of Directors, National Wildlife
Federation; to talk about the latest scientific research on global warming and
stronger hurricanes, coastal development policies, and how to better prepare
for a new era of hurricanes.