“It contributes to bigger storms  and more intense storms,” said Kevin Trenberth, of the National Center for Atmospheric Research. Global warming causes an increase in ocean surface temperatures, increasing evaporation which releases additional heat energy into the atmosphere increasing the strength and duration of tropical storms, Trenberth explained, noting it was unusual to see four storms in the Atlantic simultaneously.

“It’s rare, perhaps, but it’s not unprecedented,” countered climatologist Jay Hobgood of Ohio State University. Hobgood and others believe the Earth is in the middle of a normal 40-year weather cycle that periodically produces more hurricanes. “The hurricane season peaks in the first two weeks of September. This is when you would expect it to be most active.”

NOAA statistics show a marked increase in the annual number of tropical storms and hurricanes in the last 20 years. Veteran hurricane expert, Hugh Willoughby of Florida International University said, “What we’re getting now, I think, is a double whammy of a slow global warming trend and a natural cycle for hurricanes.” The retired National Hurricane Center specialist said within a year or two scientists should be able to separate the effects of global warming from natural storm patterns and determine the true effect of human-produced carbon dioxide on weather.

“Seeking Radical Breakthroughs in Alternative Energy — What I Would Advise the Next President” is the focus of the event. Speakers will include futurist Dr. Ray Kurzweil, biologist Dr. George Church, inventor Dr. Saul Griffith, and X Prize Foundation Chairman and CEO Dr. Peter Diamandis, among others.

This is the kind of thought-provoking program the Earth-Ship movement plans to sponsor in the near future. Once launched, the Earth Ships will become floating auditoriums dedicated to promoting worldwide awareness of the environmental impact of global warming and climate change. They will serve as demonstration labs for alternative energy innovations. They will bring together people and ideas from around the world for spirited discussions and problem-solving forums focused on global warming, climate change and the protection of our environment.

To find out more about the Earth-Ship program and how you can help, visit the Earth-Ship website.

Scientists have long known that organic carbon frozen in the world’s permafrost, which blankets one-fifth of Earth’s land mass, will release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere when thawed. But they had no idea how much carbon was actually frozen in the icy tundra. University of Alaska researchers evaluated 117 meter deep soil samples to accurately gauge the volume of this “carbon pool.” Previous estimates were based on limited sampling at shallow depths.

The study found the North American carbon pool to be 60% greater than previously estimated and equivalent to about one-sixth of the atmosphere’s total carbon content.  Researchers believe the tundra of Europe and Russia may contain similarly large carbon pools. Frozen temperatures are all that keep this material from thawing and flooding the atmosphere with greenhouse gases.

“Releasing even a portion of this carbon into the atmosphere, in the form of methane or carbon dioxide, would have a significant impact on Earth’s climate,” warns Christian Beer of Germany’s Max Planck Institute. With scientists predicting a 10.8 degree (Fahrenheit) increase in Arctic temperatures before the end of the century, the potential for disaster is immense.

In anticipation of coming commercial traffic, the U.S. Coast Guard has opened two temporary stations on Alaska’s far north coast. The Coast Guard is preparing for oil tankers, fishing vessels and even cruise ships to venture into waters that have been the sole domain of indigenous hunters, seals and polar bears. “We have to prepare for the world coming to the Arctic,” said Rear Admiral Gene Brooks, commander of the Coast Guard’s Alaska district.

Each year global warming has melted an increasing amount of polar sea ice. The summer ice cap is now only half the size it was in the 1960s. Last year Arctic ice thawed to a record low. The receding ice makes ocean travel along Alaska’s inhospitable northern coast tempting; however, shifting ice can easily trap ships.

After several rescues last year, the Coast Guard opened temporary stations at Borrow and Prudhoe Bay to provide new refueling, reprovisioning and rescue services.  However, the Guard is concerned that increased ship traffic will increase the risk of oil spills, wayward boaters and other problems in what is one of the world’s last remaining pristine wilderness areas.

Unlike other hydrogen processes under development around the world, the OSU process does not use precious metals like platinum or rhodium, making it considerably less expensive than its competitors. “Rhodium is used most often for this kind of catalyst and it costs around $9,000 dollars an ounce,” said Umit Ozkan, OSU professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering. “Our catalyst costs around $9 a kilogram.”

Ozkan believes the OSU-developed catalyst could make the use of hydrogen-powered cars a practical reality in the future. She noted, “Our research lends itself to what’s called a ‘distributed production’ strategy. Instead of making hydrogen from biofuel at a centralized facility and transporting it to gas stations, we could use our catalyst inside reactors that are actually located at the gas stations. So we wouldn’t have to transport or store the hydrogen. We could store the biofuel and make hydrogen on the spot.”

“The cost of energy in the United States, on an annual basis, has now soared beyond $1 trillion,” says Brown. Concerned about the potential dangers of continuing to rely on foreign oil, Brown recommends:

• instituting federal energy efficiency regulations and programs, and
• creating financial incentives to encourage both individuals and businesses to embrace energy efficient measures.

Brown would use successful California energy programs as a model for a national program. He notes, “California has kept its per capita electrical consumption flat for the past 25 years — in significant part through appliance and building standards and incentives to adopt ways that get more work out of less energy.” Brown recommends setting tough but practical energy efficiency standards for appliances and equipment based on the best available technology.

Brown also recommends establishing efficiency standards for new buildings; a system of rebates, tax credits and other financial incentives; increased research and development funding of new technologies and fuel sources; and tough federal and state regulations. (Click here to read Brown’s complete response.)