Global Warming News

Columbus, Ohio—The heavy rains and flooding that have impacted Ohio this week can be seen in the context of a long-term shift in weather patterns, driven by global warming.

According to an Environment Ohio report released in December 2007, storms with heavy rainfall are now 43 percent more frequent in Ohio than they were 60 years ago. The report makes it clear that the United States is already experiencing extreme downpours much more frequently, consistent with scientists’ predictions about global warming.

“Extreme weather events like this weeks rainstorms causing floods across the Midwest are a prime example of how Ohioans will continue to experience global warming,” said Amy Gomberg, an Advocate with Environment Ohio.  “To slow the impacts of global warming we need swift action by Ohio’s leaders to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.”

 “Just last August we dealt with record flooding in Ohio, and now, less than a year later we are already experiencing record breaking storms, again. At the rate we’re going, what was once the storm of the decade will soon seem like just another downpour.”

The Environment Ohio report , “When it Rains, It Pours: Global Warming and the Rising Frequency of Extreme Precipitation in the United States,” examines trends in the frequency of large rain and snow events across the continental United States from 1948 to 2006. Nationally, the report shows that storms with extreme precipitation have increased in frequency by 24 percent across the continental United States since 1948. At the state level, 40 states show a significant trend toward more frequent storms with extreme precipitation, while only one state (Oregon) shows a significant decline. The report can be accessed on the internet at http://www.environmentohio.org/reports/global-warming/global-warming/when-it-rains-it-pours.

Ohio is the fourth leading emitter of carbon dioxide which fuels global warming. 

Environment Ohio supports the efforts of Governor Strickland and other leaders of the Midwestern Governor’s Association who are working together to set regional goals for reducing carbon dioxide emissions. 

“Clearly it’s time for Ohio to do its part to curb global warming pollution,” stated Gomberg.  “We will continue to work with Gov. Strickland and the other members of the Midwestern Governor’s Association to ensure that a strong commitment is made to dramatically reduce emissions.”

For more information call Amy Gomberg 614-460-8732 (office), 614-312-9123 (cell) or visit our website at www.EnvirontmentOhio.org

Additional information can be found in the press release regarding “When it Rains, It Pours”:

http://www.environmentohio.org/news-releases/global-warming2/global-warming/new-report-extreme-downpours-up-43-percent-in-ohio