If only a loud gun could be fired every time this phrase is used in lecture halls and conferences. Property has been constantly damaged by weather since time began and is constantly refurbished, knocked down or rebuilt, an activity that has happily contributed to global GDP growth for centuries. Some scientists challenge whether there is long-term climate change at all. Yet climate change models project a rise in temperature in the upper atmosphere at a faster rate because of increasing levels of greenhouse gas. The report counselled caution on reading long-term trends into the climate system from the evidence.
Hot weather happens.
Similar findings appear from an examination of destructive weather events. The intensity and frequency of hurricanes have not increased. Droughts and wet spells have not statistically increased or decreased. Even when temperature figures are agreed upon, there is widespread disagreement as to what they mean - if anything. This week will see another challenge to the global warming thesis at a conference of leading climate experts at Orense, Spain.