In a study about to be published in the March issue of Geophysical Research Letters, scientists from the National Climatic Data Center detail their findings that global warming is, not surprisingly, accelerating at a record pace. The months from May 1997 to September 1998 have continuously set the record for average temperature held, and even with the El Ni o weather phenomenon taken into account scientists agree that the probabilities of this being a natural event are 1 in 20. 1999 has already been documented as the fifth warmest year to date, however it is important to remember that all comparisons are relatively contemporary since professional weather deciphering data only became available in the last century. The concerns arise over the amount of carbon dioxide levels in our atmosphere, levels that cause the planet to trap heat from the sun.
Reports point to exhaust from jet aircraft and automobiles as the main contributors.
Indications that even the weather pattern of La Ni a, which has a cooling effect on the waters of the Central Pacific Ocean, could not aid in raising the temperature alerts scientists and civilians alike that this is most likely not a normal variation in temperature occurring. Archives - Archives of past weeks' Daily Selected News Stories. All Rights Reserved. All other copyrights remain property of their respective owners.