08-25-2008, 03:46 AM
Please take the time to read:
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/oh/hic/current/drought/hfo.htm
http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/globalwarming.html
I've tried to post the least controversial, most credible links I could find. As well, the most watered down, but that's how it goes.
This trend on the big island, according to all models I've seen, should continue--in spite of the fact that the north pacific is on about an 8 year(on average) cooling trend. The impacts for the leeward ecologies, and certainly the leeward economies, are likely to be severe. It is no question that research is/will be/should be underway determining whether development on the windward side of the island is exacerbating the drought conditions on the leeward--and unquestionably the results will be positive. By development I mean nothing more or less the cutting of any forest stand, of any species, for any purposes--as it is these canopies with topography that maintains our local rain-fall patterns. Every tree removed has an effect. A small effect, but an effect none-the-less.
I'm just wondering when the shoe will drop from the state level, policy will come to Puna. At some point a building moratorium will be necessary to save Hawaii. At THIS point it would be good to take that drastic step while there is something of both ecology and economy to save.
Stuff to think about, and I'd like to hear other's informed views.
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/oh/hic/current/drought/hfo.htm
http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/globalwarming.html
I've tried to post the least controversial, most credible links I could find. As well, the most watered down, but that's how it goes.
This trend on the big island, according to all models I've seen, should continue--in spite of the fact that the north pacific is on about an 8 year(on average) cooling trend. The impacts for the leeward ecologies, and certainly the leeward economies, are likely to be severe. It is no question that research is/will be/should be underway determining whether development on the windward side of the island is exacerbating the drought conditions on the leeward--and unquestionably the results will be positive. By development I mean nothing more or less the cutting of any forest stand, of any species, for any purposes--as it is these canopies with topography that maintains our local rain-fall patterns. Every tree removed has an effect. A small effect, but an effect none-the-less.
I'm just wondering when the shoe will drop from the state level, policy will come to Puna. At some point a building moratorium will be necessary to save Hawaii. At THIS point it would be good to take that drastic step while there is something of both ecology and economy to save.
Stuff to think about, and I'd like to hear other's informed views.