Rise in Hurricanes Blamed Squarely on Global Warming

Once upon a time, South Florida used to have a bad hurricane once a decade or so. Well, remember those times fondly, says researcher Kerry Emanuel, because we’ll probably never see that blissful quiet anytime again in our lifetimes.

Kerry makes the case that global warming is more to blame for the rise in hurricanes than the natural hurricane cycle. Since global warming is getting worse, so will hurricane activity.

Now, not everyone agrees. William Gray of Colorado State University says “Emmanuel is just plain wrong.” That’s the pot calling the kettle black. As I pointed out earlier in this blog, Gray’s Colorado State hurricane forecasts are so low-ball as to be worthless.

The National Hurricane Center also poo-poohs Emannuel’s conclusions, but considering how the White House is suppressing science it doesn’t like and muzzling scientists who raise a red flag on global warming, “officially approved” science carries less weight all the time.

Emannuel’s conclusion: If you think you’ve seen a bad hurricane season, just wait, you ain’t seen nuthin’ yet.

What does this mean for commodities? I think it’s bullish for gold, silver, oil, and natural gas, as well as copper and other commodities used in building materials. Naturally, it’s bearish for insurance companies and re-insurers.

Check out my new gold and energy blog at MoneyAndMarkets.com