Wanna argument is a section looking at the the arguments for and against a particular issue. This one looks at the arguments about the recent severe UK weather.

Wanna Argument?

Freak Weather - apocalypse now or storm in a teacup?

In October 2000 and July 2002, the UK was hit by storm conditions and flooding: heavy rainfall and strong winds affected southern England, the Midlands and northern England. Many areas of the UK received in that month at least 50% more rainfall than is usual for October. Some parts, especially south-east and north-west England had up to three times the usual rainfall. Heavy travel disruption caused by the safety fears on the rail network became worse as severe flood warnings affected many towns throughout the country.

But in the country's 'talking shops' debate centres on the causes of the severe weather and its effects: are we experiencing increasingly bizarre weather patterns due to the accelerated onset of global warming, are the ways in which we organise our society magnifying these effects, or is it all just a storm in a teacup - a product of a long-standing British fascination with the weather?

Yes! Global warming is here to stay. Looking forward to Mediterranean-style summers.

No! There's no proof, it's just a blip. Looking for someone to blame for the floods.

	Well, all bets are off then, eh? The Met Office predicted two years ago that we'd get flooded each year after record rainfall in October, and here we are.
			Really! What proof is there? OK so it's been wet, but what do you expect? - It's Winter, and it's always wet in Winter!
	Yes, but April isn't Winter and April 2000 was the wettest since records began in 1776.
			Big change there then! As if we're really used to long spells of settled weather!
	Look! It's not about settled or unsettled weather. It's about extremes of weather. Did you know that six out of the last ten warmest years ever recorded on earth happened in the 1990s and the other four were in the 80s.

The International Response - Action or Inertia?

	Imagine the population of China all wanting cars and fridges and factories to produce them - and imagine the extra carbon emissions that would result.
			If that's all true, then isn't it all going to get a lot worse when the poorer countries start getting richer?

Economic Development - Success or Environmental Failure?

			What can be done about it, then?

Interpreting Kyoto - The Reality of Negotiation

			Weather patterns move in cycles. I bet you'd find evidence for this kind of flooding before in Britain, with the same wringing of hands as we look for someone or something to blame.
	Cycles? You can't argue with scientific records that go back to the eigtheenth century though, can you, when they show a steady change? Industrialisation has dangerously altered the global climate.
			You know me - I can argue with anything! Seriously though, I heard that we may be mistaking the signs here and panicking when we should be looking more closely at the evidence.

Climate Change - A 'Natural' Explanation?

	Whatever the history says we are seeing the effects of global warming starting to impact on us all. It's as I've been saying all along.
			You may be right, but my point is that at least part of the changes we're experiencing are due to other reasons than just burning fossil fuels. I mean look at the way the farmers are using the land now; they're having as much impact 'cos the've changed what they grow and when they grow it.

Changing Land Use - Can We Blame Agriculture?

	I wondered when you'd get around to blaming the farmers! Anyway I'm off to the pub. Any chance of a lift?
			Sure, get in and grab an oar!