The document discusses the causes and effects of global warming. It explains that the scientific consensus, as represented by the IPCC, is that human greenhouse gas emissions are the dominant cause of recent global warming. As the planet warms, it is leading to increased frequency and severity of natural disasters like hurricanes, floods and droughts. The melting of ice sheets is also causing sea levels to rise, which increases damage from storms. While some natural disasters remain steady, hydro-meteorological events like hurricanes have been increasing due to warming oceans and atmosphere providing more fuel for storms.

1. Trey Miller Perspectives on Nature and the Environment Dr. McGinley

22. Saffir – Simpson Hurricane Scale Category Wind Speed (mph) Storm surge (feet) 1 74 – 95 4 – 5 2 96 – 110 6 – 8 3 111 – 130 9 – 12 4 131 – 155 13 – 18 5 > 155 > 18