The US experiences the pinch
-
18/07/2008
-
Daily Star (Bangladesh)
Unprecedented hot weather in temperate climate the United States has taken the people unawares and made life difficult. It is the effect of climate change Americans are experiencing. From spell of scorching heat to tornadoes to heavy thundershowers as well as flood and draught have been occurring in many parts of the vast country.
The recent hot spells in the northeast have been accompanied by severe storms. Northern Virginia experienced 100 degree Fahrenheit accompanied with humidity last month. Texas, however, recorded the highest temperature of 106 degree F. In the south most of California has witnessed unseasonably hot weather in the first week of July. Now many parts of the country were also experiencing flood.
One of the three biggest mighty rivers of the world, Mississippi, was in fury causing havoc to properties, crops and lives in many parts of the States in its stretch. This was the worst flood seen by the people in 15 years. Flood waters from Mississippi have destroyed, according to one estimate, two million or more corn and soybean fields in Iowa, Indiana, Illinois (Senator Barack Obama's constituency) and other key growing states. It has damaged miles of rail track and bridges. This will reduce earnings at rail roads, barge companies and trucking firms, apart from agriculturists. Some 40000 people evacuated 30 lost their lives. Some observers hold the opinion that the cost of this flood disaster could end up with that of 1993 Midwest floods. The damage amounted more than 20 billion dollars in 1993.
The effects of flooding in these corn growing areas are being felt by consumers also elsewhere as the prices are soaring. It is likely that food grain prices will further rise making lives very uncomfortable. According to Reuters, nearly 300 miles of the Mississippi river were closed to commercial traffic, disrupting shipments of grain, coal and petroleum as well as trans-continental shipments of goods from ports of west coast.
On arrival from farewell trip to Europe President Bush had immediate meeting at the White House with federal disaster officials and assured flood affected people short and long-term help. The President also announced a grant of about 4 billion dollar, out of which 2 billion in emergency and requested congress to use a supplemental appropriation bill to replenish a federal disaster relief fund in anticipation of other natural disasters. This action by the President reminds callous response by the federal government when Hurricane Katrina hit gulf coast in 2005. Bush administration had received severe criticism that time.
Many believe, these climate change occurrences of tornadoes, floods and wild fires will have severe impact on the economy of the United States which is already in recession. It may also have its impact on world economy.
The developed nations, of course including the USA, who are more responsible, must do something worthy now for survival. Time is running out.
Mohammad Amjad Hossain, a former Bangladesh diplomat, writes from Virginia.