Global Warming In The News

  An environmental group today blamed global warming for the heavy rains San Antonio and much of Texas has experienced this summer, 1200 WOAI news reports.

  Environment Texas released a report indicating that global warming 'raises temperatures and wreaks havoc with our weather in Texas,' according to the group's Luke Metzger.

  So how can the constant rain, which has drastically cooled San Antonio’s usually blazing summer temperatures, be caused by global warming?

  "Higher surface temperatures lead to more evaporation which means more water vapor in the atmosphere," Metzger said.

  He said last year San Antonio experienced a near record 151 days with temperatures of ninety degrees or higher.  The Alamo City was ninth in the country last year for average maximum temperatures above normal, with the average daily temperature being 4.2 degrees higher than normal.

  "We know that the broader trend is that global warming is raising temperatures and that's causing a lot of problems," Metzger said.

  The group cited research done by Dr. William Kurtin of Trinity University's Biochemistry Department and the Union of Concerned Scientists.

  "Scientists are sounding alarm bells about the impacts of continued global warming," Metzger said.  "The good news is that these same scientists say we can avoid the worst effects of global warming by taking bold action now."

  Environment Texas has long advocated cutbacks in coal fired power plants in the state, as well as reductions in emissions from autos, trucks, and SUVs.  Metzger called on Texas to slash emissions by at least 80% by 2050, 1200 WOAI news reported.