A tragic reminder of why we fight climate change

Published October 30, 2012 in Climate

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Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating path of Hurricane Sandy. As of Tuesday afternoon, The New York Times said that as many as 38 people died in seven states due to the storm, and that number is expected to climb as rescuers reach more homes and businesses.

At EDF, our New York offices have lost power, and we're all scrambling to communicate and make sure all employees in New York and other Eastern cities are safe.

And, at a time like this, many of us can't help but think of the connection between extreme weather and climate change. Sea levels are higher, Atlantic waters are warmer, and there's more moisture in the atmosphere—three things that contributed to the ferocity of Sandy, points out EDF president Fred Krupp, in an official statement posted today. 

"Sandy is not just a weather disaster but also a climate disaster," Krupp said. "Today, as we rush to ensure the safety of our loved ones and communities, we should remember that unless we finally get serious about climate solutions there can be no lasting protection from the ferocity of our warming world."