Climate scientist says models predicted recent radical changes in weather

Iowa State University climate scientist Gene Takle, the lead author of the National Climate Assessment, said "it takes about 40 years of data to establish a climate change trend. But he also said the floods of 2008, 2010 and 2011, the droughts of the past two years, abnormally high tornado outbreaks and delayed planting seasons the past two years are likely the result of climate change," reports Agri-Pulse, a Washington newsletter. Takle told reporters, “I say that largely because climate models have predicted all this would happen."

The assessment was first published in 2000, then again in 2009 and 2014. "Federal officials say the latest assessment 'confirms that climate change is affecting every region of the country and key sectors of the U.S. economy and society,' including agriculture, 'underscoring the need to combat the threats climate change presents and increase the preparedness and resilience of American communities,'" writes Agri-Pulse.

Roger Johnson, president of the National Farmers Union, urged Congress to act on climate change and the White House to reverse course on the Renewable Fuel Standard, Agri-Pulse writes. Johnson said, “The National Climate Assessment only confirms what family farmers and ranchers have been experiencing: global climate change is increasing the occurrence and severity of volatile weather events, which then directly impact agricultural risk, farmers' bottom lines and the entire rural economy."

John Holdren, director of the White House Office on Science and Technology, "told reporters the assessment is the 'loudest and clearest alarm bell to date calling on us to take immediate action,'" Agri-Pulse writes. "He said the document offers definitive steps that help the administration pursue climate change solutions, including improving vehicle and appliance energy efficiency, siting more renewable energy facilities on federal lands and reducing emissions from power plants and other sources." Agri-Pulse is subscription only, but a free trial is available by clicking here.