What is Earth telling us; a look at past climatic events

By
Rebecca Yang
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The recent tragedy of Typhoon Haiyan does not stand as just a desolation in the global community, it is a reminder of the many climatic devastations suffered on Earth in the past years. Is Earth trying to tell us something?

Although climate change or global warming is regarded as a mere myth in our current society, it is painstakingly apparent that Earth has fallen victim to a multitude of severe storms and abnormal weather in the last few years. The past decade has brought forth a tidal wave of not just odd weather, but ominous changes to the surface of our planet.

Storms in the past decade:

2003-

Hurricane Juan in Atlantic Canada

The storm reeked havoc in central Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
The storm reeked havoc in central Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

An 11-month drought in Australia

This drought was referred to as the worst drought since European settlement.
This drought was referred to as the worst drought since European settlement.

European Flood ranging from Portugal to Germany

A settlement is surrounded by water from the Danube River in Deggendorf, Bavaria in Germany.
A settlement is surrounded by water from the Danube River in Deggendorf, Bavaria in Germany.

2004:

Snowstorm in Tennessee

Over 11 inches of snow fell in Tennessee.
Over 11 inches of snow fell in Tennessee.

Drought in Western United States

The drought affected the economies of many farmers.
The drought affected the economies of many farmers.

Flood in Brazil

Brazil was among many other regions that had record-breaking floods.
Brazil was among many other regions that had record-breaking floods.

2005:

Climate records broken in the United States

Warmer temperatures were among a year of abnormal weather behavior in the United States.
Warmer temperatures were among a year of abnormal weather behavior in the United States.

Three category 5 Atlantic hurricanes (Katrina, Rita and Wilma)

One of the deadliest Atlantic hurricanes. The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina can still be seen today.
One of the deadliest Atlantic hurricanes. The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina can still be seen today.

2006:

Heat wave in North America

Temperatures skyrocketed in the summer in Canada and the United States, killing at least 225 people.
Temperatures skyrocketed in the summer in Canada and the United States, killing at least 225 people.

Sand storm hits Beijing, China

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2007:

Monsoons in South Asia (India, Bangladesh and Nepal)

The series of monsoons killed hundreds and displaced millions.
The series of monsoons killed hundreds and displaced millions.

Record breaking wet season in England and Wales

People had to be rescued from their own homes in one of the wettest seasons.
People had to be rescued from their own homes in one of the wettest seasons.

Cyclone Gonu in the Arabian Sea

The first reported category 5 hurricane reported in the Arabian Sea hit the coast of Oman.
The first reported category 5 hurricane reported in the Arabian Sea hit the coast of Oman.

2008:

Tornado outbreak in the United States

Tornado wreckage in Tennessee.
Tornado wreckage in Tennessee.

Tropical Cyclone Ivan in Madagascar

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Typhoon Neoguri in China

A woman attempts to salvage what is left of her hut after the storm.
A woman attempts to salvage what is left of her hut after the storm.

2009:

Extreme weather in the Arctic

The Catlin Arctic Survey team reports that older ice in the Arctic has begun to severely melt.
The Catlin Arctic Survey team reports that older ice in the Arctic has begun to severely melt.

Typhoon Morakot in Taiwan

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2010:

Earthquake in Haiti

Devastation hits Haiti.
Devastation hits Haiti.

Heat wave in Russia

Evidence in Russia that temperatures are rising.
Evidence in Russia that temperatures are rising.

Flood in Pakistan

Severe flooding affected millions in Pakistan.
Severe flooding affected millions in Pakistan.

2011:

Monsoon season in Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar

Worst flooding in decades seen in Thailand.
Worst flooding in decades seen in Thailand.

Hurricane Irene in the Bahama Islands

Maryland deals with the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.
Maryland deals with the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.

2012:

Major wildfires in Chile

Firefighters try to extinguish the relentless fires.
Firefighters try to extinguish the relentless fires.

Worst drought ever in Latin America

Droughts devastated cattle and agriculture industries.
Droughts devastated cattle and agriculture industries.

Torrential rains in China

Streets flooded as heavy rain continued to pour.
Streets flooded as heavy rain continued to pour.

Superstorm Sandy hits East Coast of the United States

The storm swept away homes and communities in the East Coast of the United States.
The storm swept away homes and communities in the East Coast of the United States.

2013:

Severe wildfires in California

Wildfires destroyed forests, including National Yosemite Park.
Wildfires destroyed forests, including National Yosemite Park.

Flooding in Calgary, Alberta

 

Extreme flooding hits close to home this past summer.
Extreme flooding hits close to home this past summer.

Worst tornado ever seen in the United States in Moore, Oklahoma

The 200 miles per hour tornado killed at least 24 people and destroyed homes.
The 200 miles per hour tornado killed at least 24 people and destroyed homes.

Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines

A super typhoon crashed into the homes of millions in the Philippines this past Friday.
A super typhoon crashed into the homes of millions in the Philippines this past Friday.

This list is only comprised of a miniature segment of the abnormal climate behavior observed on planet Earth. It is obvious to most that these extreme weather events are not mere consequences repeating in our planet’s history. The irrevocable imprint of man is clearly having a major impact on Earth as observed by recent climatic events. Whether climate change is regarded as a myth or not, what is a fact is that our planet is changing. Humans may be the cause, but we must be the solution.

To contribute to the global efforts aiding the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines donate to the Philippine Red Cross and/or visit CNBC for a list of more organizations. Above all comfort those around you, who may have family or friends affected by the storm. We are one.