Extreme weather across the world-英语文章阅读-view-...

Extreme weather across the world

08-12-2010 So far this year, countries around the world have experienced the highest temperatures since weather records began back in 1880.

That's according to the Washington-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Matt East has details on recent disasters and its possible causes.

The devastating floods in Pakistan has killed 1,600 people and affected the lives of millions.

Although, government authorities are attempting to help affected local residents, damaged roads and communications lines have hampered their rescue operation.

Meanwhile, the landslide in northwest China's Gansu Province has killed more than 1,000 people. At least 600 others are still missing.

In Russia, wildfires have been raging for weeks. The damage bill is expected to hit 15 billion US dollars. It continues to endanger the lives of people in Moscow and surrounding areas.

To make matters worse, Russia has also experienced its hottest summer on record.

Experts say these natural disasters and wild weather are connected with high temperatures.

Tom Karl, US Nat'l Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin., said, "Russia and central Asia this year happen to be the epicenters of very warm conditions this summer. To accompany those warm conditions, we're seeing very heavy precipitation in the monsoon areas in Pakistan. These events are not disconnected. The climate system is connected."

Mr Karl says he believes humans have influenced climate changes.

Tom Karl, US Nat'l Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin., said, "When you try to put that all together and understand what might be causing the changes, you walk away with, if you were a betting person, 19 chances out of 20, humans are having a major impact on why we're seeing these records."

Climate experts warn that, with the number of weather-related natural disasters increasing, people around the world need to re-think their role in helping to prevent climate change.