Similarly, with regards to energy, seawater pumped storage
was the preferred method of supporting the large amounts of renewable
electricity to be produced in the near future. The more common freshwater
pumped storage was not considered because the IPCC said that the Caribbean would be net drier. As a consequence there
would be insufficient fresh water routinely available to fill the high level
reservoirs.
The severity of the dryness has caught me a little off guard,
with rivers drying up, and underground water being threatened. The progression
to near desertification seems to be well ahead of schedule, so the government’s
plans to even consider allowing mining land considered part of the Cockpit
Country which supplies water to a good part of western Jamaica seems
imprudent, to say the least.
As the Earth heats up, the Saffir-Simpson scale for
hurricanes will need to be brought up to date with 2 new categories added,
Category 6 would seem to be needed in the next few years as Hurricane Dorian is
already almost there:-
Category 6:- Sustained winds:- 210 to 295 mph, Types of
damage due to hurricane winds:- Near apocalyptic damage, all framed buildings
will be destroyed**. Some reinforced concrete buildings may be damaged. Most
large trees will be broken down to stumps, or uprooted and blown away**. Most
of the area will be uninhabitable for many months to a year+.
Category 7:- Sustained winds:- 296 mph or higher. Types of damage due to hurricane
winds:- Apocalyptic damage. Most conventional reinforced concrete structures
will be damaged either directly or by flying debris. Thick walled monolithic
structures with sloping sides and deep foundations will survive. All large
trees will be broken down to stumps, or uprooted and blown away. The land will
be scoured. Flexible, low plants such as grasses may survive**. This area
should be evaluated if continued habitation is feasible. [** This is what happens with now in the most
severe tornados.]
Government should be designing systems for decades ahead,
not month to month or even to the next year, expecting far more than 1.5
degrees C global temperature rise as seems to be likely.
Category
|
Sustained
Winds
|
Types of
Damage Due to Hurricane Winds
|
1
|
74-95 mph
64-82 kt 119-153 km/h |
Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed
frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters.
Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled.
Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages
that could last a few to several days.
|
2
|
96-110 mph
83-95 kt 154-177 km/h |
Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well-constructed
frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted
trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power
loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.
|
3
(major) |
111-129 mph
96-112 kt 178-208 km/h |
Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major
damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped
or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be
unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.
|
4
(major) |
130-156 mph
113-136 kt 209-251 km/h |
Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain severe
damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls.
Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees
and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks
to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or
months.
|
5
(major) |
157 mph or higher
137 kt or higher 252 km/h or higher |
Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be
destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power
poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to
possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
|
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