Commentary: We should start naming hurricanes after fossil fuel companies.
That's an old joke, but I am in earnest. Next year, when it is time for the World Meteorological Organization to announce its annual list of names for hurricanes and tropical storms, the body would do a great favor to public discussion by using the names of fossil fuel companies. Hurricane Exxon has a fitting ring. Since the names of hurricanes that are especially disastrous are retired from use, and since hurricanes are getting stronger and more frequent due to climate change, it is possible they will run out of company names to use. At that point, they could name hurricanes after the executives of these companies. If need be, they could also incorporate the names of the bribed politicians and journalist-entertainers who have done so much to mystify and confuse the public about climate and the impact of human activity.
As I write this, Hurricane Matthew is about to hit the state of Florida, a category 4 storm with winds at about 140 miles per hour. It has already visited death and destruction in Haiti, the most devastating weather event there since the 2010 earthquake. The storm has gathered strength and is approaching the American southeast with so much force that 2 million people have been advised to evacuate as Florida, Georgia, and both Carolinas brace themselves. I fear that by the time you read this, the rest of the paper or website may feature grim coverage of storm damage, floods, and casualties in more than one state, kicking off a hurricane season longer and more dangerous than the last in what is now a steady progression.
One of the effects of global warming is warmer oceans. Last year set a new record for ocean warming, which contributes to rising sea levels, interferes with ocean eco-systems, and makes tropical storms and hurricanes more powerful. Matthew was the first category 4 storm to hit Haiti in more than half a century. It is thus ironic to see Florida Governor Rick Scott issuing public warnings about the storm. Governor Scott is on record as a denier of human-wrought climate change. In 2015, it emerged that the Governor even issued an effective gag order on discussion of climate change in state business, and even punished officials who addressed it. His stance and active service on behalf of the fossil fuel industry, in addition to obfuscating the consequences of a capitalist system dependent on oil and coal, have earned him rich donations from these companies and their executives. If Florida voters show him the door, a lucrative career as a lobbyist surely lies ahead.
Above our heads twinkle constellations of stars named for ancient gods and figures of mythology. Between us and these blazing figures is an atmosphere that throughout 2016 has exceeded 400 parts per million in carbon dioxide concentration - the highest levels in human history, clearly attributable to our production and use of carbon-based fuels. Climatologists set the highest "safe" level at 350 ppm. In this firmament, it is only fitting that the storms unleashed by human folly and ignorance should be named for the human beings who lead the social structures that prevent us from changing our behavior and saving ourselves, to preserving an Earth where future generations may live, burn less, and develop sustainable energy and agriculture adapted for the present state of our world.
If Governor Scott continues his devoted service to forces that burn the world and roil his people, the least we could do is name a storm after him.
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Algernon D'Ammassa writes the Desert Sage column for the Deming Headlight and Sun News papers. Write to him at DesertSageMail@gmail.com.