High temperatures and extremely dry conditions in much of the United States continue to hurt crops and cause corn prices to soar. In large parts of the Midwest, the drought has reached the worst classification possible, a D4 drought that could bring "exceptional and widespread crop and pasture losses" and "water emergencies" due to shortages in reservoirs, streams, and wells, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, an organization run by a collection of government and academic groups. The National Weather Service says scattered thunderstorms will bring little relief, and suggests that the drought will worsen.
Many climate models suggest that heat waves and droughts will increase as greenhouse-gas levels increase in the atmosphere (see "Planning for a Climate-Changed World" and "How Coders Can Help Fight Climate Change" ). But are the current conditions—and other extreme weather like the drought in Texas last year—related to climate change?
To read the full, original article click on this link: Is Climate Change to Blame for the Current U.S. Drought? - Technology Review
