By Jim Steele

NCA Hype: NCA constantly claimed that “hurricanes are both expected to increase in the region due to human-induced climate change, which will affect public health unless adaptation measures are taken (high confidence).”

The NCA focused on human and ecosystem hardships in Puerto Rico caused by Hurricane Maria as an example of growing threats from climate change.

Honest data: hurricanes making landfall in the USA have decreased.

•The decades with most hurricane landfalls were 1880s (25), 1940s (23), 1890s (22) and 1910s (21)

•The 2000s (19) are tied with the 1870s (19)

•The 2010s (13) had fewer hurricanes than any other decade. Only 1970s (12) had less.

•For Puerto Rico Hurricane Maria (cat 4) 2017 was not unusual or due to global warming. San Ciriaco (cat 4) 1899; San Felipe II (cat 5) 1928; San Ciprian (cat4 ) 1932;

Here’s and example of the hype from the 5th National Climate Assessment

“KEY MESSAGES: Climate-Driven Extreme Events Exacerbate Inequities and Impact Human Health and Well-Being Traditionally underserved and disadvantaged communities suffer disproportionate impacts from climate change because they have been systematically excluded from social services, secure livelihoods, quality education, and other social benefits that help sustain health and well-being (high confidence). Hurricanes and other climate-related extreme events have been associated with higher rates of disease, mental illness, and overall mortality, as well as loss of cultural heritage that is central to community identity (high confidence)… The frequency of heat episodes and the severity of hurricanes are both expected to increase in the region due to human-induced climate change, which will affect public health unless adaptation measures are taken (high confidence).”