The Steamboat Pilot & Today: Dr. Henry R. Savage: Climate talk

Bill is a highly valued and respected friend with whom I discuss the science of this subject. We sometimes agree on matters and often agree to disagree. My major difference with Bill is the desirability to launch draconian policies in the face of science that fails by a large margin to justify same. The debate is not over and the evidence is not incontrovertable. Many thousands of scientists are now on record expressing doubt about the conclusions regarding anthropogenic global warming. In the late 60s and early 70s alarmists said things such as “The threat of a new ice age must now stand alongside nuclear war as a likely source of wholesale death and misery for mankind” — Nigel Calder at the first Earth Day. “The cooling since 1940 has been large enough and consistent enough that it will not soon be reversed” — C.C. Wallen of the World Meteorological Organization.

Cool August weather in Washington, DC: Fort Reno in Pictures

As we mentioned yesterday, last night was the penultimate Fort Reno show of the summer. It was a magical evening, with weather that gave the term "unseasonably cool" a new meaning. It was almost cold! Everyone cuddling on their blankets in the park seemed to enjoy the cooler climes, that even seemed to keep the mosquitoes at bay. The only person who probably wasn't happy with the way the weather turned out was the ice cream man, who can usually count on a sweaty Fort Reno crowd for a good haul.

Weather alerts boost lung health

A scheme warning people with a lung condition about weather which could have an effect on them has cut hospital admissions for the problem by a fifth.

The Met Office alerts tell people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) when cold weather is due.

More than 8,000 patients from 189 GP practices across the UK are signed up to the scheme.

The British Lung Foundation says users can plan to avoid being out during cold snaps which could harm their health.

COPD is a progressive lung disease that affects over 900,000 people in the UK, causing acute breathlessness meaning everyday life can be very difficult.

Cold air can worsen symptoms by making airways narrower, making it even harder to breathe. Chest infections are also more common in winter.

Deaths due to respiratory disease, like COPD, increase 12 days after a fall in temperature, which causes an increase in colds and breathing problems.