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With two major snow storms in Philadelphia and a third on the way, two Drexel University professors and experts in global warming and climatology Dr. James R. Spotila, Betz Chair professor of environmental science, and Dr. Susan S. Kilham, professor of environmental science, say that the increase in the frequency and intensity of winter storms is exactly what is predicted by global warming climate models. Both professors are available for interviews. According to Spotila: “The connection between global warming and our big snow storms is a matter of simple physics. Increased carbon dioxide and other gases such as methane in atmosphere cause increased warming of air, land and oceans by trapping the sun’s heat within the atmosphere. Increased temperature of the air increases the amount of moisture in the air and leads to bigger and more intense storms.”“The carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere has risen from 280 parts per million in 1790 to 387 parts per million this year. This amount of CO2 captures too much heat and warms the earth. We have to reduce the amount of CO2 by greatly reducing the use of carbon based fuels.”According to Kilham: “The oceans are warming, the Arctic ice cap is melting, glaciers are disappearing and the oceans are rising. If we do not get carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere back down to 350 parts per million in the next 20 years we will see even bigger storms more often.”*** To interview one of the Drexel biology professors, contact the Drexel University News Bureau, at 215-895-6741 or 215-778-7752. ***News Media Contact: Niki Gianakaris, director, Drexel News Bureau 215-895-6741, 215-778-7752 (cell) or ngianakaris@drexel.edu