THE ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY - HONG KONG

presents

“Extreme Weather”

by

Christopher Burt

on

Thursday, 28 February 2008

2/F Olympic House, So Kong Po, Causeway Bay
Drinks Reception 6.30 pm; Lecture 7.30 pm

We are delighted to welcome Christopher Burt to Hong Kong to address the Royal Geographical Society on "Extreme Weather", a subject on which he is considered the world expert. In this fascinating lecture, Mr. Burt discusses the types of extreme weather that the world has experienced over the last 100 years and how climate change may be affecting the occurrence of such events. His talk, illustrated by excellent pictures of extreme weather events, covers extreme heat and cold, extreme precipitation and wind, together with everything from thunderstorms, tornados to typhoons.

Few natural events can compare with weather at its worst. It is often reported on the news that the day was the hottest, coldest, wettest or snowiest on record. Is the weather really becoming more extreme? Are tropical storms like Katrina going to become more common and heat waves more intense?

Chris Burt uses his extensive study of weather records going back to 1870 both to note the extremes that have been experienced and put them into context. He covers extreme heat and cold, extreme precipitation and severe storms, illustrated by the extensive statistics he has collected. He also discusses unusual weather phenomena like heat bursts, pink snowstorms, ball lightning, fish falls, luminous tornadoes and other strange meteorological events.

Chris Burt read Meteorology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Mr Burt was co-founder and publisher of the acclaimed Compass American Guides series. His fascination with extreme weather began at birth, as he was born in Manhattan in October 1954 during its most severe hurricane of record, Hurricane Hazel. His weather articles have appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Los Angles Times and Conde Nast Traveller.

Mr Burt is author of the best-selling book "Extreme Weather", a guide and record book on the types of extreme weather that the world has experienced over the last 100 years. Copies of Mr Burt’s recently updated book, including many colour photographs, maps and data tables is available at the lecture.

Members and their guests are most welcome to attend this lecture, which is HK$50 for Members, HK$100 for Members' guests and HK$150 for others.