Global Warming: The Culprit?

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West Pacific 85 116

Indian 24 50

East Pacific 36 49

North Atlantic 16 25

1975-89 1990-2004

... and causing a lot more damage

10 COSTLIEST U.S. HURRICANES, 1906-2005 (in billions, 2004 dollars)

Katrina '05 $63*

Andrew '92 $43.7

Charley '04 15.0

Ivan '04 14.2

Hugo '89 12.3

Agnes '72 11.3

Betsy '65 10.8

Frances '04 8.9

Camille '69 8.9

Diane '55 7.0

*Experts think the figure could reach $200 billion

How much is global warming to blame?

Since ocean heat gives hurricanes their power, it's reasonable to conclude that global warming is at least indirectly responsible for the increase in powerful storms--but skeptics do remain

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Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

TIME Graphic