If predictions by weather forecasters are anything to go by, parts of the Kingdom mainly north, east central regions will have a severe phase of dust storm starting Thursday. The dust storm is likely to continue till Saturday. Hisham Al-Jelani, Assistant Professor at King Abdul Aziz University, said dust storms and other unpleasant climate changes are a direct consequence of the current global warming phenomenon. Global warming is the process in which the emission of infrared radiations by the atmosphere warms the earth's surface. Increase in concentration of green house gases in the atmosphere affects its thermal balance. “During August 2007, the maximum temperature recorded in Eastern Region reached 53 degree Celsius; a clear evidence of the global warming effect,” said Al-Jelani. This is because many countries have refused to sign the Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement on reducing greenhouse gases. “We have a low rate of gas emission as compared to other producing countries,” Al-Jelani said. He said changing one's lifestyle and prohibiting the use of any product that may increase the concentration of green house gases will have positive consequences on the environment. __
