Television meteorologist Don Paul, known for his "Four-Degree Guarantee," where he pays viewers money if his forecast is off by more than four degrees, shared his views on meteorology and global warming in Abbott Hall Wednesday night as part of "The Research Revolution" science series hosted by the UB libraries.
The WIVB Channel 4 News weatherman spoke for over an hour about the progress meteorology has made since the 1950s. Paul presented opposing views on global warming, showed a video and fielded questions.
The audience, comprised of children, weather buffs and UB faculty, were eager to ask Paul about his predictions for this winter's snowfall and his experiences as a meteorologist.
"I like his broadcasts in respect to the way he presents the weather. He doesn't hype the weather," said Ray Volpe, an employee at UB Micro. "I was very interested in the topic tonight and his take on it."
Paul contrasted the weather technology of his college days with the equipment that meteorologists use today. Some techniques, such as using weather models, have remained constant, and others have advanced rapidly, he said.
"When I was in college, having a five-day outlook seemed out of the question," Paul said. He mentioned some services now predict the weather up to 16 days in advance.
Weather technology is not the only aspect of meteorology that has progressed over time, according to Paul, who said the role of the meteorologist has undergone radical changes as well.
"I had to take calculus and physics and differential equations. Now all the calc is being done by hitting a few buttons on a keyboard," he said.
Meteorology has seen many advances not only in speed, but also in safety, Paul said.
The advent of the Doppler radar has helped save many lives by giving the public ample time to evacuate their homes if a tornado strikes. Families that live in the plains states now have up to an hour to prepare for a storm.
"Doppler radar has been a leap forward in protecting the public," Paul said.
"If you live in Tornado Alley, that technology has been huge."
The second half of Paul's lecture focused on global warning and its impact on the weather.
Although he has been to many conferences dealing with global warming - including a trip to the White House featuring Al Gore as the speaker - Paul said he wanted to speak objectively on the subject.
"I try to offer the view of the consensus, not my view," Paul said. But his objectivity about global warming disappeared after a few prodding questions from the audience.
"There's so much evidence of its existence. I'm not to get into SUVs," Paul said, drawing a few chuckles from the crowd.
Paul said the debate endures over whether or not humans have caused global warming, yet the issue will remain in limbo until future evidence from either side is found.
"There is no way to measure where natural forces cut off from human sources," he said.
Paul said he was impressed by the audience and the high caliber questions he received.
"I had a great time," Paul said. "I'm much more awake than I normally would be."
"I thought he was great," said Judy Adams-Volpe, director of University and External Relations and host for the evening. "I thought he really engaged the audience. You can see from the people's reaction that he is a beloved person."
Don Paul has been a weatherman since 1976 and came to Channel 4 in 1984.
"This is home," he said of Buffalo.
He began his work in Bangor, Maine and has forecasted in Kansas, Detroit and Florida. He enjoys big band jazz, Frank Sinatra, and he tried to be a comedy writer for the Johnny Carson show.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
