Based on the estimate by the US military’s installation on Hawaii, the Joint Typhoon Warning Centre, Haiyan was the most powerful recorded cyclone to make landfall. It hit the Philippines with sustained winds of 305km/h to 315km/h.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency, however, estimated it to be much weaker, at some 230km/h. That wouldn’t put it in the top 10. There were no direct observation points on the Philippines to settle the matter. But to the dead, and to the living who must try to rebuild from economic damage estimated by Bloomberg Industries at $US14 billion, it is a distinction without a difference.

Another question being asked is whether climate change has contributed to the cyclone’s ferocity.

It is a pregnant moment to ask. Negotiators from around the world are starting to arrive in Warsaw for the next round of United Nations talks on climate change. This round will culminate at the end of 2015 in new commitments on carbon emissions covering the years beyond 2020.

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