El Nino, La Nina, drought, and hurricanes: Were the 1990s a preview of the near future?

Is the weather changing and if so, is it the result of a general global climate warming or an active period of natural climate variability, or both? Are we witnessing a transition to more major storms, hurricanes, and droughts? What is the climate forecast for the year 2000-2001, and what areas are likely to be most at risk? What are the options for reducing risk and lessening the impact of severe weather events on communities and ecosystems?