Unheard of outbreaks of tornados in the South, historic drought in the Southwest, record rainfalls in a number of states, summer after summer breaking the previous summer's records for heat and a pattern of massive monster storms slamming the United States are part of the "Age of the New Reality".

Remember, Hurricane Isaac in Louisiana was a similar to Sandy with both being rated as a Cat 1. Isaac filled the entire Gulf of Mexico and actually for a short time changed the direction of the Mississippi River. Over a thousand homes were destroyed and lives lost.

Now we have had Hurricane Sandy which again was a massive monster storm only rated at as a Cat 1. So far 58 lives have been lost and it is expected to rise with access to devastated towns. Sandy is going to be one of the most expensive disasters in United States history.

How could such a storm that was only a Cat 1 become so destructive and massive in size? The ocean is warmer and the Gulf Stream is even more warmer. The warmer waters even go deeper into the ocean to give added fuel that can now support these monster storms moving further and further up the East Coast.

Climate Change means extremes. Don't be surprised if this winter some sections of the United States see records snows from just one storm.

Finally, it is time to look at planning after Sandy. This country along its shoreline's should create natural barriers including new marsh's and wildlife refuges. This nation can't continue to allow more homes to be built right on the beaches. Make part of the joy of going to the ocean the birds and wildlife and entire new wonderful experience. The beaches will still be there and even more exciting than huge condos on the waterfront.

New York City must create policies in the short term to prevent tidal surges from flooding transit, power terminals and other crucial services. The city might look to the Netherlands to get advice to control and regulate rising waters. They have done it very successfully since the Great 1953 Flood.

Finally whoever wins the Presidency has to make this 'new reality' a priority including new emission standards for automobiles, tough negotiations with China, India and Brazil about pollution and the process of making America 'green' one that will be a major job creator! Americans will pay a heavy price with their lives, economy and homes if we don't wise up and realize that Climate Change is already happening. It has arrived and we must act.

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy