Disruption to climate from La Niña

Name(s): 
Inclement weather caused by La Nina phenomenon
Nature 
The phenomenon known as La Niña is a periodic cooling of a large area of the tropical Pacific Ocean. It can alternate with an ocean-warming called El Niño. Both can have an impact on weather worldwide. Atlantic hurricanes are more powerful during La Niña years, while hurricanes have been less destructive during El Niño years.
Counter-claim 
As La Niña makes trouble for some, it benefits others. Because of warmer temperatures and reduced snowfall, by 1999 the USA saved an estimated $5 billion in heating costs since 1997, when one La Niña began, and an estimated $350 million was saved in snow-removal expenses.
Type 
(J) Problems under consideration