Human-Caused Climate Change Intensifies Hurricanes: Study Confirms…

A flash study concludes that climate change has intensified Hurricane Helene’s impacts, increasing rainfall by approximately 10% and wind speeds by 11%. This trend is expected to continue with Hurricane Milton. Experts emphasize the role of human-induced climate change in exacerbating hurricane intensity, warning of more severe future storms and the necessity for improved preparedness and fossil fuel reduction.

A recent flash study conducted by scientists from World Weather Attribution has revealed that human-induced climate change has significantly intensified the impacts of Hurricane Helene. The research indicates that the precipitation from Helene increased by approximately 10% due to climate change while the wind speeds were elevated by about 11%, equating to an increase of about 13 miles per hour (20.92 kilometers per hour). This intensified weather pattern is also anticipated for the approaching Hurricane Milton, which poses a threat to the Florida coast. The study highlights alarming statistics on ocean temperatures, stating that the seas in the Gulf of Mexico were recorded at around 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius) above their average levels. These elevated temperatures have reportedly made storms like Helene 200 to 500 times more likely. Ben Clarke, a co-author and climate researcher at Imperial College London, noted, “Hurricane Helene and the storms that were happening in the region anyway have all been amplified by the fact that the air is warmer and can hold more moisture…” This suggests that while Helene would have caused high precipitation independently of climate change, the additional moisture in warmer air exacerbated rainfall totals significantly. The study warns of the potential for future hurricanes similar to Helene, leading to what scientists describe as “unimaginable” inland flooding, a trend currently exacerbated by continued fossil fuel consumption. Records indicate that Helene resulted in catastrophic conditions, including a 15-foot (4.57 meters) storm surge, sustained wind speeds of 140 miles per hour (225.31 kilometers per hour), and over 230 fatalities, making it the most lethal hurricane to strike the mainland United States since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Helene’s devastating impact resulted in more than 40 trillion gallons of rainfall, further amplified by anthropogenic climate change. The study emphasizes that hurricanes of Helene’s intensity were once expected to occur every 130 years, but due to climate change, their likelihood has increased by approximately 2.5 times. WWA’s assessments utilize peer-reviewed methods despite not undergoing peer review themselves, employing weather data and climate models to gauge the influence of climate change on severe events. Further analysis from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory reported that climate change contributed to a 50% increase in rainfall in specific areas affected by Helene. Kim Cobb, director of the Institute at Brown for Environment and Society, remarked on the uncertainties related to quantifying climate change’s impact on storm severity, asserting that it undoubtedly increases the destruction caused by these storms. As experts anticipate further warming in the coming decades, they emphasize the urgent need for improved emergency preparedness and resilience planning. The swift succession of Helene and Milton exemplifies the potential future ramifications of continuous climate change if substantial steps are not taken to mitigate its effects. Clarke emphasized the critical need for a transition away from fossil fuels, stating, “That just hinges on how we change our energy systems and how many more fossil fuels we burn.”

The phenomenon of climate change, primarily driven by the combustion of fossil fuels, has been known to affect weather patterns and the intensity of natural disasters, including hurricanes. As global temperatures rise, sea surface temperatures also increase, providing additional energy for storms. Research has shown that this warming climate influences hurricane activity, leading to stronger storms with greater rainfall and wind intensity. Recent studies, particularly from organizations such as World Weather Attribution, are increasingly highlighting the direct relationship between human-caused climate change and the escalating severity of hurricanes, emphasizing the urgent need for action to mitigate its impacts.

In conclusion, the evidence presented in recent studies underscores the profound effect of climate change on hurricane intensity and rainfall. With the current trajectory of global warming, we are witnessing a significant increase in the frequency and severity of such weather events, as exemplified by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The scientific community stresses the importance of addressing fossil fuel consumption to prevent further escalation of these destructive storms, highlighting an urgent call for improved emergency response measures and sustainability efforts.

Original Source: wgntv.com