CLIMATEWIRE | Scientists have discovered that climate change has increased the maximum wind speeds of every Atlantic hurricane that formed this year. All 11 storms intensified between 9 and 28 miles per hour due to warmer-than-average ocean temperatures.
This additional energy caused seven storms to reach a higher category than they would have without climate change. Hurricanes Debby and Oscar, in particular, would likely have remained tropical storms in a world without global warming.
The findings were released by researchers from Climate Central, a nonprofit organization focusing on climate science and communication. The study highlights the intensifying threat of hurricanes in a warmer climate.
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Lead study author Daniel Gilford, a climate scientist at Climate Central, emphasized the impact of rising global temperatures on ocean temperatures. This insight allows researchers to estimate the effects on hurricane intensities.
The study covers not only the 2024 season but also the last five years of Atlantic hurricanes. The analysis shows that elevated ocean temperatures led to a significant increase in wind speeds for the majority of hurricanes during this period.
In 2024, all Atlantic hurricanes were influenced to some extent by warming ocean waters, reinforcing the trend of intensifying storms in a changing climate.
The research also reveals that specific hurricanes, such as Lee, Ian, Lorenzo, Milton, and Beryl, reached catastrophic Category 5 status solely due to the effects of climate change. Milton, in particular, experienced a rapid intensification that can be attributed to warming waters influenced by climate change.
The study relies on attribution science to analyze the relationship between global warming and extreme weather events. By comparing real-world data with hypothetical scenarios without human-induced climate change, researchers can quantify the impact of global warming on extreme weather.
The analysis emphasizes the role of warming ocean temperatures in the intensification of hurricanes, a phenomenon that has been predicted for decades.
The intensification of hurricanes underscores the need for continued research and communication of the risks associated with climate change. Improved understanding and awareness can potentially help save lives in vulnerable communities.
Age of unprecedented disasters
In addition to wind speeds, studies have shown that climate change can increase the intensity of hurricane rainfall, leading to more destructive floods. Water-related impacts from hurricanes, including storm surge and heavy rainfall, contribute significantly to the overall damage caused by tropical cyclones.
The escalating damage from hurricanes, particularly those of higher categories, highlights the urgency of studying wind speeds and communicating the associated risks to the public.
The rapid intensification of hurricanes poses a growing challenge for emergency managers, as storms can quickly escalate into major threats with little warning. Communities are facing unfamiliar and more severe impacts from hurricanes, increasing the need for effective communication and preparedness.
The frequency of record-breaking or unprecedented events is on the rise, underscoring the importance of proactive measures to mitigate the impact of intensifying disasters in a changing climate.
Scientists and emergency managers are exploring innovative strategies to communicate the risks associated with intensifying disasters to vulnerable communities. Enhanced communication and awareness are crucial in addressing the challenges posed by evolving climate-related threats.
Reprinted from E&E News with permission from POLITICO, LLC. Copyright 2024. E&E News provides essential news for energy and environment professionals.
