The link between climate change and the escalating intensity of hurricanes is no longer a matter of debate; it is a grim reality that the world grapples with. The recent hurricane season has provided stark evidence of this trend. This year, we have witnessed 11 hurricanes, their severity significantly amplified due to human-induced global warming.
Seven of these storms escalated to a higher category on the hurricane scale, a consequence attributed to climate change. Amongst these were two Category 5 storms, Beryl and Milton, whose destructiveness left an indelible mark on the regions they hit.
Moreover, the data indicates that the average hurricane wind speed has accelerated by 18 mph from 2019 to 2023. This increase in hurricane intensity suggests the imminent need for a new Category 6 on the hurricane scale. The cause, once again, can be traced back to climate change.
A crucial factor in this increasing intensity of hurricanes is the warmer surface temperatures, highly likely caused by human-induced planetary warming. This warming has significantly contributed to the formation and intensification of hurricanes.
Climate change has also resulted in more frequent rapid hurricane intensification, defined as an increase in wind speed of at least 35 mph within 24 hours. This poses a greater risk to coastal residents, who often have less time to prepare or evacuate in the face of these rapidly intensifying storms.
A study by Climate Central underscores this alarming trend. Their findings show that 84% of Atlantic hurricanes from 2019 to 2023 were, on average, 18 mph stronger due to climate change. This has resulted in 30 hurricanes reaching a higher category of strength.
Rising sea temperatures, another consequence of global warming, have also played a role in intensifying storms. A case in point is Hurricane Milton, which intensified by a staggering 120 mph in less than 36 hours.
Between 2019 and 2023 alone, three storms reached Category 5 due to climate change. Going further, every Atlantic hurricane in 2024 saw an increased maximum wind speed due to higher ocean temperatures.
The connection between climate change and the severity of hurricanes is clear. The evidence is compelling, the impacts are devastating, and the need for global action to mitigate climate change is urgent.
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