Research demonstrates that human-caused climate change has worsened the impacts of Hurricane Helene, increasing rainfall by 10% and wind speed by 11%. Hurricane Milton is expected to follow suit, emphasizing the urgent need for fossil fuel reduction to prevent future hurricanes with catastrophic inland flooding.
Recent studies reveal that human-induced climate change significantly enhanced Hurricane Helene, increasing its rainfall by approximately 10% and intensifying its winds by about 11%. Such findings emerged just as Hurricane Milton, a newly strengthening storm, posed a threat to the Florida coastline. Experts from World Weather Attribution noted that the warming climate increased Helene’s wind speeds by around 13 miles per hour and made high sea temperatures that fueled the storm 200 to 500 times more probable; the Gulf of Mexico’s temperatures were found to be around 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit above average. According to Ben Clarke, a co-author of the study from Imperial College London, “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, which meant that the rainfall totals — which, even without climate change, would have been incredibly high given the circumstances — were even higher.” With predictions indicating that Hurricane Milton will likely experience similar intensification, scientists warn of the future risks posed by continued fossil fuel consumption. They emphasize that future hurricanes could result in unprecedented inland flooding, recalling that many fatalities from Helene were due to such conditions. Helene made landfall in Florida as a catastrophic storm, showcasing a storm surge of 15 feet and sustaining winds of 140 miles per hour. The effects were felt across several states, leaving millions without power and leading to over 230 fatalities. Helene released an estimated 40 trillion gallons of rain, a level of precipitation that would have been significantly less without climate change’s influence. Clarke remarked that “when you start talking about the volumes involved, when you add even just a few percent on top of that, it makes it even much more destructive.” Hurricanes on par with Helene were previously expected to occur every 130 years, yet current calculations suggest they are now 2.5 times more likely. An analysis by scientists at the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab indicated climate change was responsible for 50% more rainfall in certain areas impacted by Helene. Comparing this to Hurricane Harvey demonstrates how climate change is shifting weather patterns. Kim Cobb, director at the Institute at Brown for Environment and Society, highlighted that while uncertainties exist in quantifying climate change’s impact on storms, it indeed escalates their severity. She expressed, “Helene and Milton should serve as a wake up call for emergency preparedness, resilience planning and the increased use of fossil fuels.” The implications of these findings suggest that without significant reductions in fossil fuel use, the impacts of hurricanes like Helene are poised to worsen in the coming decades. Clarke elucidated that the rapid succession of these two storms exemplifies a potential future driven by climate change, stating, “We still have control over what trajectory this goes in as to what risks we face in the future, what costs we pay in the future.” Ultimately, the assessment of hurricanes underscores the pressing need for global action to mitigate climate change, as the repercussions of inaction may lead to increasing numbers of more intense storms and devastating floods.
The article discusses the alarming impact of climate change on hurricanes, focusing on two significant storms: Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. It emphasizes scientific findings that illustrate how human activities have intensified these storms, particularly through increased rainfall and wind speeds. The information is grounded in research conducted by entities such as World Weather Attribution, which assesses the role of climate change in extreme weather events. The discussion is framed within the context of current environmental challenges and the urgent need for sustainable energy practices to reduce future disaster risks.
The findings concerning Hurricanes Helene and Milton illustrate a stark reality: climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of severe weather events, particularly hurricanes. With predictions indicating that future storms may only intensify, it is vital for society to prioritize emergency preparedness and transition away from fossil fuel dependence to mitigate potential catastrophic impacts. The scientific community reiterates the need for immediate action to curb climate change, as the future of our planet hinges on the steps taken today.
Original Source: www.ksnt.com
