By Phoenix Guevara, Oct. 22 2024
In the past eight years alone, eight Category 4 or 5 storms have hit the United States, matching the total from the previous 57 years combined, according to a blog post from the Union of Concerned Scientists.
This year, hurricanes have continued to take lives and damage the economy. In consecutive months, coastal communities in the East faced back-to-back batterings from two major storms:Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Hurricane Helene made landfall this September, killing over 200 people. Hurricane Milton followed in October, taking over 20 lives so far and dumping up to 16 inches of rain in St. Petersburg, Florida.
With climate change conducive to hurricane development, many experts warn we should expect more frequent and destructive storms in the future if emissions are not curbed.
“The number one influence changing hurricane patterns is sea surface temperature,” Nick Van Buer, a geology professor, said. “As waters warm due to climate change, storms become more intense and may reach higher latitudes that were previously too cool.”
The National Hurricane Center adopted the practice of naming hurricanes in 1953. Hurricane Alice in 1954 was the first officially named storm. The purpose was to reduce confusion by identifying storms by name rather than by date and location. Since then, over 300 hurricanes have hit the United States.
The aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton has resulted in severely damaged coastlines and altered infrastructure across entire regions. Jimmy Allard and Natalie Esparza, two geological science students, have growing concerns over the lasting impacts of the recent storms.
“Regions that are affected become more and more unlivable, and it becomes such a multifaceted issue,” Allard says.
Esparza added that even though media shows the destruction of homes, we can’t forget that hurricanes also affect the ecosystems.
“Marine life is deeply affected by the strong currents, winds and temperature changes that hurricanes bring, leading to significant losses in marine populations,” Esparza said.
According to a statement from the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, scientists are still determining whether climate change will increase the overall number of hurricanes over time. Still, they are confident that the intensity and severity of hurricanes will continue to grow as ocean temperatures rise.
The formation of hurricanes is caused by a combination of several factors aside from ocean surface temperatures, including atmospheric instability and favorable wind patterns.
Looking ahead, climate models show no end to the trend of climate change and hurricanes. A report from NASA states that 90% of global warming occurs in the ocean, creating conditions for stronger hurricanes.
While preventing natural disasters entirely may not be possible, urgent action and long-term planning are critical for coastal communities. Miami Beach, for instance, has initiated a $100 million project to elevate roads and install pumps to combat increased flooding.
However, infrastructure upgrades can only help communities adapt to a world with stronger hurricanes. Lowering future hurricane threats means addressing the root cause of increased climate — greenhouse gas emissions.
Individuals have a key role to play through everyday actions like unplugging devices, installing LED lighting and making sustainable transportation choices, according to a report from The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. Though small on their own, these conservation steps add up significantly when multiplied by millions.
As climate change continues to contribute to rising ocean temperatures, hurricanes have the potential to strengthen in intensity and duration. However, opportunities exist to mitigate climate change and better prepare communities for extreme storms through sustainable habits and infrastructure upgrades. The window for action is narrowing, but strategic preparations implemented now can spare future generations from bearing the consequences of inaction. With stakes this high, the time for climate awareness and hurricane preparedness is undoubtedly upon us.
Featured Image Courtesy of NASA