Human-induced climate change has been shown to increase the intensity of Hurricane Helene, boosting rainfall by approximately 10% and wind speeds by about 11%. Similar trends are expected for Hurricane Milton. The studies highlight the urgent need for addressing climate change to prepare for future hurricanes and flooding risks.
Recent studies have shown that human-induced climate change significantly intensified Hurricane Helene, increasing its rainfall by approximately 10% and its wind speeds by around 11%. As Hurricane Milton looms over the Florida coast shortly thereafter, scientists anticipate similar effects. The rise in ocean temperatures, attributed to climate warming, made conditions for Helene 200 to 500 times more probable, with Gulf of Mexico waters about 3.6°F (2°C) above normal. Ben Clarke, a climate researcher at Imperial College London and co-author of the study, emphasized that warmer air holds more moisture, amplifying storm impacts. Consequently, rainfall from Helene, totaling over 40 trillion gallons, would have been significantly lower without the climate’s warming effects. Helene has been linked to over 230 fatalities, primarily due to catastrophic inland flooding rather than wind damage, marking it as the deadliest hurricane since Katrina in 2005. Climate projections suggest that intense hurricanes, such as Helene, are now 2.5 times more likely in the affected regions compared to historical occurrences, with further warming expected to exacerbate hurricane statistics. Furthermore, a separate analysis indicated that climate change contributed to an increase of 50% in rainfall in specific areas of Georgia and the Carolinas following Helene’s landfall. Experts assert that storms like Helene and the upcoming Milton should prompt stronger emergency preparation and resilience planning, as ongoing fossil fuel consumption will worsen future storm statistics. According to Clarke, “As we go into the future and our results show this as well, 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.”
The article focuses on the impact of climate change on severe weather events, particularly hurricanes. It discusses the findings from scientific studies analyzing Hurricane Helene’s intensity and rainfall and suggests similar patterns could occur with Hurricane Milton. Notably, it highlights the correlation between rising sea temperatures and the increased frequency and severity of hurricanes, emphasizing the urgent need for climate action as fossil fuel consumption continues to elevate risks for future weather-related disasters.
The findings presented in the article demonstrate a clear relationship between climate change and the intensification of hurricanes, exemplified by Hurricane Helene. The anticipation of similar effects in Hurricane Milton reinforces the need for proactive measures in emergency preparedness and climate resilience, particularly as global warming continues to pose significant threats in the form of more frequent and severe storms. As the evidence mounts, it is imperative for society to address the root causes of climate change through sustainable practices and reduced fossil fuel reliance to mitigate future disaster risks.
Original Source: www.kxnet.com
