Climate Change Supercharges Hurricane Milton, Devastating Florida
The Devastating Impact of Climate Change
Hurricane Milton, which intensified from a Category 1 storm into a tempestuous Category 5 in less than 24 hours, has left a trail of destruction in Florida, killing 16 people and causing widespread damage. The brutal wind and torrential rainfall that accompanied the storm were worsened by human-caused climate change, according to a team of international scientists.
Global Warming’s Impact on Weather Patterns
Global warming made wind speeds around 10% stronger and rainfall greater by between 20% and 30%, according to an analysis by World Weather Attribution. The group of climate scientists studies the role of climate change in fuelling extreme weather.
Rapid Intensification and Climate Change
Milton intensified from a Category 1 storm into a tempestuous Category 5 in less than 24 hours, feeding off record- and near-record-warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico. Previous scientific analyses have shown climate change has made such temperatures in the Gulf between 400 and 800 times more likely. This extra heat made Milton the third-fastest intensifying Atlantic hurricane on record, with maximum sustained wind speeds reaching 290kph.
Consequences of Climate Change on Weather Patterns
The scientist group noted that rainfall storms similar to Milton are now about twice as likely as they would be without human-induced warming. “This study has confirmed what should already be abundantly clear: climate change is supercharging storms, and burning fossil fuels is to blame,” said Ian Duff, a campaigner at environmental nonprofit Greenpeace. “Millions of people across Florida – many of whom lack insurance – now face astronomical costs to rebuild shattered homes and communities.”
Climate Change and Hurricane Season
Scientists have previously identified a concerning trend of rapid hurricane intensification in the Atlantic over the past 50 years, which they said may be tied to climate change. In light of extremely warm surface-water temperatures around Florida and the Caribbean, forecasters had expected a supercharged Atlantic hurricane season, with between four and seven major storms. Milton is the second Category 5 hurricane this season, which runs from June through November. There have only been five other years since 1950 that registered more than one Category 5 hurricane in one season, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said.
Conclusion
The devastating impact of Hurricane Milton serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of climate change. As the world continues to grapple with the effects of global warming, it is imperative that we take immediate and collective action to mitigate its effects.
FAQs
* What is the current state of the Atlantic hurricane season?
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has seen an unusual number of powerful storms, with two Category 5 hurricanes already this year.
* How does climate change affect hurricane intensity?
Climate change is making hurricanes more intense by warming the oceans, which in turn fuels storm growth.
* What can be done to mitigate the effects of climate change?
Reducing carbon emissions, investing in renewable energy, and adopting sustainable practices can help slow the pace of global warming and its devastating effects on the environment.