Newsletters

Login Sign up for FREE

Here’s what we know about hurricanes and climate change

By illuminem briefings 🌎

Sep 02 2023 · 1 min read

Illuminem Voices
Climate Change · Effects · illuminemX

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on MIT Tech Review or enjoy below

🗞️ Driving the news: Scientists are recognizing the connection between climate change and more extreme weather events, including hurricanes
• These intensified storms have become a global concern, especially as they cause increased damages

🔭 The context: The relationship between climate change and hurricanes is intricate
• Though historically challenging to track, recent data from the North Atlantic suggests a rise in frequency
• Globally, numbers may have declined, and the influence of climate change on storm formation remains debated

🌎 Why does it matter for the planet: Hurricanes are becoming more powerful
• Studies showcase a rise in major hurricanes over the past decades, linking the strength of these storms to warming oceans

⏭️ What's next: Climate change intensifies hurricanes through factors like higher sea levels, boosting storm surges, and increased rainfall from warmer air
• There's potential for storms to stall, leading to extended heavy rainfall, as seen with Hurricane Harvey in 2017

💬 One quote: “Unfortunately, we’re getting better warnings, but we can’t get indefinitely better” (Kerry Emanuel, professor emeritus in atmospheric science at MIT)

📈 One stat: In a recent study examining satellite images from 1979 to 2017, researchers found a growing proportion of storms achieving "major hurricane" status, characterized by winds surpassing 110 miles per hour

Click for more news covering the latest on climate change

Did you enjoy this illuminem voice? Support us by sharing this article!

About the author

illuminem's editorial team - providing you with concise summaries of the most important sustainability news of the day.

Follow us on Linkedin, Twitter​ & Instagram

Other Illuminem Voices

illuminem briefings 🌎
Sep 29 2023
Swiss glaciers lose 10% of their volume in two years
Swiss glaciers lose 10% of their volume in two years
illuminem briefings 🌎
Sep 29 2023
Portugal’s Gen-Z sues dozens of governments over climate change
Portugal’s Gen-Z sues dozens of governments over climate change