The scientific evidence continues to mount that climate change could be responsible for Hurricane Harvey and Irma, and many other big storms.
The climate is changing around us, we have experienced droughts, wild fires, record high temperatures and major hurricanes.
According to the NRDC:
Hurricane Harvey was the first category 4 hurricane to hit the United States in almost 12 years. The storm brought winds of up to 130 miles per hour and over 50 inches of rain on parts of Texas.
The National Weather Service said the storm is “unprecedented and all impacts are unknown and beyond anything experienced.”
According to climate change research, ocean levels will rise up to 23 inches by the end of the century due to global warming. The sea levels rise because of the rise in temperature.
The warmer waters can increase the chance of stronger winds. The warmer air can also hold more moisture, which means more intense rains. And the higher sea levels can increase the range of floods.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration explains: “Hurricanes start simply with the evaporation of warm seawater, which pumps water into the lower atmosphere. This humid air is then dragged aloft when converging winds collide and turn upwards. At higher altitudes, water vapor starts to condense into clouds and rain, releasing heat that warms the surrounding air, causing it to rise as well. As the air far above the sea rushes upward, even more warm moist air spirals in from along the surface to replace it.”
Scientists, activists and celebrities are urging people more than ever to help slow down climate change.
”Global warming is not only the number one environmental challenge we face today, but one of the most important issues facing all of humanity,” said Leonardo DiCaprio, an Academy Award-winning actor and leading environmental activist. “We all have to do our part to raise awareness about global warming and the problems we as a people face in promoting a sustainable environmental future for our planet.”
If you are in an area that experiences hurricanes, make sure to read our article and how to be prepared for the next big storm.
Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
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1. “Hurricane Harvey Is A Climate-Change Storm.” The Huffington Post, Huffington Post, 13 Sept. 2017, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/hurricane-harvey-is-a-climate-change-storm_us_59a48673e4b03c5da162aedd.
2. “How Does The Ocean Affect Hurricanes?” NOAA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 13 Sept. 2017, http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/facts/hurricanes.html.
