Climate change is driving stronger hurricanes as cities remain unprepared
Scientists warn that rising global temperatures and cleaner air, with reduced pollution, are making hurricanes more powerful, increasing flood risks for unprepared coastal cities.
Bob Berwyn reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- Climate change is boosting hurricane intensity by increasing wind speeds and flooding potential.
- Reduced sulfate aerosol pollution has contributed to warmer oceans, fueling more frequent and severe storms.
- Coastal cities lack sufficient infrastructure to cope with rising flood risks due to climate change.
Key quote:
“One recent study suggests that human-caused warming boosted the Helene-related flooding in the southeastern U.S. by 40 percent. All of this continues to increase as long as the warming continues until our carbon emissions reach zero.”
— Michael Mann, director of the Center for Science, Sustainability and the Media
Why this matters:
As temperatures rise, hurricanes become stronger and cause more flooding, especially with rising sea levels. Without better preparation, millions of coastal residents remain vulnerable to these escalating climate threats.
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