Climate Change: The Amplifying Factor Behind Devastating Hurricanes

What does climate change have to do with hurricane devastation?

Following Hurricane "Helene", which caused massive destruction in the USA two weeks ago, "Milton" has now hit the west coast of Florida. With wind speeds of up to 195 km/h, it again caused serious damage and fatalities. Scientists see climate change as an intensifying factor for such extreme weather events. Warmer sea water promotes the formation and intensity of hurricanes by allowing more evaporation and release of energy. Without human-caused climate changes, storms like "Helene" and "Milton" would have been less powerful, in terms of both rainfall and wind strength.

Hurricane Formation

The hurricane season extends from June to November, and these storms form over warm sea water that reaches at least 26 degrees Celsius. This heat leads to the evaporation of large amounts of water, after which moist air rises into the atmosphere. At altitude, this air cools, the water vapor condenses, and releases considerable amounts of heat in the process. This released energy intensifies the storm by reducing the air pressure and accelerating the rotation. The resulting spiral winds, which spin faster and faster, are characteristic of hurricanes and drive their destructive force.

With the constant influx of warm, humid air, the hurricane continues to grow. Once the storm has formed, the spiraling winds act like a gigantic engine, absorbing more and more energy and further increasing the storm's intensity. Hurricanes usually unleash their greatest destructive power when they make landfall, as they often cause significant damage not just through strong winds, but also through heavy rainfall and flooding.

Climate change is increasingly affecting the formation and intensity of hurricanes, as warmer oceans provide more energy to the storms. As sea water temperatures rise, more water vapor is released into the atmosphere, significantly increasing the likelihood and strength of hurricanes.

Climate Change and Hurricane Intensity

Analysis from the World Weather Attribution (WWA) shows that due to climate change, wind speed and rainfall of Hurricane "Helene" have increased by about 10 to 11 percent. The global warming, which currently stands at 1.3 degrees Celsius, allows the air to absorb more water vapor, which in turn leads to stronger and more intense storms. According to WWA, "Helene" formed under conditions where the water in the Gulf of Mexico was two degrees warmer than before human-induced climate change.

Future Projections

Experts warn that with rising global temperatures, the frequency and intensity of hurricanes will significantly increase. In coastal regions, heavy rainfalls, like those recently observed with Hurricane "Helene", are now expected about every seven years, which represents a significant increase compared to the past. Inland, the likelihood of such extreme events has increased by up to 70 percent due to climate change. With further global warming to two degrees Celsius, the frequency of these extreme weather conditions could increase by 15 to 25 percent. These developments urgently require adaptation measures and preparations for the impending challenges.

Impacts and Adaptation
Research shows that such storms used to occur only every 130 years, but now are expected every 53 years. Politics plays a crucial role in reducing the impacts and intensity of hurricanes. Climate protection measures such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energies can combat climate change, which is associated with the intensity of hurricanes. Sustainable urban planning is also important - cities need to introduce new standards that consider hurricane risks and protect natural barriers such as mangroves and coastal forests.

Further investments in infrastructure are essential to make roads, bridges, and drainage systems more resilient to extreme weather events. Research and technology play a central role by improving the understanding of hurricanes and developing modern early warning systems to enable timely warnings.

Education and awareness programs are also important in informing people about the risks of hurricanes and promoting resilience in vulnerable communities. Likewise, international cooperation is indispensable in developing global strategies to combat climate change and provide support to affected countries for restoration and rebuilding.