Climate change is having a direct impact on the intensity of storms, and Hurricane Helene is no exception. According to a new study, the storm that recently wreaked havoc in Florida and the southeastern United States was amplified by about 10% due to climate change. Additionally, such storms are now 2.5 times more likely to occur, thanks to the ongoing use of fossil fuels, according to research by World Weather Attribution (WWA)【France24】.
How climate change intensified Hurricane Helene
Two weeks after Hurricane Helene left a path of destruction in its wake, researchers have confirmed that climate change played a role in making the storm more powerful. The WWA study found that both rainfall and wind speeds during Helene were boosted by around 10% due to warmer global temperatures. Although a 10% increase might not sound like much, experts warn that even slight intensifications can lead to significantly more damage.
Friederike Otto, a climate scientist involved in the study, stated: “While a 10% increase seems small, it contributes to far greater destruction, especially in densely populated areas.”
The growing threat of stronger storms
Before the impacts of climate change became more pronounced, storms like Hurricane Helene were expected to occur roughly once every 130 years. However, as the planet continues to warm, similar storms are now projected to hit about once every 53 years. The study highlights how burning fossil fuels is directly linked to the increased likelihood of these powerful hurricanes, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change.
The role of warmer water in storm formation
The WWA study took a close look at three key factors that contributed to Hurricane Helene’s strength: rainfall, wind speed, and the temperature of the waters in the Gulf of Mexico. One of the most concerning findings was that water temperatures in the Gulf were 2°C warmer than the historical average, primarily due to climate change. Since warm water is a critical driver in the formation and intensification of hurricanes, these elevated temperatures played a significant role in making Helene more destructive.
Conclusion: Small changes, big impact
Hurricane Helene serves as a stark reminder that even seemingly small shifts in weather patterns, such as a 10% increase in storm intensity, can result in significant consequences. As climate change continues to alter our planet, storms like Helene are becoming more frequent and more dangerous. Addressing the root causes of climate change, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, is essential to mitigate these effects in the future.
Fact check
- Climate change’s impact on Hurricane Helene: Verified. The WWA study confirmed that Helene was made 10% stronger by climate change.
- Increased likelihood of similar storms: True. Due to the warming climate, powerful storms like Helene are now 2.5 times more likely to occur.
- Warmer water temperatures: Accurate. The study found that Gulf of Mexico water temperatures were 2°C above average, significantly intensifying the hurricane.
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