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Snapshot 13:Thu, Nov 21, 2024 7:20:50 AM GMT last edited by Adam

Study: Warming Oceans Strengthened North Atlantic Hurricane Wind Speeds

Study: Warming Oceans Strengthened North Atlantic Hurricane Wind Speeds

Above: Hurricane Ivan just west of Grenada in the Caribbean Sea on September 7, 2004. Image copyright: Wikimedia Commons

The Spin

This study confirms what we've long known — there's been a doubling of major hurricanes since the 1980s, rising sea levels amplify flooding, and slower-moving storms increase destruction. While non-climate change factors are also at play, governments must take these facts seriously and work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve infrastructure for extreme weather, and build communities to withstand worsening storms.

Climate change is not causing more hurricanes or making them significantly worse. Historical data show hurricane frequency has declined slightly since 1900, with no strong trend in increased intensity. While people are reasonably concerned when they see rises in destruction, it's important to remember that these factors are caused by population growth in vulnerable areas, poor infrastructure, and inadequate disaster planning.

This study confirms what we've long known — there's been a doubling of major hurricanes since the 1980s, rising sea levels amplify flooding, and slower-moving storms increase destruction. While non-climate change factors are also at play, governments must take these facts seriously and work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve infrastructure for extreme weather, and build communities to withstand worsening storms.

ThereClimate change is not causing more hurricanes or making them significantly worse. Historical data show hurricane frequency has declined slightly since 1900, with no strong trend in increased intensity. While people are reasonably concerned when they see rises in destruction, it's aimportant 50%to chanceremember that atthese leastfactors 11are Northcaused Atlanticby hurricanespopulation willgrowth occur in 2025vulnerable areas, accordingpoor toinfrastructure, theand Metaculusinadequate predictiondisaster communityplanning.

Metaculus Prediction

There's a 50% chance that at least 11 North Atlantic hurricanes will occur in 2025, according to the Metaculus prediction community.


The Controversies



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