What causes extreme weather events like hurricanes and droughts?.

Extreme weather events such as hurricanes and droughts are primarily driven by a combination of natural and human-induced factors. Global warming, driven by increased greenhouse gas emissions, intensifies weather patterns, leading to more severe and frequent occurrences of such events.

Key Facts

• Hurricanes can be fueled by warm ocean temperatures, which have risen due to climate change.
• Droughts can occur as a result of prolonged periods of high temperatures and reduced rainfall, often exacerbated by human activities.
• The frequency of extreme weather events is projected to increase by 50% by 2050 due to climate change (IPCC).
• Areas prone to hurricanes, like the Caribbean and southeastern USA, have seen a 30% increase in storm intensity since the 1980s (NOAA).

Examples or Use Cases

• Hurricane Katrina (2005) showcased the devastating impact of extreme storms on urban infrastructure and communities.
• The 2012 U.S. drought affected over 60% of the continental U.S., leading to significant agricultural losses.

FAQs

1. What role does climate change play in extreme weather? Climate change increases the likelihood and intensity of extreme weather events due to rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns.
2. Can extreme weather events be predicted? While forecasting technology has improved, predicting the exact occurrence and severity of extreme weather remains challenging.