Summary
A study by the World Weather Attribution group revealed that climate change has significantly increased both the intensity and likelihood of Hurricane Helene. The research indicates that the hurricane’s winds were approximately 11% stronger and its rainfall intensity increased by 10% due to climate change, making such storms more frequent and severe.
The findings highlight a troubling trend: hurricanes like Helene are now 2.5 times more likely to occur because of human-induced climate change, shifting from an expected frequency of once every 130 years to once every 53 years. These changes are attributed to warmer ocean temperatures, which enhance storm formation and intensification. As the Gulf of Mexico’s water temperature increased by about 2 degrees Celsius, the conditions for rapid hurricane development became more favorable, leading to more destructive storms impacting not only coastal areas but also inland regions. This pattern emphasizes the urgent need for climate resilience and adaptation strategies as extreme weather events become increasingly common.
How Helene and Milton were supercharged by climate change
Oct. 9 / Npr / Explores the connection between climate change and hurricane intensity, highlighting the rapid intensification of Helene and Milton. The discussion is timely and relevant, offering expert insights on storm dynamics. “ As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida's central west coast, residents are preparing for the worst. The storm exploded into a Category 5 hurricane earlier...
Study: Climate change made deadly Hurricane Helene more intense
Oct. 9 / Voanews / Summarizes key findings from the World Weather Attribution study, detailing how climate change intensified Helene. It effectively communicates the urgency of addressing climate change's impact on extreme weather events. “ Hurricane Helene's torrential rain and powerful winds were made about 10% more intense due to climate change, according to a study published Wednesday by the...
Hurricanes, Climate Change and the 2024 Election
Oct. 11 / The New York Times “ Readers discuss recent hurricanes and actions that citizens can take. Also: Jack Smith’s timing; the Supreme Court and the campaign; therapy as health care;...
Hurricanes, wars call for big ideas now at home, abroad
Oct. 9 / Upi / Analyzes the broader implications of Hurricane Helene and Milton within the context of U.S. governance, critiquing the federal response to natural disasters. The metaphor of "Gulliver" adds a literary touch to the discussion. “ Oct. 9 (UPI) -- The United States seems to be a giant Gulliver, entangled not by Lilliputians but by transformative events that appear beyond its competence...
Harris makes impromptu call into CNN, calls Trump’s hurricane comments ‘dangerous’ - The Hill
Oct. 9 / Google News / Focuses on Vice President Harris's comments regarding Trump's response to the hurricanes, framing the political implications of disaster management. It emphasizes the intersection of climate events and political accountability. “ Harris makes impromptu call into CNN, calls Trump’s hurricane comments ‘dangerous’ The HillHarris says Trump’s putting politics over people with his...
Helene’s reach was shocking, another example of how climate change ‘is here and now,’ scientists say
Oct. 4 / Chicago Tribune / Calls attention to the role of weather attribution science in understanding Hurricane Helene's impact, providing insights from climate experts. It effectively contextualizes the ongoing climate crisis amid political discourse. “ Many people were stunned to see the intense flooding and devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina communities, located inland and...
Image of Donald Trump walking through floodwaters after Hurricane Helene is AI
Oct. 1 / Wfaa / Presents a fact-check on a viral AI-generated image of Trump in floodwaters, showcasing the importance of verifying information in the age of misinformation. It serves as a reminder of the need for media literacy. “ Republican presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump visited Valdosta, Georgia, on Sept. 30 to survey the damage from Hurricane Helene. More...