Narrow Results

Through warming of the oceans, human-induced climate change effects accumulate. The result is higher ocean heat content (OHC), sea levels and sea surface temperatures (SSTs). The resulting environment invigorates tropical cyclones to make them more intense, bigger and longer lasting, and greatly increases their flooding rains. Here, the focus is on Atlantic hurricanes in 2017, featuring Harvey, Irma and Maria, and the huge damage that occurred. Hurricanes keep tropical oceans cooler as a consequence of their strong winds that increase evaporation. Planning for such supercharged hurricanes (adaptation) by increasing resilience (e.g., better building codes, flood protection) and preparing for contingencies (such as evacuation routes, power cuts) is essential but not adequate in many areas, including Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico where Harvey, Irma and Maria took their toll.