By: Brianna Castillo
What You Need to Know:
In early October, a storm rapidly intensified to a Category 5 hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico, making landfall in Florida at a Category 3 surge, becoming the first CAT 5 hurricane in six years since Hurricane Michael. Native Floridians were forced to flee their homes, others are left without power and at least 24 casualties have been confirmed.
Hurricane Milton took its course, slamming into Florida on a Wednesday morning. Some evacuation zones included Putnam County, St. Johns County, and Flagler County. Urgent “Zone A” area, Tampa Bay, was catastrophically hit as a result of being located in the eye of the storm, as well as other neighboring cities. Due to evacuation orders, the storm prompted a massive block-up on Florida highways, which were packed with families eager to flee the state.
While Hurricane Milton was taking its course, Hurricanes Leslie and Kirk were also brewing in the North Atlantic Ocean. This would make it the first time since 2010 that there had been three active hurricanes concurrently.
How and Why is Climate Change Mass Producing Hurricanes?
Accompanied by Hurricanes Leslie and Kirk, Milton ventured into the Atlantic ocean and died out, but this begs the question: how? The explanation for a triple storm directly correlates to the heating of our oceans. In a study done by NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, we can observe that from 1880 to 2020, ocean temperatures are significantly warmer (the breeding ground for hurricanes). Warm oceans paired with warmer air is the deadly combination that is becoming the norm.
Rapid intensification is the frightening consequence of the global climate crisis today. Sea levels are rising, displacing communities, and marine life is at risk. These extreme weather events are the offspring of the thermal surge being absorbed by the oceans, which is driven by greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. Oceans act significantly as the earth’s climate regulator; with the effects of global warming, the role that oceans play in sustaining the livelihood of ecosystems is maimed.
How We Can Protect Our Oceans: Tackling Climate Issues
Tackling a global crisis like this should be a substantial concern. While we can’t reverse the long-lasting effects of this catastrophe, this is what we can do to conserve our ecosystems: mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. A simple switch to renewable sources of energy, such as wind and solar, can lessen the consumption of carbon energy and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
We can invest in infrastructure and scientific research; being that the past impacts of extreme weather effects cannot be reversed, we can fund efficient infrastructure that will tolerate these conditions. Investing in scientific research for superior ocean data and monitoring will further prevent detriments in vulnerable areas.
We must raise awareness; if people are not properly informed on this crisis nothing will happen in the betterment of it. NASA climate scientist Peter Kalmus spoke out, urging the public to acknowledge the climate’s hightehend temperatures. Kalmus locked himself to a Chase Bank, begging to be heard while visibly emotional, saying “We’re heading towards a f***ing catastrophe, and we’ve been being ignored.”
Practicing sustainable methods, reducing carbon emission, and promoting public awareness can be just the trifecta necessary to enhance and protect the livelihood of the people.