Climate change driving one of the most powerful hurricanes in history

11.09.17 By
This article is more than 6 years old

SUPERCHARGED storms around the world, including Hurricane Irma and Harvey are becoming more powerful as a result of worsening climate change, according to the Climate Council.

A Climate Council spokesperson said such extreme weather, including storms, rainfall and flooding events are becoming more intense and severe, causing mass destruction and devastation, as seen in the United States and the Caribbean at the weekend.

“Hurricane Irma is one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded.”

In addition, intense hurricane activity has increased in the North Atlantic since the 1970’s, with the link between worsening climate change and the increasingly dangerous storms undeniable.

“These storms are occurring in a more energetic climate system, with warmer conditions loaded up with more moisture than ever before.”

“We know that Hurricane Harvey alone sparked 1,000-year rains over a 24-hour period. While Hurricane Irma, now a Category 2 storm, has tragically claimed the lives of dozens, with the National Hurricane Centre (NHC) recording winds reaching up to 210 kilometres an hour in some parts of Florida.

“These supercharged storms are becoming increasingly severe. In fact, for the first time in recorded history three hurricanes in this region were forecast to make landfall simultaneously.”

The Climate Council has called on the Federal Government to do its bit to tackle climate change here in Australia, in a bid to lower the nation’s rising pollution levels.

“Sadly, Federal climate and energy policy is missing in action, at a time when we are desperate for leadership in order to tackle climate change.”

“The solution is clear. Australia must rapidly transition to clean, affordable and reliable renewable energy and storage technologies.”

For more information please contact Media Advisor Alexia Boland on 0430 511 068.