The 2020 Hurricane Season
BY DIVYA PRASATH '23
As climate change progresses at an alarming rate, so does the severity of hurricanes. In 2020 alone, there were a total of thirty named tropical storms and six major hurricanes, breaking records and marking the year as one of the most active and catastrophic hurricane seasons yet. Although research predicts that we will see increasingly intense hurricane seasons largely due to global warming, there are still those who ignore these impending fatalities. In the transition to harsher hurricane seasons as the new normal, we must adapt our mindsets and take more extreme actions—our current divided efforts are no longer enough.
Starting in June and ending in late November, this hurricane season shaped up to be one of the worst direct results of global warming. The rising water temperatures provided more energy to fuel storms, leading to powerful hurricanes. Moreover, the warmer atmosphere prolonged the storms’ effects over a given area by slowing hurricane movement and increasing precipitation. Though some people associate this year’s record-breaking season to overarching weather cycles, three of the top five hurricane seasons have occurred in the last twenty years, showing a strong correlation with climate change.
Although this year’s hurricane season has concluded, it left devastating effects in its wake. In the United States, the majority of hurricanes and tropical storms hit southern regions, particularly Florida, which has seen eleven out of the thirty-six hurricanes in total. Over 400 fatalities and billions of dollars were needed to repair damaged homes, buildings, power lines, and local stores. The record-breaking numbers distinguish 2020’s hurricanes from years’ past, clearly indicating that weather will continue to grow more devastating. Needless to say, these storms have impacted millions, and with the pandemic-induced economic and social crises, this season became an overwhelming hardship that many communities endured.
With the detrimental effects on these communities, this shift in hurricane patterns only emphasizes the need for increased and collaborative action to fight climate change. While global warming cannot be reversed in a day, with a combined effort, it can be reduced and eventually stopped, providing a safer living environment for all. Many people have created organizations, taken action to improve climate change, and spread awareness on the issue. More specifically, in order to reduce carbon emissions, there have been continuous efforts to gradually transition to a more energy efficient economy, increase the use of wind or solar power, and become less dependent on nonrenewable energy.
Yet, there are some who believe that climate change and global warming is not a major concern and are against prioritizing its reduction. The phenomena can be attributed to a number of reasons, as many prioritize their personal agendas or oppose the necessary transition to green energy. However, the main cause of this defiance is actually people’s convoluted view of climate change and its potential solutions. Inaccurate information and even selective awareness are factors that influence people’s perspectives, and their denial leaves hurricane victims forgotten and inadequately supported.
Ultimately, these divisive controversies only harm the victims. In fact, the current pandemic mirrors this phenomenon. Doctors and scientists proved that wearing a mask significantly reduces COVID transmission, which only works if everyone participates. However, some deny this fact and refuse to wear a mask, causing relentless spread in these anti-mask communities. Likewise, when people oppose action for climate change, it hinders our progress. In light of a drastic transition in society, whether it be harsher hurricane seasons or the pandemic, only united steps—however small—can work towards an effective solution.
Starting in June and ending in late November, this hurricane season shaped up to be one of the worst direct results of global warming. The rising water temperatures provided more energy to fuel storms, leading to powerful hurricanes. Moreover, the warmer atmosphere prolonged the storms’ effects over a given area by slowing hurricane movement and increasing precipitation. Though some people associate this year’s record-breaking season to overarching weather cycles, three of the top five hurricane seasons have occurred in the last twenty years, showing a strong correlation with climate change.
Although this year’s hurricane season has concluded, it left devastating effects in its wake. In the United States, the majority of hurricanes and tropical storms hit southern regions, particularly Florida, which has seen eleven out of the thirty-six hurricanes in total. Over 400 fatalities and billions of dollars were needed to repair damaged homes, buildings, power lines, and local stores. The record-breaking numbers distinguish 2020’s hurricanes from years’ past, clearly indicating that weather will continue to grow more devastating. Needless to say, these storms have impacted millions, and with the pandemic-induced economic and social crises, this season became an overwhelming hardship that many communities endured.
With the detrimental effects on these communities, this shift in hurricane patterns only emphasizes the need for increased and collaborative action to fight climate change. While global warming cannot be reversed in a day, with a combined effort, it can be reduced and eventually stopped, providing a safer living environment for all. Many people have created organizations, taken action to improve climate change, and spread awareness on the issue. More specifically, in order to reduce carbon emissions, there have been continuous efforts to gradually transition to a more energy efficient economy, increase the use of wind or solar power, and become less dependent on nonrenewable energy.
Yet, there are some who believe that climate change and global warming is not a major concern and are against prioritizing its reduction. The phenomena can be attributed to a number of reasons, as many prioritize their personal agendas or oppose the necessary transition to green energy. However, the main cause of this defiance is actually people’s convoluted view of climate change and its potential solutions. Inaccurate information and even selective awareness are factors that influence people’s perspectives, and their denial leaves hurricane victims forgotten and inadequately supported.
Ultimately, these divisive controversies only harm the victims. In fact, the current pandemic mirrors this phenomenon. Doctors and scientists proved that wearing a mask significantly reduces COVID transmission, which only works if everyone participates. However, some deny this fact and refuse to wear a mask, causing relentless spread in these anti-mask communities. Likewise, when people oppose action for climate change, it hinders our progress. In light of a drastic transition in society, whether it be harsher hurricane seasons or the pandemic, only united steps—however small—can work towards an effective solution.
