Podcast Summary
Hurricane Season, Climate Change: Climate change contributes to more active hurricane seasons, with this year's Atlantic forecast being particularly concerning due to high ocean temperatures and other factors. Prepare for potential storms in hurricane-prone areas.
Climate change is leading to more active hurricane seasons, as discussed in the NPR podcast Shortwave. This year's Atlantic hurricane forecast is particularly concerning due to the combination of high ocean temperatures and other factors. Hurricane-prone areas, which include a significant portion of the United States, need to be prepared for potential storms. Meanwhile, in international news, Narendra Modi continues to hold a powerful position in Indian politics, but questions remain about how he has maintained his power. The discussion on NPR's Embedded podcast, Supermajority, provides insight into the challenges faced by Republican women in speaking out against their party, while the NPR Climate Desk Correspondent shares the latest science behind hurricanes and climate change. Stay informed and stay prepared.
Atlantic hurricane season 2022: The 2022 Atlantic hurricane season is predicted to have more storms than average due to unusually high ocean temperatures, potentially leading to over two dozen storms compared to the average of 14.
The 2022 Atlantic hurricane season is predicted to have more storms than average due to unusually high ocean temperatures, fueling the growth of tropical systems. This is the largest predicted number of storms at the beginning of a hurricane season, with potential for over two dozen storms compared to the average of 14. The increase in storm activity is attributed to statistical forecasting using math, as well as the ongoing impact of human-caused climate change, which is driving up temperatures around the world, including in the Atlantic Ocean where hurricanes form. Preliminary data suggests that record-breaking ocean heat has persisted for over a year, making it more likely for disturbances to develop into full-blown tropical systems.
Ocean warming and hurricanes: The rapid warming of the North Atlantic ocean, contributing to more intense storms and flooding, is a mystery to scientists with potential causes including sun changes, pollution, data errors, or computer model inaccuracies.
The warming oceans are a mystery to scientists, with ocean temperatures rising faster than expected, potentially contributing to more intense storms and flooding. This warming is largely due to the absorption of excess heat from fossil fuel pollution, but the recent rapid warming in the North Atlantic has scientists puzzled. Possible explanations include changes in the sun, dust and pollution levels, and errors in data or computer models. Ultimately, the cause remains unclear, but the implications for hurricane activity and flooding are significant. The most deadly part of hurricanes is actually the rain, which can cause extensive flooding far inland, leading to the majority of hurricane-related deaths in the U.S.
Volcanic warming effect: Volcanic eruptions can both cool and warm the Earth through ash and water vapor, but human-caused climate change is the leading contributor to ocean warming
While volcanic eruptions can cool the Earth's surface with ash and reflect sunlight, the water vapor released during underwater eruptions can actually contribute to warming by trapping heat in the atmosphere as a greenhouse gas. This is a new theory being explored to explain the current trend of unusually warm ocean temperatures. However, it's important to note that the cause of the ocean's heat is likely a combination of factors, and human-caused climate change is the leading contributor. Additionally, while warm ocean temperatures can contribute to an increased number of hurricanes, they are not the only factor. Wind patterns also play a significant role in hurricane formation. Last year, for example, saw an average number of hurricanes despite abnormally warm ocean temperatures.
Hurricane Preparation: Hurricane season is expected to be more active and destructive this year, forecasters urge preparation including evacuation plans, protecting homes, considering medical needs, and staying informed.
This year's hurricane season is expected to be more active and potentially more destructive than last year, thanks to favorable wind conditions and warmer ocean temperatures. Forecasters are urging people living in hurricane-prone areas, from Texas to Maine, to get prepared now rather than waiting for a storm to approach. Preparation includes making an evacuation plan, figuring out what to do about pets, protecting your home, and planning for staying at home if local guidance advises sheltering in place. Considerations for preparation also include any medical needs, such as medication that requires refrigeration or electrical medical devices. Don't be a sitting duck – take control of your situation.
Hurricane Evacuation Planning: Prepare a personalized evacuation plan before hurricane season starts and communicate it with family and neighbors to ensure safety for those with mobility challenges.
If you have mobility challenges that make evacuations harder, it's essential to plan ahead and prepare before the hurricane season begins. This includes making a personalized evacuation plan and communicating it with family members and neighbors who might need assistance. Don't wait until the last minute; do it now. Additionally, NPR's Shortwave podcast listeners are encouraged to support the show by subscribing to Shortwave Plus for ad-free listening. The podcast is produced by Rachel Carlson, edited by Rebecca Ramirez and fact-checked by Rebecca Hurfield, with audio engineering by Quacey Lee. Beth Donovan is the senior director, and Colin Campbell is the senior vice president of podcasting. State of the World from NPR is a daily podcast that transports listeners to different parts of the globe to learn about international news and events. It's an excellent resource for staying informed about vital international stories every day.
NPR news: NPR offers up-to-date news on major headlines, both domestic and international, and provides local programming emphasizing traditional skills. The NPR app makes this information easily accessible.
NPR provides up-to-date news on the day's major headlines, including the recent passing of the debt ceiling bill in the Senate to prevent a national loan default. NPR's coverage extends beyond domestic news, offering stories from around the world. Additionally, NPR's local programming, such as Colorado Matters, highlights the importance of traditional skills like foraging and living off the land in various cultures. All of this information is readily accessible through the NPR app, making it a convenient and valuable resource for staying informed.