Introduction
Much like water, wind is a formidable force. We’ve all felt heavy gusts, yet nothing compares to that of tornadoes. These are another serious weather event that will be impacted by climate change. As earth’s climate warms, multiple natural processes are thrown out of wack.
At risk areas
Areas at risk of tornadoes currently will be at higher risk as climate change progresses 1. This means that areas that were previously devastated by such events will be even more at risk than before. This can have awful impacts on the lives of the people whom have already suffered through a natural disaster. There are many people who have had to rebuild there homes as well as lives hoping that something like that never happens again. Yet, the research shows they will be more at risk than ever.
Future projection
Using our understanding of how temperature and other factors affect tornado formation, scientists are able to project the occurrence of tornadoes in simulations following the changes that will be imposed by climate change. It is estimated that climate change will increase the occurrence of tornadoes by 56-299%2. That is a substantial increase to the already large number of incidences. This increase will see more people being harmed and relocated due to such severe events.
Conclusion
It is clear that with the advancement of climate change, tornadoes and other natural disasters will be on the rise. It is important that we keep up to date on the literature surrounding these events, so that we may compile arguments toward ecological protective measures.
Tornadoes in the news
2) https://weather.com/storms/severe/news/2025-02-12-severe-storms-south-flooding-tornadoes\
References:
- Strader SM, Ashley WS, Pingel TJ, Krmenec AJ. 2017. Projected 21st century changes in tornado exposure, risk, and disaster potential. Climatic Change. 141(2):301–313. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584-017-1905-4.
- Forbis DC, Patricola CM, Bercos-Hickey E, Gallus WA. 2024 May 1. Mid-Century Climate Change Impacts on Tornado-Producing Tropical Cyclones. Weather and Climate Extremes.:100684–100684. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wace.2024.100684.