Summarize the article-
This article discusses the impact of climate on hurricanes Irma and Harvey. The author makes it very clear that global warming did not cause the hurricanes to form. There have always been hurricanes in the region. However, as indicated by the author, warm ocean water causes tropical storms to strengthen. Over the past 100 years, sea levels have risen 7 inches, and the average temperature has increased by 1 to 3 degrees Fahrenheit. The article maintains that warmer, higher waters, mixed with record flooding in Louisiana that climate scientists cited in the article maintain was “40% more likely to occur” because of climate change made the effects of the storm far more devastating. The article shows data about …show more content…
Millions of people lost power, several people lost their lives, and thousands of people lost everything they own. Homes and businesses were destroyed, roads were flooded, and millions of dollars of damage was caused by the storm.
In your opinion, what are the possible outcomes?
I think there are three possible outcomes. The first outcome I think is the most likely, where people still refuse to change their ways or open their eyes to the negative effects (or even existence of) climate change and this trend of severe weather not only continues, but worsens. Another, less likely outcome is that people realize how dire the situation is, cut back on energy consumption, and politicians bring about strict environmental reform to help negate some of the damage already caused and to prevent further harm. The third outcome is the one that I find to be the least likely. And that is nothing. Many of the claims in the article are based off correlations, such as the fact that on average hurricanes have been stronger since the 1980s. The increase in category 4 and 5 hurricanes coincides with the increase of ocean temperatures. There is a very strong …show more content…
I believe it is important to be aware of this issue because I think everyone should know the negative impact their actions have on the lives of millions. I think new environmental policy should be enacted to protect the environment, and that will not happen until people are educated about the seriousness of climate change. I think people would think twice about their gas guzzling pickup trucks if they understood the immediate damage it is causing.
In your opinion, what are solutions or considerations for the future?
I think people should try to find a way to cut back on their carbon emissions in their day to day lives. I believe people should be encouraged to convert to green energy. I also think it is important for the United States to enact stricter laws regarding carbon emissions and anything else that may have a negative effect on the climate in order to prevent further change to the climate.
How and why did your opinion change because of reading this article? If you did not have an opinion regarding this issue or situation, but formed an opinion as a result of reading this article, explain how and why you arrived at your