The Influence of Climate Change on Hurricanes

Hurricanes are responsible for some of the most costly and devastating disasters to impact the USA, as recent events like Hurricane Helene have underscored. While hurricanes play a crucial role in Earth's climate system, their characteristics are increasingly influenced by the rising concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2).
Our November 2024 public lecture focuses on our current understanding of how anthropogenic climate change is modifying the characteristics of hurricanes. Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory climate scientist Suzana Camargo examines both the changes we can already detect and the projections for the end of the century. The lecture begins with a brief overview of hurricane science and notable historical cases before analyzing the effects of global warming on these powerful storms.