Climate Change

Clean air linked to increase in hurricanes

Published

2 months ago

May 12, 2022

ticker NEWS

Scientists have revealed efforts to reduce air pollution have come with an unintended consequence — an increase in hurricane activity

A 50 per cent decrease in aerosols over the past four decades has led to a 33 per cent increase in the number of tropical cyclones in the North Atlantic according to NOAA Research.

Meanwhile, a 40 per cent increase in aerosol pollution in China and India over the same period actually sparked a 14 per cent decline in the number of tropical cyclones in the region.

During this time air pollution surged throughout China and India, as the nations’ saw a boom in economic and industrial growth.

A new NOAA study has found that reducing human-caused particulate air pollution in North America & Europe brings a surprise result: more hurricanes. https://t.co/LEfc7GrY36 pic.twitter.com/Q3GKd9Gp2b
— NOAA Research (@NOAAResearch) May 11, 2022

Aerosol pollutions are particles in the air produced by vehicles and factories which burn fossil fuels.

Aerosols cause poor air quality and are bad for human health, but do not cause global warming like carbon dioxide or methane.

In fact aerosols have an overall cooling effect on the climate by reflecting sunlight back to space.

“Decreasing aerosol emissions is something that’s good for human health; but on the other hand, we found there are some bad effects when we reduce aerosol emissions — and that is hurricane activity,”
Hiro Murakami, researcher, noaa

The lead author of the study, Hiro Murakami says this doesn’t mean governments should stop trying to reduce air pollution.

“Aerosol decrease may lead to good health, but on the other hand, hurricane risk increases. This is where good things accompany bad things. It’s kind of like pros and cons.” He says.

Researchers found the United States’ Clean Air Act and similar actions in Europe led to the ocean absorbing more sunlight, leading to warmer sea surface temperatures and therefore, more storms.

Climate Change

Major disruption in Sydney as climate protesters take to the streets

Published

2 hours ago

June 27, 2022

Ahron Young

There’s been major disruption across Sydney, as climate protesters take to the streets and block CBD roads

NSW Police officers chased dozens of climate protesters who were seen throwing milk crates, and barricades.

One demonstrator blocked the entry to one of the busiest thoroughfares in the city.

Members from Blockade Australia kicked off the rally by attempting to stop flowing traffic by dragging rubbish bins, construction barriers and building material into the middle of the road.

The Sydney Harbour Tunnel has now reopened but the organisation says it will hold more protests this week.

Climate Change

Yellowstone disaster: record rainfall, massive flooding and mudslides

Published

4 days ago

June 23, 2022

William Howard

As Yellowstone National Park celebrates 150 years, emergency crews are scrambling to reopen roads and facilities following heavy rain and huge flooding

This is Yellowstone’s first natural disaster and has forced the region to close during the peak summer period.

Tourists and residents are being evacuated from the area as some roads have been destroyed leaving visitors stranded.

Resulting in a major blow to local tourism operators and surrounding communities.

Montana, one of the three states the park belongs to, has not seen this type of flooding in more than a century.

The national park’s northern half is expected to remain shut for at least the rest of the season, with Montana’s governor declaring a statewide disaster.

Record rainfall has triggered epic flooding, mudslides and rockfalls in Yellowstone.

Dangerous rockslides caused the park officials to shut down all five entrances to the park on Tuesday.

It follows one of the wettest springs in years and a sudden spike in summer temperatures, meaning the runoff of snow from the winter months has been quite intense.

Danaya Malenda contributed to this report.