21 Property destruction in The Bahamas. (Photo by Fr. Bowe) O n March 31st, 2021 five National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) scientists — Thomas R. Knutson, Maya V. Chung, Gabe Vecchi, Jingru Sun, Tsung-Lin Hsieh and Adam J. P. Smith — wrote a paper entitled, Climate Change is Probably Increasing the Intensity of Tropical Cyclones, and reached several important conclusions that we have reproduced here in our newsletter. “Warming of the surface ocean from anthropogenic (human-induced) climate change is likely fuelling more powerful Tropical Cyclones (TCs). The destructive power of individual TCs through flooding is amplified by rising sea level, which very likely has a substantial contribution at the global scale from anthropogenic climate change. In addition, TC precipitation rates are projected to increase due to enhanced atmospheric moisture associated with anthropogenic global warming. Warming of the surface ocean from human-induced climate change is likely fuelling more powerful tropical cyclones (TCs). The destructive power of individual TCs through flooding is amplified by rising sea level, which very likely has a substantial contribution at the global scale from anthropogenic climate change. TC precipitation rates are projected to increase due to enhanced atmospheric moisture associated with anthropogenic global warming. The proportion of Category 4 & 5 TCs has increased, possibly due to anthropogenic climate change, and is projected to increase further. Most climate model studies project the total number of TCs each year to decrease or remain approximately the same.” The forecasts described above should encourage serious reflection and concerted action for Climate Change Adaptation in CARICAD member states. In 2019 the High-Level Working Group on Inter-American Relations & Bipartisanship published a paper entitled, The Caribbean’s Extreme Vulnerability to Climate Change: A Comprehensive Strategy to Build a Resilient, Secure and Prosperous Western Hemisphere. Continues on next page
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