### Human-Driven Ocean Warming Amplifies 2024 Atlantic Hurricanes

Human-induced ocean warming has notably accelerated the intensification of recent Atlantic hurricanes, causing significant increases in their damaging potential, according to recent scientific findings.

Two distinct studies released today highlighted the impact of climate change on hurricane wind speeds. One study featured in the journal Environmental Research: Climate reported that from 2019 to 2023, the maximum sustained winds of Atlantic hurricanes were augmented by 19 mph (31 km/h) due to human-induced ocean warming. Further, a study by the nonprofit Climate Central examined the 2024 hurricane season, identifying that climate change increased the winds of all 11 Atlantic hurricanes by a range of nine to 28 mph (14-45 km/h).

This escalation in wind speeds resulted in seven hurricanes ascending to higher categories on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, with Hurricanes Debby and Oscar advancing from tropical storms to hurricanes. The analysis also revealed that Hurricanes Beryl and Milton were elevated to Category 5, with wind speeds enhanced by 18 mph (29 km/h) and 23 mph (37 km/h) respectively due to anthropogenic warming.

Daniel Gilford of Climate Central, who led the new research, stated, "Every hurricane in 2024 was stronger than it would have been 100 years ago. Human carbon pollution is exacerbating hurricane-related catastrophes in our communities through unprecedented ocean warming."

The studies employed the "potential intensity" theory, posited by MIT’s Kerry Emanuel in 1987, to evaluate how rising ocean temperatures influence hurricane strength. According to the theory, an increase of one degree Celsius (1.8°F) in tropical ocean temperature can boost hurricane wind speeds by approximately 5%.

Supporting these findings, the World Weather Attribution organization reported in October 2024 that Hurricane Milton’s winds were amplified by around 10% due to human-caused climate change. Moreover, researchers at Imperial College London found that climate change increased Hurricane Helene's wind speeds at landfall by about 13 mph or 11%, and Milton’s by nearly 11 mph or 10%.

A comprehensive assessment combining previous data and damage functions estimated that climate change was responsible for 44% of the economic damage from Helene and 45% from Milton, highlighting the substantial financial toll arising from such intensified hurricanes.

Retired NOAA hurricane expert Jim Kossin noted the significance of the study in estimating the influence of anthropogenic factors on hurricane intensities. However, he cautioned against projecting these estimates into the future due to the complex interplay of factors affecting ocean temperatures.

The findings underscore the critical impact of human-induced climate change on hurricane behavior, emphasizing the pressing need for strategies to mitigate these effects and safeguard vulnerable communities.