Frequent destructive storms as global warming intensifies

Motorists lift their bikes over an uprooted tree as Gopalpur was cut off after several trees fell as heavy winds blow across Gopalpur in Odisha as Cyclonic storm Phailin crosses Odisha and Andhra coast on Saturday. Photo: K.R. Deepak

Intense and destructive storms are likely to occur more frequently as global warming intensifies, Greenpeace said on Saturday.

“Such intense and destructive storms are likely to become more frequent in the future as global warming intensifies. Even a small increase in the ocean’s warmth can turn tropical disturbances into hurricanes or pump up an existing storm’s power,” said Greenpeace India member Biswajit Mohanty.

According to the organisation, cyclone Phailin which is expected to hit the coastal areas of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh is likely to be the strongest such to affect India in 14 years, since the 1999 Odisha cyclone.

“Since governments have refused to deal with climate change and instead allow the pumping of ever more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, global temperatures will continue to increase, said Mohanty.

“Scientists expect tropical cyclones in some regions to become more intense with increased rainfall and wind speed, posing an even greater threat,” he added.