Green Dilemma: Clean Air = More Hurricanes

By: John Semmens

A recently completed National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration study found that a 50% decrease in air pollution particulates led to a 33% increase in Atlantic hurricanes. NOAA hurricane scientist Hiroyuki Murakami explained that “hurricanes need warm water to fuel them. The sun-blocking effects of particulates lower the temperature and act to reduce the quantity of warm water. Ironically, our successful effort to clear the air of these pollutants has made hurricanes worse.”

Biden's EPA Administrator Michael Regan called the effects “transitory. The potential for air pollutants coming out of China should more than make up for the reductions achieved in the United States. Prevailing westerly winds should enable prior pollution levels to be restored and offset the greenhouse effect of cleaner air on ocean temperatures.”

“A potential 'wild card' in the equation is the possibility of nuclear war between Russia and the United States,” Regan speculated. “The amount of particulate debris that would be lifted into the air from such a war could drastically lower global temperatures. Glaciers would begin to grow. Sea levels would start to go lower. The feared planetary disruptions envisioned from global warming would be averted. So, here at the EPA we're cautiously optimistic about the future climate.”