How can climate change affect natural disasters?

_Elsa_

‘With increasing global surface temperatures the possibility of more droughts and increased intensity of storms will likely occur. As more water vapor is evaporated into the atmosphere it becomes fuel for more powerful storms to develop. More heat in the atmosphere and warmer ocean surface temperatures can lead to increased wind speeds in tropical storms. Rising sea levels expose higher locations not usually subjected to the power of the sea and to the erosive forces of waves and currents. 

What are the long-term effects of climate change? - Scientists have predicted that long-term effects of climate change will include a decrease in sea ice and an increase in permafrost thawing, an increase in heat waves and heavy precipitation, and decreased water resources in semi-arid regions. 

What is the difference between weather and climate change? - Weather refers to short term atmospheric conditions while climate is the weather of a specific region averaged over a long period of time. 

What are some of the signs of climate change? - • Temperatures are rising world-wide due to greenhouse gases trapping more heat in the atmosphere. • Droughts are becoming longer and more extreme around the world. • Tropical storms becoming more severe due to warmer ocean water temperatures. • As temperatures rise there is less snowpack in mountain ranges and polar areas and the snow melts. 

What is the difference between global warming and climate change? - Although people tend to use these terms interchangeably, global warming is just one aspect of climate change. “Global warming” refers to the rise in global temperatures due mainly to the increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. “Climate change” refers to the increasing changes in the measures of climate over a long period. 

Why is climate change happening and what are the causes? - There are many “natural” and “anthropogenic” (human-induced) factors that contribute to climate change. Climate change has always happened on Earth, which is clearly seen in the geological record; it is the rapid rate and the magnitude of climate change occurring now that is of great concern worldwide. 

How do changes in climate and land use relate to one another? - The link between land use and the climate is complex. First, land cover--as shaped by land use practices--affects the global concentration of greenhouse gases. Second, while land use change is an important driver of climate change, a changing climate can lead to changes in land use and land cover.’ (Source) 

Elsa takes a bit of a break. She decides to take a walk outside.

Oh no! It looks like it’s starting to rain. Could Hurricane Elsa be hitting this area already? Time to go back inside.  

Elsa dries off and goes back to her googling. 

Let’s continue - Stages Of Hurricanes

Start at the beginning – Here comes Hurricane Elsa!