How are extreme weather events such as hurricanes and wildfires linked to climate change?

Climate change is affecting the frequency, intensity, duration, and timing of many extreme weather events, including hurricanes and wildfires. Warmer sea surface temperatures due to global warming are causing hurricanes to become more intense and to dump more rain. For example, the rainfall from Hurricane Harvey in 2017 was increased by about 38 percent due to human-induced climate change.

As for wildfires, hotter and drier conditions increase the likelihood of large and intense fires. Higher temperatures increase the rate of evaporation and dry out vegetation, making it more flammable. Climate change is also altering the timing and duration of fire seasons. In recent decades, wildfire season has become longer and more intense, and the number of large wildfires has increased.

It is important to note that while climate change is not the sole cause of hurricanes and wildfires, it is making them more frequent, intense, and destructive. Human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture are contributing to climate change.