Global warming could significantly increase the likelihood of \"very intense and dangerous\" storms, a Spanish climate expert has warned. Javier Martin-Vide, a climate specialist and professor of physical geography at Barcelona University, highlighted the growing threat on Monday.
\"This phenomenon has always existed, but with global warming, the higher amount of water vapor evaporating from the Mediterranean may lead to future events that are very intense and very dangerous,\" Martin-Vide explained. His warnings come in the wake of the recent catastrophic flooding in Valencia, Castilla-La Mancha, and Andalusia.
The devastating floods, triggered by a storm phenomenon known as Isolated Depression at High Levels (DANA), have already resulted in the loss of more than 200 lives, with hundreds still missing. These tragic events underscore the urgent need to address climate change and prepare for more extreme weather conditions.
Unlike typhoons or hurricanes, which have predictable paths, DANA storms carry a significant degree of uncertainty regarding their impact zones. \"DANA storms aren't like typhoons or hurricanes, which have predictable trajectories,\" Martin-Vide noted. This unpredictability makes them particularly dangerous, as communities may find it challenging to prepare for sudden and severe weather events.
As global temperatures continue to rise, experts like Martin-Vide emphasize the importance of climate action to mitigate the risks associated with increasingly intense storms. Strengthening infrastructure, improving early warning systems, and promoting sustainable practices are essential steps in safeguarding vulnerable regions from the escalating threats posed by climate change.
Reference(s):
Global warming could increase likelihood of intense storms: expert
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