Is global warming the reason for the more intense hurricanes and damage?
There is no question global warming is occurring now. What we cannot say with certainty is how long it will last and what’s responsible. The debate over global warming being man-made or a natural cycle of the earth will rage on. Surprisingly, both sides of the issue agree that it is highly unlikely global warming is causing any increase in hurricane intensity or frequency. In fact, some of the climate models suggest that there could a be a reduction of tropical storm and hurricane frequency. The reason 7 of the 10 costliest hurricanes in American history have occurred since 2004 has nothing to do with global warming. It has everything to do with where people live. 50% of the United States population now lives within 50 miles of the coast. More people and buildings in the path of a hurricane means more material loss.
