Super Typhoon Ragasa has wreaked havoc across the Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and parts of mainland China. This disaster highlights the serious risks that Asian countries face due to climate change. Experts emphasize that high fossil fuel use and slow infrastructure development are making these risks worse.
Warm sea surface temperatures in the South China Sea contributed to Ragasa’s rapid intensification. Within just 24 hours, it became the strongest storm of the year, with wind speeds exceeding 200 km/h. Climate Central, an independent research group, states that human activities have increased these conditions tenfold.
Meteorologist Daniel Gilford notes, “These exceptionally warm sea surface temperatures increased the chances that Ragasa would rapidly intensify.” The sea temperatures in the western Pacific were notably high, between 0.7 to 1.1 degrees Celsius above average.
Historically, climate scientists have been sounding alarms about the impacts of climate change for over a decade. According to the Paris Climate Agreement, limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is crucial. As we see more intense storms like Ragasa, it’s clear that these warnings are becoming increasingly urgent.
In social media, users are expressing their shock and concern about the storm’s intensity and its devastating effects. People are sharing images and stories, discussing how climate change may be making such storms more frequent and severe.
Ragasa’s impact is a stark reminder that we need to strive for safer infrastructure and adopt cleaner energy sources. As climate change continues to evolve, we must listen to the experts and take action to protect our communities.
For more insights on the effects of climate change, you can check out this report from the World Meteorological Organization.
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Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Manila, Seoul, Daniel Gilford, Paris Climate Agreement, Australia, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Anjal Prakash, South China Sea, Stockholm Environment Institute, Climate Central, Thailand, Ragasa, Indonesia, South Korea, Philippines, China, Asia, Taiwan, East Asia, Prabowo Subianto, Ben Clarke, Gerry Arrances, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Centre for Energy, Ecology and Development
