Hurricane Milton Fuels Conspiracy Theories, But Science Points to Climate Change
Hurricane Milton, one of the most powerful storms in recent US history, has become the latest target of online conspiracy theories. Across social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, unsubstantiated claims alleging that the hurricane was artificially created or manipulated by the US government have proliferated, garnering millions of views. These narratives, often propagated by accounts known for spreading misinformation about COVID-19, vaccines, and other topics, have been explicitly denounced by President Biden as "beyond ridiculous."
The conspiracy theories surrounding Hurricane Milton propose a variety of mechanisms for this alleged weather manipulation. Some posts point to cloud seeding, a technique used to enhance rainfall in arid regions, as the culprit. However, experts emphasize that cloud seeding requires specific atmospheric conditions, namely a lack of sufficient aerosols or water vapor for condensation. The Gulf of Mexico, where Milton formed, is already a moisture-rich environment, making cloud seeding irrelevant to hurricane formation. As Jill Trepanier, an extreme weather expert at Louisiana State University, explains, "The Earth will make a hurricane all on its own."
Another theory invokes "geoengineering," a broad term encompassing various methods for manipulating the environment to mitigate climate change. However, according to Suzana Camargo of the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory at Columbia University, there are currently no technologies capable of creating or controlling hurricanes through geoengineering. The formation of hurricanes is a natural process, initiated by tropical waves – low-pressure systems where thunderstorms and clouds develop. As these systems move westward from Africa, fueled by warm ocean waters and favorable atmospheric circulation, they can intensify into hurricanes.
While these theories lack any scientific basis, some proponents suggest ulterior motives for this alleged manipulation, including influencing the upcoming presidential election. These claims are unequivocally false. However, the increasing intensity of hurricanes like Milton is indeed linked to human activity through climate change. While climate change is not believed to be increasing the overall number of tropical storms, it is making the strongest hurricanes more likely.
The rapid intensification of Hurricane Milton, with sustained wind speeds surging from 90 mph to 175 mph in just 12 hours, has been seized upon by conspiracy theorists as "evidence" of artificial manipulation. However, scientists explain that this rapid intensification is consistent with the predicted effects of warming ocean temperatures. The Gulf of Mexico, where Milton strengthened, experienced sea surface temperatures 1-2°C above average. This warmer water provides additional energy for hurricanes, leading to higher wind speeds.
This phenomenon of rapid intensification is not unique to Hurricane Milton. Hurricane Helene, which struck Florida two weeks prior, also displayed rapid intensification over the unusually warm Gulf waters. A recent study by the World Weather Attribution group found that human-induced warming made the exceptionally high sea surface temperatures encountered by Helene hundreds of times more likely. This underscores the role of climate change in amplifying hurricane intensity and destructiveness.
Climate change’s impact extends beyond wind speeds. A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, leading to more intense rainfall. Rising sea levels, also driven by global warming, exacerbate coastal flooding during storm surges. In Florida, sea levels have risen over seven inches since 1970, increasing the vulnerability to storm surge flooding. While some conspiracy theorists dismiss these concerns as "scaremongering," the scientific evidence clearly demonstrates the link between climate change and the increasing risks associated with hurricanes.
The spread of these conspiracy theories, while concerning, highlights the importance of relying on credible scientific sources for information about extreme weather events. Understanding the true drivers of hurricane intensification, such as climate change, is crucial for developing effective mitigation and adaptation strategies. Dismissing scientific consensus in favor of unfounded narratives undermines our ability to address the real and growing threat posed by these powerful storms.
The false narratives surrounding Hurricane Milton serve as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by misinformation in the age of social media. While the claims themselves are baseless, their widespread dissemination underscores the need for increased media literacy and critical thinking skills. It’s essential to distinguish between scientifically validated information and unsubstantiated assertions, especially when dealing with complex issues like climate change and extreme weather.
Experts emphasize the importance of understanding the scientific basis of hurricane formation and intensification. Hurricanes are natural phenomena driven by atmospheric and oceanic conditions. While climate change is exacerbating their intensity and impacts, attributing their existence to human manipulation ignores the underlying scientific principles. Focusing on these scientifically established facts is crucial for developing effective strategies to address the challenges posed by these powerful storms.
The misinformation surrounding Hurricane Milton distracts from the critical need to address the underlying causes of increasing hurricane intensity: human-caused climate change. Rather than focusing on unfounded conspiracy theories, efforts should be directed towards mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and developing resilient infrastructure to withstand the impacts of these increasingly powerful storms. Addressing the root causes of climate change is essential for protecting communities from the growing threat of extreme weather events.
The rapid intensification observed in both Hurricanes Milton and Helene underscores the urgency of tackling climate change. The increasingly warm ocean temperatures provide fuel for these storms, leading to more rapid intensification and higher wind speeds. Ignoring the scientific consensus on climate change only exacerbates the risks associated with these powerful storms. Taking decisive action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is paramount for mitigating the future impacts of hurricanes and protecting vulnerable communities.
The case of Hurricane Milton demonstrates how misinformation can obscure critical conversations about climate change and its impacts. It is essential to rely on credible scientific sources and to critically evaluate the information circulating online. By focusing on the science and addressing the root causes of climate change, we can better prepare for and mitigate the risks posed by increasingly powerful hurricanes. Ignoring the scientific evidence in favor of conspiracy theories only hinders our ability to protect ourselves from the growing threat of extreme weather.