Hurricane Milton Fuels Conspiracy Theories, But Science Points to Climate Change
Hurricane Milton, one of the most powerful storms in recent US history, has unfortunately become the subject of unfounded conspiracy theories circulating on social media platforms like X and TikTok. These theories, propagated by accounts known for spreading misinformation, allege that the hurricane was engineered or that the weather in Florida is being manipulated by the US government. These claims have been viewed millions of times, despite being completely unsubstantiated. President Biden addressed these theories, calling them "beyond ridiculous" and urging an end to such baseless speculation.
The conspiracy theories surrounding Hurricane Milton propose various mechanisms for this alleged weather manipulation. Some point to cloud seeding, a technique used to increase rainfall in dry climates, as the culprit. However, experts emphasize that cloud seeding is ineffective in regions already saturated with moisture, like the southeastern US, which had recently experienced heavy rainfall and flooding from Hurricane Helene. The Gulf of Mexico, where Milton intensified, already possessed ample atmospheric moisture for hurricane formation, rendering cloud seeding irrelevant. Furthermore, the natural processes that generate hurricanes are well understood and documented, with no scientific basis for human creation or control of these powerful storms.
Another theory blames "geoengineering," a broad term encompassing methods to manipulate the environment to mitigate climate change. However, scientists categorically state that no existing geoengineering technology could create or control a hurricane. Hurricanes are natural weather systems originating from tropical waves, low-pressure areas where thunderstorms develop. As warm, moist air rises from the ocean and interacts with wind patterns, these systems can intensify into hurricanes under favorable conditions. The rapid intensification of Hurricane Milton, while alarming, is consistent with the observed trend of hurricanes strengthening more quickly in a warming world.
While these conspiracy theories lack any scientific basis, the influence of human activity on hurricane intensity, through climate change, is undeniable. Although climate change may not necessarily increase the number of tropical storms, it is making the strongest hurricanes more powerful. Warmer ocean temperatures provide more energy for these storms, leading to higher wind speeds. Hurricane Milton’s rapid intensification, with sustained winds increasing from 90 mph to 175 mph in just 12 hours, was likely fueled by unusually warm sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico, which were 1-2°C above average. This phenomenon, while concerning, aligns with scientific projections of more rapid hurricane intensification in a warming climate.
The false claims circulating online attempt to link Hurricane Milton to political motivations, even suggesting that the storm was manufactured to influence the upcoming presidential election. These assertions are categorically false. However, the connection between human activity and hurricane intensity, through climate change, should not be ignored. Climate change, driven by human emissions of greenhouse gases, is creating conditions that favor more intense hurricanes. This is evident in the increasing frequency of rapidly intensifying storms like Milton and Helene.
The impact of climate change on hurricanes extends beyond increased wind speeds. A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, resulting in more intense rainfall and flooding. Rising sea levels, also a consequence of global warming, exacerbate storm surge, leading to more severe coastal flooding. In Florida, where sea levels have risen over 7 inches since 1970, the effects of storm surge are amplified. Dismissing these concerns as "scaremongering," as some conspiracy theorists do, ignores the overwhelming scientific evidence demonstrating the link between climate change and intensified hurricane impacts.
The unfounded conspiracy theories surrounding Hurricane Milton distract from the real and pressing issue of climate change. While it is crucial to address misinformation and debunk false claims, it is equally important to focus on the scientific consensus surrounding climate change and its impact on extreme weather events. Understanding the role of human activity in intensifying hurricanes is essential for developing effective mitigation and adaptation strategies. Ignoring the scientific evidence and embracing conspiracy theories will only hinder efforts to address the very real threat posed by climate change and its impact on our planet.