Why are Hurricanes Getting Stronger?
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Provided by: PBS|Published on: January 26, 2024
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This short video uses Hurricane Harvey from 2017 as an example of how climate change is causing hurricanes to grow more intense, resulting in more rainfall and damage.
- The narrator stresses that there is evidence that climate change is already making storms stronger, so we need to act now to mitigate and prepare for hurricane threats and damage.
Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences
Authors: PBS
Region: North America, USA - South, United States
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- There are helpful maps and diagrams to show the data describing warming oceans and hurricane threats.
- The video reminds learners of the economic, environmental, and social toll that severe storms can cause individuals living in coastal areas while listing measures we can take now to help mitigate damage in the future.
Additional Prerequisites
- There is a short advertisement before the video plays and an outdated call for a PBS listener survey at the end of the video.
- Students should understand that climate change causes warming oceans.
Differentiation
- The video is packed with scientific explanations and diagrams, so consider pausing at various points and having students fill in a graphic organizer to record their thoughts and questions.
- This video shows how modeling and data can help scientists predict the intensity of future storms, so researching this topic a bit more is an excellent extension.
- Consider completing a scientific lab or demonstration to explore the effects of thermal energy and heat transfer on water.
- English language learners may benefit from having a copy of the video's transcript to facilitate comprehension.
- It may help students with anxiety to discuss and research mitigation and adaptation measures that will keep them safe after watching the video.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
