Storm Eowyn is likely the strongest storm to strike the UK in the last ten years. Some researchers say that the storm results from the planet's growing temperature due to global warming. Is it time for us to understand the intensity of climate change and prepare for things to come?
Storm Eowyn underwent explosive cyclogenesis, which caused its low-pressure system to rapidly intensify. The storm’s pressure, which was the lowest recorded in Northern Ireland since 1900, was the central cause behind its destructive nature.
The disastrous nature of the storm is fueled by the exceptionally warm ocean temperatures produced by anthropogenic activities. Moreover, research shows that climate change is causing winter and autumn storms in the UK and Ireland to become wetter, with a 20% increase in rainfall. It is because of its location, which is near the Atlantic Ocean and along the path that can align low-pressure systems with the jet stream emerging from the US. The jet streams are highly influenced by the Earth’s rising temperature, which has the potential to reshape it.
However, the measures taken are not enough to prepare the UK for the impending catastrophe.
Climate change-related heatwaves, floods, and increasing sea levels are also harming the UK. However, the measures taken are not enough to prepare the UK for the impending catastrophe. As the temperatures rise, the risk of deadly heat waves, storms, and flooding will also increase. The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit says that if temperatures rise by 2ºC to 3ºC beyond pre-industrial levels, up to three million people may experience serious flooding. Despite this, homes continue to be built in flood-prone areas, and many flood defences are in poor shape.
Although the UK has met its target to phase out coal in 2024 and started using renewable energy, it still needs to be scaled up quickly while more should be done to shift towards green and active transport.
The UK is working towards fulfilling its obligations in the Paris Agreement and Climate Change Act 2008 by creating domestic laws and commitments. However, its progress has slowed down recently. In May 2024, the High Court declared for the second time in two years that the government's net-zero strategy needed to be revised since the previous plan did not provide enough explanation about how future targets could be attained.
Therefore, it is clear that there is an urgent need for action in addressing climate change.
Therefore, it is clear that there is an urgent need for action in addressing climate change. Storm Eowyn's catastrophic occurrences and other climate-related calamities are not isolated incidents, but rather warning signs of the disaster that lie ahead if immediate and meaningful actions to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change are not taken.