Scientists warn that climate change is causing more lightning strikes

Washington: Scientists have warned of the role climate change plays in increasing the occurrence of lightning strikes across the United States, following a lightning strike that took place in Lafayette Park, near the White House, leaving three dead and one other in critical condition.

More heat can draw more moisture into the atmosphere, while also encouraging rapid updraft – two key factors for charged particles, which lead to lightning. The article referenced a key study released in 2014 in the journal Science, which warned that the number of lightning strikes could increase by 50 per cent in this century in the US, with each 1 degree Celsius of warming translating into a 12 per cent rise in the number of lightning strikes.

About Climate Change

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts may be natural, such as through variations in the solar cycle. But since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.

Burning fossil fuels generates greenhouse gas emissions that act like a blanket wrapped around the Earth, trapping the sun’s heat and raising temperatures.

Examples of greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate change include carbon dioxide and methane. These come from using gasoline for driving a car or coal for heating a building, for example. Clearing land and forests can also release carbon dioxide. Landfills for garbage are a major source of methane emissions. Energy, industry, transport, buildings, agriculture and land use are among the main emitters.

WAM Climate change lightning strike