Storms have always been a natural part of the Earth’s climate system, but in recent decades, they have grown more intense, more frequent and increasingly unpredictable. From hurricanes and cyclones to typhoons and severe thunderstorms, these powerful weather events are being amplified by climate change.

As global temperatures rise, driven by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, warmer oceans and a destabilized atmosphere are fueling storms with greater energy, turning once-rare extremes into a new normal for many parts of the world.

The connection between climate change and storm intensity is clearest in warming ocean waters. Tropical storms draw their energy from the heat of the sea and as sea surface temperatures rise, storms can intensify more rapidly and reach higher categories than in the past.

Many recent storms have strengthened with alarming speed, leaving little time for evacuation or preparation. At the same time, a warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, resulting in heavier and more prolonged rainfall. This increases the risk of flash flooding and inland inundation, often causing widespread destruction well beyond coastal areas.

Coastal communities face heightened dangers from storm surges—abnormally high waves driven ashore by strong winds—which are worsened by rising sea levels. With higher ocean baselines, these surges penetrate farther inland, flooding homes, damaging infrastructure and displacing populations. In some cases, a single storm can erase years of development and recovery, particularly in regions with limited resources and fragile economies.

The human toll of increasingly intense storms is deeply unequal. Low-income countries, small island states and vulnerable coastal populations often bear the brunt of the damage, despite having contributed the least to global emissions. Recovery is slow, costly and often incomplete, placing enormous strain on public health, housing and essential services.

Repeated storm events can also trigger long-term displacement, forcing people to leave their homes and communities behind in search of safety and stability.

Addressing the growing threat of storms demands a dual approach: reducing the emissions that drive climate change and adapting to the new realities of a warming world. This includes investing in resilient infrastructure, improving early warning systems, strengthening emergency response and supporting communities in recovery and preparedness. Nature-based solutions, such as restoring coastal wetlands and mangroves, can also provide natural buffers against storm impacts.

Storms are no longer just seasonal disruptions; they are becoming more destructive signals of a changing climate. Their growing strength is a clear reminder that the climate crisis is not a distant future, but a present reality. Taking meaningful action now is essential to protect lives, preserve livelihoods and build resilience in the face of an increasingly volatile world.