Extreme weather events in the Sundarbans cause great destruction to both the natural environment and human-made structures, such as bunds and huts. Tropical cyclones are among the most threatening storms to hit the Indian subcontinent. Known in other
parts of the world as hurricanes or typhoons, tropical cyclones are classified differently based on where the storm originates. Along with torrential rain and a sharp decrease in temperature, the most prominent feature of cyclones are the winds that exceed 74 mph. Massive waves slam into the protective bunds of the Sundarbans islands, causing them to crumble and allow saltwater to flood the cultivated land, rendering it infertile for at least the next three years. The weak infrastructure built by islanders living on the edge of the island stand little chance against the strong winds, resulting in a constant state of reconstruction on the island. Governments have no interest in investing in heartier infrastructure because, looking to the evolving state of tropical cyclones due to climate change, there is great doubt that anything built would last very long.
How is climate change causing a change in cyclones?
Storm patterns are becoming increasingly unpredictable, as the atmosphere constantly morphs to adapt to disturbances in its composition caused by human interference. Storms are also becoming much more intense and more frequent, due in part to rising global temperatures. Global warming results in more water vapor in the air, or more humidity, which leads to increased rainfall and an overall strengthened storm.
The cost of damage caused by tropical cyclones around the globe is astronomical. In the United States, many think of Hurricane Katrina or the 1938 Hurricane as the worst hurricanes in history. The total damage caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 was projected to reach $108 billion, making it the most expensive hurricane in U.S. history. However, if we think that $108 billion is bad enough, tropical cyclones are expected to cost the global economy $9.7 trillion over the next 80 years. What’s ironic is that the cost of reducing emissions causing global warming and fortifying coastal protection systems (such as bunds in the Sundarbans) would cost dramatically less in comparison.
