Tornadoes, climate change and why Dixie is the new Tornado Alley
The ConversationDec 27, 2021
The Facts
Several tornadoes ripped through the New Orleans area Tues. night. St. Bernard Parish took the brunt of the damage where one life was claimed and several others sustained injuries.
Many of those impacted are also recovering from 2021's Hurricane Ida.
The Spin
Narrative A
It's rare to see a tornado strike near New Orleans, and there could be a climate connection. Some scientists believe that changing atmospheric conditions are fueling tornado outbreaks in the deep South.
Narrative B
It's easy to dismiss any extreme weather event as a consequence of climate change, but in reality they're usually influenced by a myriad of factors that have nothing to do with it. More research is needed before we can establish any direct causal link between the two.
Narrative C
This is a "human-built environment" problem. Vulnerable southern communities typically live in more weak-framed houses compared to the central US. As the New Orleans tornado showed, it's vital for impoverished residents to have sturdy, resilient housing.