Earth Over the past 100 years, the number of earthquakes, tornadoes, and disasters on Earth has increased severalfold. However, we cannot say this with certainty, because the quality of data collection a century ago and today is vastly different due to technological advances. As for catastrophic storms, it may not be their frequency that has increased, but rather their intensity and the areas they affect. According to climatologist Jim Elsner of Florida State University, the maximum wind speeds of the strongest hurricanes have increased since 1981.
This is because warmer oceans provide storms with more energy, making them more intense. Hurricanes play an important role on Earth by balancing the planet’s heat. They draw heat from tropical oceans in the form of moisture, which is then released into the atmosphere, acting as a sort of safety valve against overheating. Satellite monitoring of hurricanes has only been in place for 50 years, so according to some scientists, there isn’t enough data to compare and predict hurricane intensity; however, according to Elsner, the intensity of hurricanes is already evident today. He says: “It has already been proven that the largest hurricanes are getting stronger and stronger.” According to a report by the National Climate Assessment, this claim is true. On one hand, major hurricanes; on the other, massive wildfires, droughts, floods, earthquakes—disasters that are on the rise. Only God knows where this will end.
What is causing global warming? There is a lot
of speculation about the causes of global warming. It may be caused by human activity, deforestation, the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, or increased solar activity. I believe that all of these factors may play a role. Most of all, however, it is human activity—the transgression of one’s own conscience and the pursuit of pleasure, desires, and superfluous material possessions, moral corruption, and the violation of natural laws—that is literally destroying the planet. Thanks to modern technology and globalization, everything is interconnected.
Is it within human power to reverse this?
I am convinced that it is necessary, on an individual level, to understand one’s own transience and fragility. The way one lives one’s life affects one’s surroundings. And if more individuals live self-destructive lives, their influence can have global consequences. And that is what we are witnessing. Every thinking individual should reflect on the meaning of life and seek the Truth before their life vanishes like steam from a pot. God says in the Bible: “Return to me and I will heal you; keep my commandments and you will live.” This refers not only to life here on Earth, but also to eternal life. However, if there is no God and everything we see is merely the result of chance—including disasters and global warming—then may God help us.