TORNADO OUTBREAK

The catastrophic, deadly tornado outbreak that occurred on December 10, 2021, struck at night. When the sun came up the next morning, the destruction left behind was almost inconceivable. Preliminary storm survey reports from the National Weather Service indicate one long-track tornado traveled 128 continuous miles across several states, with estimated peak winds from 158 - 206 mph. Homes and buildings were completely demolished, trees were uprooted, and tragically over 75 lives were lost.

December tornadoes are not unheard of, but the size and scope of this outbreak prompted the question of whether this event can be linked to climate change. Scientists say research analyzing the impact of climate change on tornadoes is nuanced and still evolving. Meteorologist and journalist Bob Henson explained in Yale Climate Connections, “Fortunately, the human-warmed climate isn’t making violent U.S. tornadoes any more frequent. However, climate change may be involved in some noteworthy recent shifts in the location and seasonal timing of the tornado threat.” 

Climate change has been linked with other types of extreme weather. For those with eco-anxiety, a term described by the American Psychiatric Association (APA)  as the “chronic fear of environmental doom,” viewing images and watching media reports of any type of weather-related destruction can trigger agitation. Twenty-year-old climate justice activist Madison Sheppard posited on Twitter in the days that followed the tornado outbreak, “My heart hurts, it’s heavy. I can’t imagine how the communities and families affected by the recent tornado tragedies feel.”