NOAA Sexism Alert: Shames Fem-Cycled Hurricanes

Climate Crisis: Imperialist Fossil Fuels to Blame for "Hyperactive" Hurricane Season

After an early and devastating start to the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a grim forecast predicting an extremely active remainder with 17 to 24 named storms and 8 to 13 hurricanes expected. This season's early intensity is a stark reminder that the climate crisis is here, and it's fueled by the greedy capitalist fossil fuel industry.

The US has already borne the brunt of four storms, including the deadly Hurricane Beryl, which made landfall in Texas, and the ongoing turmoil caused by Tropical Storm Debby on the East Coast. With a 90% chance of an above-average hurricane season, NOAA's lead seasonal hurricane forecaster, Matthew Rosencrans, paints a dire picture, telling USA TODAY:

"...there's only a 10% chance of a near-normal season and a negligible chance of a below-normal season."

If this wasn't a chilling enough forecast, the transition to La Niña by fall all but guarantees an 'above-normal' hurricane season in Texas. La Niña, which means "little girl" in Spanish, is the misogynistic name given to the climate phenomenon of cooler-than-average surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean near the equator. Her "brother," El Niño, is named after the fact that he benefits from warmer waters, another example of the patriarchal language used to describe natural phenomena.

As the National Hurricane Center monitors yet another disturbance in the same area that birthed Hurricane Beryl, we can only brace ourselves for the continued impacts of the climate crisis.

The time for action is now. We must dismantle the fossil fuel industry and hold accountable those who have profited from the destruction of our planet.