More Lightning to Come with Warmer Climate
As global temperatures rise, so too will lightning strikes, says one team of climate researchers. According to the team’s projections, every 1°C rise in global temperatures will lead to a 12 percent increase in lightning strikes, so that by 2100 there will be three lightning strikes for every two in 2000. Increased lightning strikes have both positive and negative implications for the environment. Lightning strikes currently ignite half of all wildfires in the US, so it stands to reason that wildfires may increase along with lightning. However, on a more positive note, lightning also produces nitrogen oxides, which indirectly regulate greenhouse gases like ozone and methane. More… Discuss
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