Hail storms
Nature
Convective storm clouds can provide the conditions for growth of hailstones, although the larger hailstones grow only inside the largest and severest storms where the core winds have very high upward velocities. Hail storms cause considerable damage to crops and property since the stones range in size from 5mm in diameter to 50 mm or more. The degree of damage is determined by whether the hail is accompanied by rain or wind.
Incidence
Hail storms mainly occur in temperate climates. The air is seldom unstable enough in the polar regions and the freezing level is too high in the tropics. In the USA it is estimated that annual crop losses from hail storms are $200-300 million (greater than that caused by tornadoes).
Claim
Hail storms are a critical and often underestimated threat that can devastate communities, agriculture, and infrastructure. The increasing frequency and intensity of these storms, fueled by climate change, pose significant risks to lives and livelihoods. Farmers face catastrophic crop losses, while homeowners grapple with costly repairs. Ignoring the severity of hail storms is irresponsible; we must prioritize research, preparedness, and resilient infrastructure to mitigate their impact and protect our future. Action is imperative!
Counter-claim
Hail storms, while occasionally disruptive, are far from a pressing issue. They are natural phenomena that occur infrequently and typically affect localized areas. The damage they cause is often overblown, as most communities recover quickly. With advancements in technology and infrastructure, society is well-equipped to handle such events. Focusing on hail storms distracts from more significant global challenges like climate change and poverty, which demand our urgent attention and resources.
Broader
SDG
Metadata
Database
World problems
Type
(D) Detailed problems
Biological classification
N/A
Subject
Meteorology » Meteorology
Content quality
Presentable
Language
English
1A4N
D0251
DOCID
11402510
D7NID
162601
Last update
Oct 4, 2020