The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption in 2022 was an enormous underwater explosion. It was comparable to 100 Hiroshima bombs and sent vast amounts of water vapor skyward. Some suggest this volcano is causing the current hot summer and question human-induced climate change. But, experts dismiss these claims.
- According to scientists Gloria Manney and Luis Millán, the eruption isn’t causing the high summer temperatures.
- The real cause of increased global temperatures is climate change. El Niño and the eruption might have a temporary regional impact, but the primary cause remains human-induced climate change.
- Evidence from various studies confirms that human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, are the main contributors to climate change, not the volcanic eruption.
The Paradoxical Climate Impact Of the Hunga Ha’apai Eruption
The Hunga Ha’apai eruption had a unique effect on our atmosphere and climate. Its impact is marked by a significant increase in stratospheric aerosol and water vapor, both of which interact differently with our climate system.
- The eruption led to the largest surge in stratospheric aerosol in recent decades.
- It also released an unprecedented amount of water vapor into the stratosphere.
- Water vapor is a natural greenhouse gas that traps solar heat, thus potentially causing temporary surface warming.
- A study in Nature Climate Change reported a 10%-15% rise in stratospheric water vapor content due to the eruption.
- The increase in water vapor could cause a slight rise in global temperatures.
- Despite speculation, researchers emphasise that the volcano’s influence on climate extremes for this year is minimal.
Climate Trends Overview
- Recent data shows a continued warming of Earth. The highest global temperatures recorded were in the five latest Julys.
- The effects of the latest eruption on global temperature are still unknown. A comparison to the impacts of fossil fuels burning and the El Niño is needed.
- The record-breaking temperatures in July could be a sign of future climate scenarios if no concrete climate action is taken.
- The UN’s World Meteorological Organization warned there’s a high likelihood of exceeding a critical global warming limit of 2.6 F (1.5 C) in the next five years.
- Should global warming surpass 2.6 F, expect more frequent extreme heat waves, increased droughts, and less water availability.
- Warming beyond 2.6 F may cause catastrophic effects like the collapse of the Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets.
(This current affairs note is based on the article titled “Did the Tonga undersea volcano eruption cause this year’s extreme heat?”, published on Live Science.)