Times of the Islands Summer 2023

(inhibits development). And sometimes it is the reverse.
Warmer waters, but strong shear. In these cases systems
struggle. Once we have one of these ingredients consistently
available all of the time, we will see more systems
develop, and that is likely what we would see with global
warming and impacts on El Niño. It will require many
years of studying to determine the true impacts these
changes are having on tropical system development and
intensity around the globe.
From an ecological standpoint, we have all seen the
collapse of whole coral reef systems across the globe
due to much higher sea temperatures. In general, corals
exist in a very small temperature equilibrium. When temperatures
climb above normal levels, coral bleaching can
result, wiping out vast areas of coral reef.
Over the last 10 years, coral reef bleaching has
become more and more common and has a profound
impact on the local ecology. Fish and many other species
dependent on coral reef systems for their livelihood are
wiped out when the coral bleaches and dies. It creates
localized collapse of the food chain, with ripple effects
across the board.
It is important that we recognize how we, as humans,
are impacting our oceans, so that we can become better
educated and better stewards of what has been entrusted
to us. By being good caretakers of our environment and
working together to reduce greenhouse gases and global
temperatures, we can turn this ship around. We can try to
save not only our coral reef systems, but possibly reduce
the risk of ever-stronger hurricanes, reducing the threat
to people everywhere. a
Paul Wilkerson is an American meteorologist and tourist
who frequents the Turks & Caicos Islands. Along with
his wife and two daughters, the Wilkersons stay actively
engaged with Islanders throughout the year with his
Facebook page Turks and Caicos Islands Weather Info.
Times of the Islands Summer 2023 25