Date: 03/14/18

To: EPA
From: Cameron Safrit
Subject: Increase Lightning Strikes due to Global Warming
Distribution: Weather and Climate Change Group

Lightning strikes have been an overlooked issue by the public and environmental
organizations. However, now due to global warming, there is a threat that lightning will
increase by twelve percent with each global degree Celsius increase. The threat of the of these
strikes needs to be looked at seriously and brought to the attention of the public.

Summary
Global warming is having a greater effect on weather patterns then many have predicted. With
the increasing temperatures scientist have discovered a direct correlation between increasing
temperatures, high energy storms, and increased lightning strikes. A new study from the
University of California, Berkeley have found that cloud to ground strikes will increase by fifty
percent by the year of 2100. The increase in lightning is already showing up with the number of
deaths or injuries. Lightning strikes is also leading cause in wildfires. With the predicted
increase we could see even more intense wildfires like the ones in the south-west that are
affecting states such as Arizona today.

Global Warming
As the Earth increases it global temperature with each passing year, the effects become more
and more easily to see. These effects such as raising water levels and increased storm strengths
are only a few of the result of global warming. The debate of whether humans are the reason
for global reason has been a hot topic of discussion for some time now. Many believe the
evidence is clear while other ignore the facts and assume it is a part of the natural evolution of
the Earth. With statics like the temperature rising two degrees Fahrenheit because of human
made emissions that have risen into the atmosphere along with large increasing amounts of
carbon dioxide.

Effects of Global Warming

Coral reefs are also dying because of global warming, as the air temperature increase the
oceans, covering seventy-one percent of earth’s surface, absorb a majority of that heat and in
return increase the water temperatures. These raising temperatures have caused the
destruction of many coral reefs and could be the reason for the extinction of all reefs around
the world. Global warming is a real problem not only to humans but the earth its self. More
must be done to try slowing the effects of global warming before it becomes too late to reverse
these lives altering effects.

Lightning
Lightning is an important element to the chemistry make-up of the atmosphere. Each bolt of
lightning balances the chemistry makes up of our atmosphere. With each strike lightning
releases electrons from nitrogen atoms, and rain then delivers theses electrons down to the soil
enriching it with nitrates. These nitrates are then synthesized by plants and consumed by
animals which in turn become protein that human’s intake. There are also negatives to lightning
strikes, such as when bolts strike a tree or a dry patch of grass and sparks a wild fire, destroying
everything in its path. Sometimes these wildfires spread beyond the forest line and begin to
reach civilation causing residents to evacuate their homes. Another down side is that humans
have been known to be struck by lightning. Majority of lightning strikes are fatal for the victim.
Getting hit by lightning is not a common occurrence, but with the latest studies about lightning
increasing due to rising global temperatures, the amount of lightning strikes deaths has
substantially risen. According to NOAA website, which monitor lightning fatalities, the year
2016 showed a huge spike in lightning fatalities with 39 deaths. The average amount of
fatalities from 2008-2017 is 27 deaths. The highest amounts of deaths came from 2016 with 39
and lowest amount from 2017 with 16.

Conclusion
With the rise of lightning strikes we will begin to see an increase in human fatalities from strikes
and more wild fires. The increase in wild fires in the dries parts of the world could be a huge
problem for civilation. More people could find themselves evacuating their homes and cities.
While sea levels are rising, coastal cities are being hammered by abnormally stronger and
stronger hurricanes and cyclones, and now with the possibility of more wild fires, the everyday
life of humans could be in danger. It is important that we draw attention to these events and
take a step-in reversing or slowing global warming as best as we can. We cannot do so however
if we do not have everyone working towards the same goal.

Recommendations
Working towards preventing global warming will help stop the rise of lightning strikes. Using
the programs that are already in place today will continue help fight global warming and
prevent these lives altering climate changes. It is important to raise funding’s and raise more
awareness for the programs that are already in place. Helping build these organizations and
programs will help preserve the life of our planet, because there is no Planet B.