2022 was an average season, but 2021 was one of the most active Atlantic hurricane seasons ever. Coastal areas continue to evaluate how to handle the increased risk of a hurricane landfall in their area. Areas, like New Jersey, which previously were not impacted much by hurricanes, are ramping up plans for increased future active hurricane risks. 

The annual hurricane forecast from Colorado State University predicts a continued increasing risk of hurricane activity for New Jersey. Many researchers predominately blame the increased risks on warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures, weaker tropical Atlantic trade winds and a reduced vertical wind shear that are capable of breaking up tropical storms before they can strengthen. These risk factors are directly related to global warming, according to scientific models. 

There are some though that do not believe the science behind global warming and that climate change is occurring. This side believes that industrialization and humans don't have any effect on the environment, and typical weather patterns do not appear to be disrupted. They do not see a correlation between the increased number and size of hurricanes, as well as the rising sea levels and melting polar ice caps.

The question for debate is, is human contribution to global warming making New Jersey’s storm season worse?