When the world around us becomes difficult to explain, it’s no surprise that some feel the need to search for answers.

It’s like this conspiracy theories form and proliferate, and the Internet is a notable catalyst for encouraging the spread.

On the r/facepalm Reddit community, a user I uploaded a screenshot of an alarming conversation between social media users containing a number of lies regarding hurricanes in the United States.

In the image, one person suggested that “retired meteorologists” had said that hurricane the events, like those of Helen and Milton, were “not normal.” Although this may be true, given the destruction they have caused in areas that do not typically experience hurricane damage, such as mountainous places in North Carolina — they then suggested an unfounded reason for this abnormal weather.

“Is there weather manipulation that could cause election interference?” they asked. This is an unfortunately common theory spreading across the web, with some suggesting that Democratic politicians in the United States were somehow controlling the weather to hit historically Republican voting areas.

THE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrationa nonpartisan federal agency, responded to some concerns about recent natural devastation.

“No technology exists that can create, destroy, modify, strengthen or direct hurricanes in any way,” the agency said. “All hurricanes, including Helen and Milton, are natural phenomena that form from themselves- same due to the alignment of ocean conditions. and the atmosphere.”

It turns out that these extreme weather events This happened around the time of the US election, leading some to make connections.

When you see unusual or unbelievable comments and theories circulating online, it’s important to check the facts. For example, the user in the screenshot provided no links to sources to back up their suggestions, simply citing “retired meteorologists” without providing names.

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While we absolutely must rely on experts to guide our understanding of major world events, unreliable individuals referencing anonymous sources to “support” rumors, hearsay, and conspiracies can trick us into believing wild claims. are true.

It is important to talk to my friends and family on the spread of misinformation, because listening to people you trust can really make a difference in changing perspectives.

“This is not normal, but it has nothing to do with weather manipulation,” an editor said. “It has everything to do with climate change. Just like Helene. Just like Beryl. This is exactly what climatologists have been predicting for years. Acting now as if this was unexpected is carefully cultivated ignorance. »

To support scientists’ claim of predicting more intense hurricanes, a 2022 article from NASA — among many others you might find from reputable organizations in a quick online search — said: “Due to global warmingGlobal climate models predict that hurricanes will likely cause more intense rainfall and pose an increased risk of coastal flooding due to increased precipitation. storm thrust caused by rising seas. Additionally, the global frequency of storms may diminish or remain unchanged, but hurricanes that form are more likely to become intense. »

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