Why Must We Endure Hurricanes?

[written by Hugh Ross - from his book, "Hidden Treasures in the Book of Job"]

In the aftermath of Hurricane Irene and other massive storms, one wonders why God would subject the planet to such forces. Given the laws of physics the Creator used in shaping the universe, the absence of such storms would mean either less rainfall, less evenly distributed rainfall, lower quality living space on the continents, or more extreme day-to-night temperature differences. The present number and intensity of hurricanes yields the optimal balance between advanced life’s well-being and collateral damage.

Hurricanes serve a number of beneficial proposes. They substantially increase chlorophyll concentrations along continental shelves, bringing nourishment to many species located there. Hurricanes powerful winds lift huge quantities of sea-salt aerosols from the oceans, and these play a critical role in raindrop formation. They also ensure that enough rain falls to support a large, diverse land life population. In addition, these aerosols and the clouds they form efficiently scatter solar radiation, allowing hurricanes to act as a global thermostat. When tropical oceans get too hot, they generate hurricanes. The aerosols and clouds produced by hurricanes serve to cool down the tropical oceans.

Every form of severe weather, not just hurricanes, brings beneficial effects. Lightning, for instance, is a major contributor to nitrogen fixation, a crucial nutrient supply for plants. Lightning also generates wildfires which remove growth inhibitors, infuse soils with water-retaining and mineral-rich charcoal, and facilitate the growth of fungi, a vital nitrogen fixater for plants. The lightning strike rate on earth is optimal for maintaining a high quality of life. Scientists observe the same level of optimization in every other form of “bad” weather.