Global population increases, particularly in coastal areas, and sea-level rise mean greater cyclone and hurricane related losses, disruptions to infrastructure and loss of life as a result of storm surges. For major cyclone disasters flooding from storm surges has been the primary cause of death.

Further research needed

Research into the effect of climate change on tropical cyclone activity is inconclusive. Some research suggests that as temperatures increase, tropical cyclones could become more intense, if not more frequent, but not all research supports this. However, even if tropical cyclones don't become more destructive, sea-level rise means impacts due to storm surge flooding at least will increase.

References

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WMO, 2006, Statement on Tropical Cyclones and Climate Change (PDF, 253 kB), WMO International Workshop on Tropical Cyclones, IWTC-6, San Jose, Costa Rica