42: The Answer to Almost EverythingEarth's Changing Winds

Wind speeds on the planet are decreasing. Gusts are driven by the temperature difference between the equator and the Earth's poles. As the climate warms, the temperature gap narrows, and the winds falter. In recent times, researchers have observed a weakening of a particularly important wind - the jet stream. As the jet stream drives high and low-pressure systems over our continents, its slowdown has significant consequences. If a high-pressure system remains stationary, it can lead to prolonged heatwaves and droughts. On the other hand, if a low-pressure system with rain clouds is not pushed along, it can result in severe flooding.