In the past few days, heavy rain has caused flash flooding and structural damage here in the North-Eastern corner of the United States. The storm system, that has also been responsible for the unusually destructive weather in the Mid-West, has both wreaked havoc and confused inhabitants. Heavy rains aren’t usually supposed to come in the early fall when the air is dry. The 14-year long drought of the Colorado River Basin has likely amplified the effects of the storm.

Why do such weather abnormalities occur with increasing frequency? One article from National Geographic blames greenhouse gases and aerosol emissions. Most notably, the study, carried out by various research groups in the US and China, pointed out that aerosol emissions from rapidly growing economies in Asia are a major factor that contribute to the worsening severity of storms. Sulfate, for example, is released into the air from burning coal and, once in the air, allows more water droplets to form within clouds by increasing the surface area droplets can form on. As a result, we see larger storm clouds and heavier rains. Realizing that the economic activities of a developing nation can affect countries around the world may be key to reducing air emissions.