Final answer:
Rising sea-surface temperatures due to global warming in the tropics are expected to increase the strength of hurricanes, contribute to more intense precipitation events, and lead to greater extremity in weather patterns.
Step-by-step explanation:
Impact of Rising Sea-Surface Temperatures on Hurricanes:
Climate models that account for global warming predict a rise in sea-surface temperatures in the tropics. As these temperatures rise, the likelihood of increased hurricane strength is a significant concern. The intense heat of the tropical oceans provides more energy to fuel these storms, possibly leading to hurricanes that are not only stronger but also more destructive. Moreover, as global temperatures increase, the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, are expected to rise. The heat adds to the power of storms by contributing to higher sea levels and expanding the ocean surface's capacity to warm air, which leads to more intense precipitation events. Observations have already shown that since the 1980s, there has been an increase in the frequency, intensity, and duration of hurricanes, as well as a record-breaking hurricane season in 2020 with significant damage.
Notably, the climate change impacts are not limited to stronger hurricanes but also include the continued retreat of glaciers and an increase in ocean acidity, which affects marine life. Predictions also include shifts in agricultural production, expansion of deserts, and displacements of people due to the destruction of habitats and weather disasters. These changes underscore the profound effects that increased greenhouse gas emissions and resultant ocean warming have on global climate patterns and extreme weather phenomena.