Ep 10. Birthplace of Hurricanes

In season 2 episode 10 of Angry Planet, viewers are taken to the birthplace of hurricanes – the Cape Verde islands off the coast of West Africa. Host and environmental journalist George Kourounis endeavors to uncover the science behind these powerful storms and their impact on the vulnerable island nations in their path.

The episode begins with Kourounis meeting with local weather experts who explain the perfect conditions that lead to the formation of hurricanes in this region. Warm waters, low wind shear, and the Coriolis effect all work together to create a vortex of spinning winds that can reach speeds of 160mph or more.

Kourounis then meets with residents who have been affected by past hurricanes, including one woman who recalls the devastation caused by Hurricane Fredrick in 2015. We see footage of homes destroyed, palm trees snapped in half, and streets flooded with debris.

But it's not just the immediate impact of hurricanes that affect these island nations. Kourounis speaks with experts about the long-term effects of climate change, which could lead to more frequent and more intense hurricanes in the Atlantic. The island of Cape Verde, already struggling with water scarcity, will be even more vulnerable in the future.

Next, Kourounis takes viewers on a small plane ride to get a bird's eye view of the island and the surrounding ocean. He explains how hurricanes are tracked and monitored by satellites, allowing experts to predict their path and hopefully issue warnings in time.

We also learn about the role of the Hurricane Hunters, a team of pilots who fly directly into the eye of the storm to gather data on its structure and intensity. Kourounis joins them on a flight to observe this dangerous but necessary work.

Back on the ground, Kourounis meets with members of a local disaster response team who train for hurricanes and other emergencies. They explain the importance of community preparedness and the challenges they face in trying to respond quickly to a hurricane's aftermath.

Throughout the episode, Kourounis highlights the need for global action on climate change and the importance of protecting vulnerable communities from the devastating effects of hurricanes. He leaves viewers with a sobering reminder that the birthplace of hurricanes is just one of many areas in the world facing the impacts of a changing climate.