Iris T. Stewart-Frey, professor in the department of environmental studies and sciences at Santa Clara University: “While hurricanes are a natural phenomenon, global warming has heated up ocean temperatures. The oceans have absorbed 90 percent of the heat generated by the carbon dioxide that humans have added to the atmosphere, and the effect of this warming on hurricanes is like that of pouring gasoline into a fire—systems blow up quickly and violently. These intense and early hurricanes are not just a fluke of nature but rather a new normal. Central American governments need to leverage international partnerships with industrialized countries, local governments, communities, nongovernmental organizations, businesses and academics—both domestic and international—to address them and to speed recovery for communities affected by the most recent flooding. Priorities should include the creation of housing and other buildings that can withstand both high-intensity winds and rains. Equally vital is…”