Final answer:
The increase in fossil fuel usage and CO2 emissions correlates with global climate change, leading to more intense and frequent storms that elevate storm-related deaths. These changes also affect ecosystems, such as coral reefs, which indirectly increase human vulnerability during such events.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correlation between the increase in fossil fuel usage, CO2 emissions, and the rise in storm-related deaths is significant. The burning of fossil fuels increases the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global climate change. The change in climate leads to more extreme weather events, including more intense and frequent storms, which can result in increased storm-related fatalities.
As CO2 levels in the atmosphere rise, we observe shifts in weather patterns that lead to more violent and unpredictable storms. For example, from the 1980s onwards, hurricanes have increased in frequency, intensity, and duration, leading to higher storm-related destruction and mortality. Moreover, the shift in the carbon cycle due to human activities has resulted in increased ocean temperatures, which contribute to stronger storm systems.
Rising carbon emissions from fossil fuels also lead to ocean acidification, which impacts marine ecosystems and coral reefs. These changes in the environment can lead to a decline in marine populations, affecting food security and livelihoods for people who rely on these ecosystems, thereby indirectly contributing to human vulnerability during storm events.