--- title: "Hurricanes are becoming increasingly violent, but industrial companies can calm the trend" date: 2024-11-26T09:13:00-05:00 author: Camille Boully canonical_url: "https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/publications/hurricanes-are-becoming-increasingly-violent-but-industrial-companies-can-calm-the-trend" section: Publications --- Scientists warn that hurricanes are becoming increasingly violent, a trend worsened by climate change, which is warming the oceans. Warm water fuels these storms, making winds stronger and rainfall more intense. Hugo Careau, Senior Decarbonization Engineer at BBA, explains how industrial companies can begin or speed up their transition to carbon neutrality, playing a key role in reducing global CO2 emissions significantly. 1. [ ![BBA SM Leffetingeniosite Ouragans Decarbonation Visuel EN](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/hero/BBA_SM_Leffetingeniosite_OuragansDecarbonation_Visuel_EN.jpg) ](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/hero/BBA_SM_Leffetingeniosite_OuragansDecarbonation_Visuel_EN.jpg) 2. It's time to rebuild in Florida. Last week, Hurricane Milton struck with winds of over 165 km/h, unleashing tornadoes, torrential rains and severe flooding. The American state had barely begun recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene just two weeks earlier. Scientists warn that hurricanes are becoming increasingly violent, a trend worsened by climate change. Rising temperatures are warming the oceans, which fuels these storms, making winds stronger and rainfall more intense. Other factors, such as atmospheric warming and higher humidity, further amplify hurricane activity. This reaffirms the urgent need to significantly reduce global CO2 emissions. “Reaching this objective requires real collective efforts, especially from industrial companies because of their high emissions,” explains Hugo Careau, Principal Decarbonization Engineer at BBA. The transition to carbon neutrality is a major challenge, but it also presents a unique opportunity to build a sustainable economy and avoid the future costs of adapting to climate change.” While each decarbonization process is unique, it generally involves these major steps: **1 – Decarbonization planning and monitoring** The first step in any decarbonization effort is to create clear strategies and establish actionable roadmaps. By doing so, companies can meet stringent environmental regulations, reduce GHG emissions and secure long-term viability. **2 – Energy efficiency** Achieving decarbonization targets requires more sensible and efficient use of energy. Energy efficiency is one of the fastest ways to address shortages, lower costs, boost competitiveness and increase production—all in a relatively short time frame. **3 – Optimizing renewable energy** As wind and solar power grow in popularity, alongside hydroelectricity, and as fossil fuels are gradually phased out, a new, lower-carbon energy ecosystem is emerging and presents abundant market opportunities. **4 – Electrification and alternative fuels** Industrial companies need to explore equipment electrification and alternative fuels as effective solutions. These two strategies help companies reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and offer solutions tailored to their own reality. **5 – Advanced carbon management solutions** Using advanced technologies to capture CO2, sequestering it safely or repurposing it for innovative industrial and commercial applications help develop a high-performing and sustainable circular economy. The energy transition has its challenges, but the recent season of violent Atlantic hurricanes highlights, once again, the cost of inaction in terms of infrastructure, economic stability and, most importantly, human lives. It’s essential to adopt sustainable practices and invest in decarbonization solutions to mitigate our impact on the climate. This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA 1. ![Hugo Careau](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/184603/Hugo_Careau.webp) Hugo Careau, P.Eng. Principal Engineer, Decarbonization Read bio [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugo-careau-b70a15/) **Chemical Engineer, Hugo brings 18+ years of experience in project management and engineering development**, spanning pre-feasibility studies, detailed engineering, construction coordination, and commissioning. He stands out for his strong expertise in industrial utilities, pumping and distribution networks, as well as his proven ability to deliver complex projects requiring rigorous multidisciplinary coordination. **Key expertise and certifications** - Multidisciplinary project and engineering management - Construction coordination and commissioning support - Pumping networks, distribution systems, and industrial utilities - Hydrogen distribution systems - Professional Engineer (EGBC, OIQ) **Major achievements** Large-scale engineering and EPCM projects, including industrial utilities integration, detailed engineering, and technical support from pilot-stage projects through to full-scale industrial facilities. **Approach and added value** Hugo combines precise interface management with a strong understanding of performance drivers, supporting informed decision-making and ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and robustness of installations in complex industrial environments. - [ 27 Jul 2026 Mining and Metals Early tailings decisions shape long-term mine performance - ![Geraldine Cosset](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/206707/Geraldine-Cosset.webp) - ![Jared Purdy](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/212424/Jared-Purdy.webp) ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/early-tailings-decisions-shape-long-term-mine-performance "Early tailings decisions shape long-term mine performance") - [ 02 Jul 2026 Mining and Metals Python: A key tool for data analysis in mineral processing - ![Charles Blais](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/211197/Charles-Blais.webp) - ![Juan Pablo Vergara](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/211266/Juan-Pablo-Vergara.webp) ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/python-a-key-tool-for-data-analysis-in-mineral-processing "Python: A key tool for data analysis in mineral processing") - [ 19 Jun 2026 Mining and Metals Speed is earned early in projects - ![Mm employee men jean lheureux retouch web SQ LR BBA](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/204266/mm_employee_men_jean-lheureux_retouch_web_SQ_LR_BBA.webp) - ![Mm employee men benoit richard retouch web SQ LR BBA](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/203602/mm_employee_men_benoit-richard_retouch_web_SQ_LR_BBA.webp) ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/speed-is-earned-early-in-projects "Speed is earned early in projects") - [ 17 Jun 2026 Industrial data platforms: building a solid foundation to optimize your operations - ![Pierre Boucher](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/2671/Pierre-Boucher.webp) Pierre Boucher, P.Eng. Senior Engineer, Operational Technology and Infrastructure ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/industrial-data-platforms-building-a-solid-foundation-to-optimize-your-operations "Industrial data platforms: building a solid foundation to optimize your operations") [ See all ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights "Go to Publications listing page") Toward Net Zero plan [ Discover our plan ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/about/toward-net-zero-plan) Scientists warn that hurricanes are becoming increasingly violent, a trend worsened by climate change, which is warming the oceans. Warm water fuels these storms, making winds stronger and rainfall more intense. Hugo Careau, Senior Decarbonization Engineer at BBA, explains how industrial companies can begin or speed up their transition to carbon neutrality, playing a key role in reducing global CO2 emissions significantly. 1. [ ![BBA SM Leffetingeniosite Ouragans Decarbonation Visuel EN](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/hero/BBA_SM_Leffetingeniosite_OuragansDecarbonation_Visuel_EN.jpg) ](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/hero/BBA_SM_Leffetingeniosite_OuragansDecarbonation_Visuel_EN.jpg) 2. It's time to rebuild in Florida. Last week, Hurricane Milton struck with winds of over 165 km/h, unleashing tornadoes, torrential rains and severe flooding. The American state had barely begun recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene just two weeks earlier. Scientists warn that hurricanes are becoming increasingly violent, a trend worsened by climate change. Rising temperatures are warming the oceans, which fuels these storms, making winds stronger and rainfall more intense. Other factors, such as atmospheric warming and higher humidity, further amplify hurricane activity. This reaffirms the urgent need to significantly reduce global CO2 emissions. “Reaching this objective requires real collective efforts, especially from industrial companies because of their high emissions,” explains Hugo Careau, Principal Decarbonization Engineer at BBA. The transition to carbon neutrality is a major challenge, but it also presents a unique opportunity to build a sustainable economy and avoid the future costs of adapting to climate change.” While each decarbonization process is unique, it generally involves these major steps: **1 – Decarbonization planning and monitoring** The first step in any decarbonization effort is to create clear strategies and establish actionable roadmaps. By doing so, companies can meet stringent environmental regulations, reduce GHG emissions and secure long-term viability. **2 – Energy efficiency** Achieving decarbonization targets requires more sensible and efficient use of energy. Energy efficiency is one of the fastest ways to address shortages, lower costs, boost competitiveness and increase production—all in a relatively short time frame. **3 – Optimizing renewable energy** As wind and solar power grow in popularity, alongside hydroelectricity, and as fossil fuels are gradually phased out, a new, lower-carbon energy ecosystem is emerging and presents abundant market opportunities. **4 – Electrification and alternative fuels** Industrial companies need to explore equipment electrification and alternative fuels as effective solutions. These two strategies help companies reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and offer solutions tailored to their own reality. **5 – Advanced carbon management solutions** Using advanced technologies to capture CO2, sequestering it safely or repurposing it for innovative industrial and commercial applications help develop a high-performing and sustainable circular economy. The energy transition has its challenges, but the recent season of violent Atlantic hurricanes highlights, once again, the cost of inaction in terms of infrastructure, economic stability and, most importantly, human lives. It’s essential to adopt sustainable practices and invest in decarbonization solutions to mitigate our impact on the climate. This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA