A recent study conducted by scientists at Dartmouth College has found that climate change is contributing to an increase in the number of home runs in Major League Baseball (MLB). According to the study, hotter, thinner air allows baseballs to fly farther, resulting in about 50 more home runs per year.
Climate Homer Effect
The study found that for every degree the air warms, there is a 1% increase in the likelihood of a home run. However, it is important to note that non-climate factors, such as the size of the ball and batters’ attention to launch angle, also play a role in the increase in home runs.
The research team examined data from the past 120 years and found that the climate homer effect varies by field, with some fields being more warming-homer friendly than others. The most warming-homer friendly field was found to be Chicago’s Wrigley Field.
Worst-Case Warming Scenario
The study also examined the worst-case warming scenario and predicted that there could be about 192 warming-aided homers per year by 2050 and around 467 by 2100. The researchers suggest that this increase in home runs is just one example of how climate change is affecting sports and that it highlights the need for action to be taken to combat the issue.
Unique Way to Bring Home the Threat of Climate Change
Climate change in baseball is a unique way to bring home the threat of climate change to a wider audience. It is a tangible and relatable example of how climate change is affecting our daily lives, even in ways that we might not have considered before.
The researchers suggest that their findings could have implications for the future of baseball, such as changes to the size of the ball or the design of stadiums to counteract the effects of climate change. However, they also emphasize the importance of taking action to mitigate the impacts of climate change on a larger scale.
Overall, this study sheds light on the unexpected ways in which climate change is affecting our world. While the increase in home runs may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, it serves as a reminder that even seemingly small changes can have a significant impact on our lives. It is essential that we take action to address the root causes of climate change and work towards a more sustainable future.
