Aaron Rigsby, a storm chaser, discusses documenting extreme weather like tornadoes and hurricanes. Topics include the increasing intensity of storms due to climate change, ethical dilemmas of capturing storm footage, and the impact of climate change on hurricanes and heatwaves.
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Quick takeaways
Documenting extreme weather educates public and influences building codes.
Transitioning from a warehouse job to freelance storm chaser requires dedication and passion.
Deep dives
The Unpredictability of Tornado Season and Storm Chasing
Storm chaser Aaron Riggsby discusses the unpredictability of tornado season, highlighting a major tornado outbreak in Nebraska and Iowa with over 100 tornado reports. Riggsby recounts his close call with a massive tornado in Iowa, emphasizing the methodical and calculated techniques used in storm chasing to capture up-close tornado shots. He explains that capturing these images not only serves for marketability but also educates the public on the raw power and impact of tornadoes, influencing building codes and tornado resistance in the future.
Transition from Warehouse Job to Freelance Storm Chaser
Aaron Riggsby shares his journey from working a warehouse job to becoming a freelance storm chaser, driven by his passion for capturing tornadoes. He discusses turning his fear into a passion and the support he received from his family to pursue storm chasing. By saving money, building a bed in his car, and hitting the road, Riggsby transitioned into a career capturing iconic storm images and videos for major networks and platforms, showcasing his dedication to his newfound profession.
The Thrill and Impact of Chasing Tornadoes
For Aaron Riggsby, tornadoes represent a unique blend of beauty and terror, offering a thrilling yet impactful experience as a storm chaser. He describes the anticipation of putting forecasts together and witnessing the raw power of tornadoes unfolding before him. Riggsby explains the diverse nature of tornadoes and their storytelling potential, highlighting the importance of capturing both the tornadoes and their aftermath to enhance public understanding and contribute to building resilient structures.
The Increasing Impact of Climate Change on Storm Chasing
As a seasoned storm chaser, Aaron Riggsby reflects on the changing landscape of storm seasons, indicating a noticeable shift in storm patterns and intensities. Concerned about the effects of climate change on weather phenomena, Riggsby emphasizes a rise in destructive hurricanes and the need for preparedness and awareness. He points out the interconnected nature of extreme weather events and the urgency to address climate change to mitigate the escalating impact on storms and their aftermath.
Aaron Rigsby has built a career out of documenting tornadoes, hurricanes, and other extreme weather up close. So he’s seen just how much more extreme those storms are becoming.
This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Herman and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by David Pierce.