Invisible force of nature: what the wind does for us

In recent years, the news has been dominated by devastating hurricanes, cyclones, tornadoes, wildfires, and floods, with data showing that these hazardous events are increasing in frequency and strength. It is clear that our weather is becoming more extreme, with a warming world adding more energy to the atmosphere and increasing the power of these wind-fuelled events. In the midst of this, Simon Winchester's book, *The Breath of the Gods: The History and Future of the Wind*, poses an intriguing question: are Earth's winds slowing down?

Winchester's exploration begins with a surprising observation. Between the 1980s and 2010, there was a decrease in wind speeds over land, a phenomenon ominously dubbed the Great Stilling. Observations show a decrease in average wind speeds over land of between 5 and 15% over the last 50 years. To understand this, Winchester embarks on a quest, starting atop the windiest place in the world: the summit of Mount Washington. With delicious irony, he finds the anemometers still and a very rare calm hangs in the air.

This unexpected calm sets the stage for Winchester's argument that exceptional weather is becoming the norm. He covers recent examples of extreme wind events, such as the exceedingly hot and dry Santa Ana winds of January 2025, which fed the dramatic and devastating wildfires that ripped through suburbs of Los Angeles. These winds, driven by a combination of atmospheric conditions, demonstrated the destructive potential of wind-fuelled disasters.

Winchester also highlights the record-breaking storms that pounded Europe during 2024 and 2025, showcasing how wind can drive extreme weather patterns. These storms, characterized by heavy rainfall, strong winds, and even hail, caused widespread damage and disruption across the continent.

Another striking example is the freak tornado in March 2023 that killed 17 people and razed the town of Rolling Fork, Mississippi, to the ground. Tornadoes, driven by powerful winds, are a constant reminder of the destructive force of nature. These events underscore the growing impact of extreme wind-related phenomena, which are becoming more frequent and intense.

However, *The Breath of the Gods* isn't simply a tour of wind-related disasters. Winchester takes us back through thousands of years of human history to explore how wind influenced some of the earliest civilizations. The first recorded mention of the wind arose 5000 years ago and comes from the ancient kingdom of Sumer, now located in south-eastern Iraq. People there identified four different prevailing winds and attributed their characteristics to the gods, reflecting the profound impact of wind on their daily lives and beliefs.

Throughout history, wind has played a crucial role in shaping human societies. The invention of the wheel and the development of sailing technologies were driven by the need to harness wind power for transportation and trade. Windmills, too, have been instrumental in providing energy for grinding grain and pumping water, demonstrating the practical applications of wind in human endeavours.

In more recent times, wind has become a vital component of renewable energy strategies. As the world transitions towards sustainable energy sources, wind power has emerged as a key player in reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change. The potential of wind energy is vast, with advancements in technology allowing for more efficient and widespread deployment.

Yet, as the Great Stilling phenomenon suggests, there is a complex interplay between wind and climate change. While some regions may experience decreased wind speeds, others could see increased intensity and frequency of extreme wind events. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for predicting and preparing for the impacts of changing wind patterns.

Winchester's book is a compelling exploration of the invisible force of nature that has shaped human history and continues to influence our lives today. It highlights both the destructive potential of wind and its potential as a source of renewable energy. As we grapple with the challenges posed by extreme weather events, *The Breath of the Gods* serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between wind, climate, and humanity.

In conclusion, Simon Winchester's *The Breath of the Gods: The History and Future of the Wind* offers a fascinating journey through the past, present, and future of this invisible force. It underscores the importance of understanding wind's role in shaping our world and its implications for our future. As we face the challenges of a changing climate, the study of wind becomes not just an academic pursuit, but a vital endeavour for our survival and well-being.