A study by World Weather Attribution indicates that climate change has intensified storms in the Philippines, killing over 170 people and displacing 1.4 million between October and November 2024. The analysis highlights a concerning rise in the severity and frequency of typhoons, with climate change nearly doubling favorable conditions for their formation. Economic losses are projected to reach nearly US$500 million, with predictions indicating that these destructive weather patterns will continue to worsen as global temperatures rise.
A recent study published on December 13, 2024, reveals that climate change has significantly exacerbated a series of storms that struck the Philippines, resulting in over 170 fatalities and displacing 1.4 million individuals between October and November 2024. The analysis conducted by World Weather Attribution (WWA) highlights the alarming trend of typhoons in the region escalating to Category 3 to 5 levels, which are increasingly becoming frequent as global temperatures rise. Researchers found that climate change has nearly doubled the conditions favorable for the formation of these devastating storms, while also increasing the probability of multiple severe typhoons occurring within a single year.
The study indicates that the sheer number and intensity of storms in such a short period is unprecedented, with five typhoons hitting the Philippines within 23 days. The immense economic impact is estimated at nearly US$500 million, alongside severe infrastructure damages and losses of homes and crops. The WWA’s findings suggest that these perilous conditions are not only ongoing but are likely to worsen as climate change progresses, as supported by evidence from the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, which recently reported that 2024 is likely to be the warmest year on record.
The Philippines is situated in a region of the Pacific Ocean that generates approximately one-third of all tropical cyclones globally, making it particularly vulnerable to severe weather events. This vulnerability is exacerbated by climate change, which has resulted in increased sea surface temperatures, higher air temperatures, and heightened humidity, all of which contribute to the severity and frequency of tropical storms. With an increasing number of typhoons reaching higher Category ratings, the implications for economic stability, infrastructure integrity, and civilian safety are profound. Furthermore, historical data indicates that the months of October and November 2024 witnessed an unprecedented phenomenon in which four named storms occurred concurrently—the first such event since 1951.
The findings of the recent study reinforce the urgent need for addressing climate change and its tangible impacts on natural disasters. The Philippine experience serves as a cautionary tale regarding the interplay between climate change and the increasing frequency of severe weather events. As global temperatures continue to rise, the likelihood of such destructive storms will only grow, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive climate actions to mitigate future risks and enhance resilience in vulnerable regions.
Original Source: asianews.network
