Research by Imperial College London links Cyclone Chido’s intensity to climate change, revealing it was 40% more probable due to rising global temperatures. This Category 4 storm, the most damaging in 90 years for Mayotte, highlights the effects of warmer air and oceans on tropical cyclones, with researchers noting an increase in wind speeds attributed to human-induced climate change.
A recent preliminary study from Imperial College London highlights the impact of climate change on Cyclone Chido, which recently struck Mayotte in the Indian Ocean with devastating effects. The study reveals that the cyclone, categorized as a Category 4 storm, was approximately 40 percent more likely to occur due to the warmer climate of 2024 compared to pre-industrial times. This cyclone, which made landfall on December 14, has been deemed the most destructive event to affect Mayotte in nearly 90 years, causing extensive damage to the archipelago’s fragile infrastructure, where many residents live in makeshift housing.
Cyclone Chido serves as a significant case study in understanding the relationship between climate change and tropical cyclones. With the oclimate warming nearly 1.3 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, research indicates that warmer air and oceans enhance the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, particularly tropical storms. The study utilized advanced computer models to simulate tropical cyclones, addressing the need for more empirical data linking climate change and storm severity directly. Such insights are crucial as they inform disaster preparedness and response strategies for vulnerable regions.
The findings of this study underscore the urgent necessity for global action on climate change, as alterations in weather patterns pose severe risks to coastal territories like Mayotte. As demonstrated by Cyclone Chido, the warming climate not only increases the probability of extreme weather events but also escalates their intensity, leading to catastrophic consequences for affected populations. Continued research and policy intervention are essential to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect communities that face environmental vulnerabilities.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
