Scientists from Imperial College London report that climate change intensified Cyclone Chido, which became the most damaging cyclone to hit Mayotte in 90 years. The study suggests that such cyclones are now 40 percent more likely due to global warming, with wind speeds at landfall significantly higher than prior to industrialization. The true scope of the disaster is not yet fully known, and concerns about increased storm severity continue to grow.
A preliminary study by scientists from Imperial College London has determined that climate change significantly intensified Cyclone Chido as it approached the Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte. The study estimates that cyclones of Chido’s category are now 40 percent more likely due to the effects of global warming. When Chido made landfall, it was categorized as a category four storm and caused devastating damage across the region, particularly affecting the poor housing conditions of Mayotte’s population.
Cyclone Chido represents the most catastrophic cyclone to strike Mayotte in nearly a century, with officials expressing concerns that the death toll could ultimately reach thousands. The cyclone’s trajectory contributed to its devastating impact, and the true extent of the disaster is still being assessed. The scientists’ research indicated that the wind speeds near Chido’s landfall were heightened by approximately 3 miles per second compared to pre-industrial levels, attributing a change in cyclone intensity to global warming.
Despite the lack of definitive studies linking Chido’s intensity directly to climate change, France’s weather service acknowledges that rising ocean temperatures are increasingly making storms more severe. As the atmosphere warms, it can retain more water vapor, leading to increased evaporation from the oceans, a factor that contributes to the amplification of tropical storms. The ongoing climate crisis has already elevated global temperatures by nearly 1.3 degrees Celsius since the pre-industrial era, exacerbating extreme weather conditions nationwide.
The link between climate change and the severity of tropical storms has become a critical area of research as global temperatures continue to rise. The study conducted by Imperial College London on Cyclone Chido illustrates how climate change enhances storm intensity and frequency. As warmer oceans and increased atmospheric temperatures create ideal conditions for cyclone formation, scientists are racing to understand the full implications for areas most vulnerable to such natural disasters, especially regions with inadequate infrastructure.
In summary, the findings regarding Cyclone Chido illustrate the growing impact of climate change on tropical storms, emphasizing the need for more research into their correlation. The increase in cyclone intensity and frequency poses significant risks, particularly to impoverished regions like Mayotte. As climate change continues to develop, understanding its effects on severe weather becomes increasingly urgent for global disaster preparedness and response.
Original Source: www.france24.com
