A recent study from Imperial College London reports that climate change intensified Cyclone Chido, making it the most damaging cyclone in Mayotte in 90 years. Cyclones like Chido are now estimated to be 40 percent more likely due to global warming. This study emphasizes the need for more research on the connection between climate change and tropical storms.
Recent scientific analyses have determined that Cyclone Chido, which struck the Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte, was markedly intensified by climate change. A preliminary study conducted by scientists from Imperial College London highlights the connection between global warming and the increasing severity of tropical storms. The research indicates that future cyclones similar to Chido are 40 percent more likely to occur in the warmer climate projected for 2024 compared to pre-industrial periods.
Dubbed as the most devastating cyclone to affect Mayotte in nearly nine decades, Cyclone Chido was classified as a Category 4 storm, inflicting considerable damage on the territory, which is home to a significant population living in makeshift housing. While assessments of the disaster’s full impact are ongoing, officials are concerned that the death toll may ultimately reach thousands. The research presented employs advanced computer modeling techniques to compensate for a lack of extensive real-world data regarding tropical cyclones and their relationship with climate change.
The scientists concluded that Cyclone Chido’s wind speeds increased by three miles per second due to climate change, which elevated the cyclone’s classification from Category 3 to Category 4. While the French meteorological service refrained from directly linking the intensity of Chido to climate change, it acknowledged that the rise in ocean temperatures resulting from human-induced climate change has indeed contributed to more severe storms. Through the lens of climate research, it is observed that the climate has warmed approximately 1.3 degrees Celsius since the pre-industrial era, leading to more frequent and intense weather events.
Warming air can absorb more moisture, while warmer oceans foster increased evaporation, thereby amplifying the conditions necessary for the formation of tropical storms.
The study of the relationship between climate change and extreme weather phenomena is an important area of research, particularly concerning tropical storms. As global temperatures continue to rise due to human activities, scientists are investigating how this warming correlates with the occurrence and intensity of cyclones and hurricanes. Understanding these dynamics is essential for improving predictive models and developing strategies for disaster preparedness and response.
In summary, Cyclone Chido serves as a stark reminder of the tangible effects of climate change on weather patterns. The linkage between heightened storm intensity and global warming is becoming increasingly evident, with research indicating a significant uptick in the likelihood and strength of tropical cyclones in the future. Addressing climate change is imperative to mitigate further risks associated with such devastating weather events.
Original Source: www.france24.com
