Cyclone Chido Intensified by Climate Change, Scientists Report

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A study has linked Cyclone Chido’s intensified strength to climate change, indicating that similar storms are now 40% more likely due to the warmer climate. The cyclone, categorized as a Category 4 storm, caused significant destruction in Mayotte, making it the worst cyclone to hit the island in ninety years. Warmer air and oceans are fueling more volatile weather patterns, heightening the risk of destructive storms.

A preliminary assessment from scientists at Imperial College London indicates that climate change has intensified Cyclone Chido as it approached Mayotte, an Indian Ocean archipelago. In a striking revelation, the study noted that cyclones similar to Chido’s strength are now up to 40 percent more likely due to the elevated temperatures of 2024 compared to pre-industrial levels. Cyclone Chido, classified as a category four storm, wreaked havoc on Mayotte, marking the most severe cyclone to affect the region in ninety years, with serious destruction to numerous makeshift homes.

The assessment examined the influence of global warming on the wind speeds and intensity of tropical storms like Chido. Utilizing advanced computer simulations to compensate for the lack of real-world data, the researchers determined that wind speeds at Chido’s landfall were enhanced by 3 miles per second relative to the climate before the onset of fossil fuel combustion. The report stated, “Climate change uplifted the intensity of a tropical cyclone like ‘Chido’ from a Category 3 to Category 4.”

While France’s meteorological service refrained from directly linking Chido’s intensity to global warming, they acknowledged that the rise in ocean temperatures caused by human activity has contributed to increasingly aggressive storms. The cyclone’s trajectory was said to magnify its impact on Mayotte, where approximately one-third of the population resides in inadequate housing. With the climate now averaging 1.3 degrees Celsius higher than the pre-industrial period, scientists attribute the increased frequency and severity of tropical storms to this additional atmospheric heat. Warmer air contains more water vapor, and higher ocean temperatures stimulate evaporation, creating the conditions necessary for tropical storms to intensify.

The ongoing issue of climate change has profound implications for weather patterns globally, particularly in relation to tropical storms and cyclones. As temperatures rise due to human-induced climate change, the frequency and intensity of these weather events are predicted to increase significantly. The scientific community has sought to understand the direct correlations between atmospheric changes and resulting natural disasters. Studies using computer simulations allow for a better estimation of the relationship between warmer climate conditions and the intensity of cyclones, aiding in disaster preparedness and response strategies in vulnerable regions.

In summary, the research by Imperial College London indicates a concerning trend linking climate change to the increasing strength of tropical cyclones, as evidenced by Cyclone Chido’s unprecedented impact on Mayotte. The findings suggest that warmer temperatures not only heighten the likelihood of severe storms but also enhance their destructive capacity. As global temperatures rise, it becomes imperative for regions susceptible to such natural disasters to adopt robust climate adaptation strategies to mitigate future risks.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr

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