Climate Change Intensifies Cyclone Chido, According to Scientific Study

A study led by Imperial College London concluded that climate change intensified Cyclone Chido as it approached Mayotte, making it the most destructive cyclone in the region in 90 years. The cyclone, classified as a Category 4, faced concerns of a rising death toll due to the extensive damage caused, particularly impacting vulnerable populations. Current conditions suggest that cyclones of this magnitude are now 40% more likely in a warmer climate, with increased wind speeds attributed to global warming.

Recent research from Imperial College London suggests that climate change significantly intensified Cyclone Chido as it approached Mayotte in the Indian Ocean. This cyclone, classified as a Category 4 storm, resulted in extensive damage upon making landfall, causing destruction particularly in the impoverished areas of this French territory. The study highlights the increased likelihood of cyclones of Chido’s magnitude, positing that they are now 40 percent more probable in the altered climate of 2024 compared to the pre-industrial era.

Cyclone Chido inflicted severe damage, being the most impactful cyclone to strike Mayotte in nearly nine decades. Reports reveal extensive destruction of modest tin-roof homes, with concerns that the death toll may eventually reach thousands. The study conducted by the scientists involved advanced simulations to compensate for the lack of comprehensive real-world data related to tropical storms influenced by climate change.

Analyses revealed an increase in wind speeds in the vicinity of Chido’s landfall by 3 miles per second due to global warming effects triggered by anthropogenic practices. Although definitive studies attributing Chido’s intensity to climate change are still pending, France’s meteorological service acknowledges that warmer oceanic conditions provoked by climate change have indeed contributed to the escalation of storm violence.

Current climate conditions illustrate an increase of nearly 1.3 degrees Celsius when compared to pre-industrial times. This added warmth enhances atmospheric moisture retention and oceanic evaporation rates, thereby escalating the conditions necessary for developing tropical storms. These findings underscore the critical intersection of climate change and severe weather phenomena, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to address this growing concern.

The research surrounding Cyclone Chido’s connection to climate change is part of an increasing body of evidence connecting global warming to more severe tropical storms. The ongoing alterations in global temperatures, primarily driven by human activities such as the combustion of fossil fuels, result in hgher sea surface temperatures and increased atmospheric moisture. Such atmospheric conditions facilitate the formation and intensification of tropical cyclones, leading to increasingly violent weather events.

In conclusion, the analysis conducted by Imperial College London indicates that climate change has played a significant role in the intensification of Cyclone Chido, enhancing its wind speeds and increasing the likelihood of cyclones of similar strength under current climatic conditions. The extensive damage caused by Chido highlights the dire implications of climate change on tropical cyclone behavior, warranting immediate attention and action in addressing environmental changes that influence storm activity.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr