Climate Change Intensifies Cyclone Chido’s Impact on Mayotte

Cyclone Chido, which hit Mayotte on December 14, 2023, was intensified by climate change, according to a study by Imperial College London. The cyclone, classified as Category 4, has led to significant destruction, especially among the area’s impoverished population. Researchers estimate that such storms are now 40 percent more likely in today’s climate compared to pre-industrial times, due to warmer ocean temperatures and increased atmospheric moisture.

Climate change has been identified as a contributing factor that intensified Cyclone Chido, which struck the Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte. A preliminary study conducted by scientists at Imperial College London found that events like Chido have become 40 percent more likely in the present climate compared to the pre-industrial era. Cyclone Chido, classified as a Category 4 storm, was the most destructive cyclone to impact Mayotte in nearly a century, causing significant devastation to the community, especially affecting those in makeshift housing.

The relationship between climate change and the intensity of tropical cyclones has become a critical area of research. Studies indicate that global warming leads to a rise in ocean temperatures, which in turn enhances the moisture in the atmosphere, facilitating the formation of more powerful storms. The tragic impact of Cyclone Chido on Mayotte is a tangible example of how climate change may exacerbate natural disasters, affecting vulnerable populations disproportionately.

In summary, Cyclone Chido has underscored the link between climate change and the increasing frequency and severity of tropical storms. The scientific assessment indicates that rising temperatures contribute to more intense weather phenomena. As a result, urgent attention to climate change and its impacts on vulnerable regions is essential to mitigate future risks and protect communities from such devastating events.

Original Source: www.straitstimes.com