Climate Change Intensified Cyclone Chido: Study Reveals Concerning Findings
Cyclone Chido, which struck Mayotte recently, was strengthened by climate change, according to a study by Imperial College London. The storm, classified as a Category Four, has inflicted significant damage, and its likelihood of occurrence is estimated to have increased by 40% due to rising global temperatures. Wind speeds near Chido’s landfall increased by approximately three miles per second, illustrating the effects of climate change on severe weather events.
Recent research indicates that climate change has significantly intensified Cyclone Chido, which impacted Mayotte, an Indian Ocean archipelago. This evaluation, conducted by Imperial College London, posits that the likelihood of storms of Chido’s magnitude has escalated by 40 percent due to climate change since pre-industrial times. Chido, classified as a Category Four storm, has caused unprecedented damage to Mayotte, leading to concerns that the death toll may rise into the thousands.
The study’s findings reveal an increase in wind speeds by approximately three miles per second near Chido’s landfall. While conclusive evidence linking Chido’s severity directly to climate change is yet to be established, French meteorological services acknowledge that climate change is exacerbating storm violence. With the climate now over 1.3 degrees Celsius warmer since the pre-industrial era, scientists warn that warmer air and oceans contribute to more severe and frequent weather phenomena.
The relationship between climate change and tropical storms has been a subject of growing concern over recent years. As global temperatures rise due to human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, scientists are increasingly examining how these changes affect the frequency and intensity of storms. Cyclones are particularly vulnerable to the influences of warmer oceans, which enhance evaporation and moisture in the atmosphere, conditions conducive to the formation of more powerful storms. This phenomenon underscores the urgent need to address climate change and its broader implications for natural disasters.
In summary, the preliminary study by Imperial College London attributes the strengthening of Cyclone Chido partially to climate change, estimating it to be responsible for an increase in cyclone intensity. The impact on Mayotte highlights the dangerous intersection of climate change and disaster preparedness, emphasizing the need for further research and action to mitigate such occurrences. As warmer temperatures continue to influence weather patterns, the urgency of addressing climate change becomes increasingly critical.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
