A recent study by Imperial College London links Cyclone Chido’s intensified strength to climate change, estimating a 40% increase in cyclone frequency in warmer climates. Chido struck Mayotte as the most damaging cyclone in nearly a century, classified as a Category 4 storm. The cyclone’s wind speeds reportedly increased due to global warming, leading to devastating effects on local housing and infrastructure.
Recent research conducted by scientists at Imperial College London indicates that climate change has significantly intensified Cyclone Chido, which recently struck the Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte, causing unprecedented damage. The study suggests that the intensity of storms such as Chido is estimated to be 40% more frequent in the warmer climate of 2024 compared to pre-industrial levels. This cyclone, classified as a Category 4 storm, represents the most destructive weather event to affect Mayotte in the last nine decades, devastating local infrastructure and homes in the region.
The assessment highlights that wind speeds near the cyclone’s point of impact have increased by approximately three miles per second due to climate change, effectively escalating Cyclone Chido’s status from Category 3 to Category 4. The aftermath of the cyclone remains dire, with officials concerned that the eventual death toll may reach into the thousands, while meteorological experts underline the role of warmer ocean conditions in exacerbating storm intensity. Furthermore, warmer air holds additional moisture and contributes to increased evaporation, both of which are critical factors in the development of powerful tropical storms.
The growing body of research linking climate change to the severity of tropical storms is underscored by the situation surrounding Cyclone Chido. As global temperatures continue to rise, ocean and atmospheric conditions become more conducive to the formation of extreme weather events. Historically, the increased presence of warmer waters has resulted in a noted uptick in the intensity and frequency of cyclones, particularly in regions like the Indian Ocean. This particular cyclone underscores the essential need for ongoing research into the impacts of climate change on weather patterns, particularly as they relate to human safety and infrastructure.
In conclusion, the emergence of Cyclone Chido amidst a backdrop of worsening climate conditions serves as a pivotal reminder of the ongoing consequences of global warming. This cyclone has not only inflicted severe damage but also raised pressing questions about the future frequency and intensity of similar weather events. It emphasizes the urgent need for extensive climate research and adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather exacerbated by human activities.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
