Climate Change Intensifies Cyclone Chido, Scientists Reveal

Climate change has been identified as a factor that intensified Cyclone Chido, which was the most damaging storm to affect Mayotte in almost 90 years. The cyclone, classified as a Category 4 storm, has raised concerns regarding the increasing likelihood of such events in a warming climate. Scientists estimate that the conditions leading to this storm were 40 percent more likely than in the pre-industrial era.

A preliminary study from Imperial College London has determined that climate change exacerbated the strength of Cyclone Chido as it approached the Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte. The assessment indicates that cyclones with Chido’s intensity are 40 percent more probable in the warmer climate projections for 2024, as opposed to pre-industrial times. Cyclone Chido made landfall as the most damaging storm in Mayotte in nearly nine decades, devastating structures primarily composed of tin roofs in this impoverished territory.

The link between climate change and the intensification of tropical storms has become an urgent topic for scientists. As global temperatures rise, the characteristics of these storms are altering significantly. Studies suggest that higher sea temperatures and increased atmospheric moisture due to climate change are key factors enhancing storm intensity. Recent analyses are beginning to quantify this connection, establishing a clearer understanding of how global warming influences extreme weather patterns, such as cyclones.

In conclusion, preliminary research suggests that climate change significantly influenced Cyclone Chido’s strength, indicating a troubling trend toward more intense storms due to global warming. As temperatures rise, the frequency and severity of such weather events are expected to increase, posing a growing risk to vulnerable regions like Mayotte. Ongoing studies will be critical in understanding these impacts and guiding future preparedness efforts.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr