Climate Change Intensifies Cyclone Chido, New Study Reveals

Scientists from Imperial College London have determined that Cyclone Chido’s strength was increased by climate change, indicating a 40 percent rise in the likelihood of such cyclones in today’s warmer climate. Classified as a category four storm, Chido caused extensive damage in Mayotte, raising concerns about the rising death toll as climate influences exacerbate storm intensity.

A recent preliminary study conducted by scientists at Imperial College London indicates that climate change has significantly amplified the strength of Cyclone Chido, which recently approached the Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte. This cyclone, which emerged as the most devastating storm to impact Mayotte in nearly a century, was classified as a category four storm, causing widespread destruction, particularly in areas where many residents reside in makeshift housing.

The study highlights that the cyclone’s strength is approximately 40 percent more likely in the warm climate conditions of 2024 compared to pre-industrial times. The situation underscores the escalating impact of global warming on extreme weather events, with wind speeds near Chido’s landfall increasing by 3 miles per second due to climate change influences.

Despite the findings, France’s meteorological agency refrains from definitively linking Cyclone Chido’s intensity to climate change, though it acknowledges that warmer oceans, exacerbated by human activities, have contributed to more violent storms. The region’s climate is currently about 1.3 degrees Celsius warmer than pre-industrial levels, a factor leading to increasingly volatile weather patterns as warmer air holds more moisture, augmenting storm intensity.

The connection between global warming and the intensity of tropical storms has been a focal point of research in recent years, particularly as climate change accelerates. Cyclone Chido’s case exemplifies how rising temperatures lead to severe weather conditions. Studies have shown that warmer sea temperatures contribute to stronger cyclones due to enhanced evaporation and moisture retention in the atmosphere. As climate change progresses, scientists are predicting that the frequency and severity of such storms will likely continue to rise, necessitating further investigation into these dynamics.

In conclusion, the findings from Imperial College London’s study provide compelling evidence of climate change’s role in enhancing the strength of tropical storms such as Cyclone Chido. This cyclone serves as a stark reminder of the destructive potential of climate change-related meteorological events, emphasizing the urgent need for global action in addressing climate-related issues.

Original Source: www.france24.com