Cyclone Chido’s Strength Linked to Climate Change, Study Reveals

A study by Imperial College London indicates that climate change intensified Cyclone Chido, making cyclones of its strength 40 percent more likely in 2024. Chido, a category four storm, was devastating to Mayotte, raising concerns about potential fatalities and damage. Researchers conclude that global warming has notably influenced the storm’s increased wind speed and intensity.

Recent findings from scientists at Imperial College London indicate that climate change has significantly exacerbated Cyclone Chido, which recently impacted the Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte. The study reveals that cyclones with characteristics similar to Chido are now 40 percent more frequent in the warmer climate of 2024 when compared to pre-industrial times. Chido marked a devastating event for Mayotte, becoming the most destructive cyclone to strike the island in nearly a century, with many structures, particularly the impoverished tin-roof shacks, suffering severe damage.

Classified as a category four cyclone, the storm traversed the archipelago, which is home to a significant portion of its population living in makeshift shelters. Early reports suggest that the full extent of the damage remains uncertain, yet there are grave concerns that the death toll could rise into the thousands. In their assessment, the researchers specifically analyzed the role of global warming in influencing the wind speeds and overall intensity of tropical storms like Chido.

To gather data, they employed advanced computational models generating millions of simulations of tropical cyclones to discern potential links to recent temperature increases. Consequently, they deduced that near the area where Chido made landfall, wind speeds escalated by three miles per hour compared to pre-industrial climate norms. When summarizing their findings, the researchers noted, “Climate change uplifted the intensity of a tropical cyclone like ‘Chido’ from a Category 3 to Category 4.”

While the French weather service refrains from firmly attributing Chido’s intensity to climate change, it has acknowledged that warmer oceans, exacerbated by human-induced global warming, have played a role in heightening storm violence. Chido’s trajectory significantly impacted its devastation level in Mayotte. Currently, global temperatures are approximately 1.3 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels; scientists assert that this increased heat in the oceans and atmosphere is accelerating the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, with warmer air allowing for greater water vapor retention and enhanced evaporation that fuels tropical storms.

The phenomenon of climate change has been linked to an increase in the frequency and intensity of tropical storms, as warmer ocean temperatures contribute to the formation of such weather events. Cyclone Chido serves as a crucial case study in understanding this correlation, particularly as it caused unprecedented damage in Mayotte. Researchers utilize advanced climate models to determine the potential effects that global warming may have on storm dynamics, allowing for better forecasts and preparations for such natural disasters.

In summary, Cyclone Chido exemplifies the profound impact of climate change on the intensity and frequency of tropical storms. The research conducted by Imperial College London suggests that the cyclone’s severity was, in part, amplified by global warming conditions, resulting in a greater risk of similar events occurring in the future. Understanding the relationship between human activities and weather patterns is essential for mitigating the risks of future natural disasters and protecting vulnerable communities.

Original Source: www.france24.com