Climate change has intensified Cyclone Chido, making it more likely and stronger than historical counterparts. Scientists estimate cyclones like Chido are 40% more common due to rising global temperatures, leading to devastating impacts in Mayotte, including significant destruction and potential loss of life. Computer models indicate that warming has increased wind speeds significantly, underscoring the link between climate change and severe weather events.
A recent study conducted by scientists at Imperial College London indicates that climate change significantly enhanced the intensity of Cyclone Chido as it approached the Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte. The findings reveal that, compared to pre-industrial conditions, instances of cyclones like Chido are now 40 percent more likely due to a warming climate. The cyclone struck Mayotte with unprecedented force, categorizing it as a category four storm, resulting in substantial destruction, particularly affecting the local populations living in precarious housing conditions. The assessment utilized advanced computer simulations to determine that wind speeds in the vicinity of Chido’s landfall increased by approximately 3 miles per second as a result of climate change, elevating the storm’s classification from Category 3 to Category 4.
Cyclone Chido serves as a vital case study in understanding the connection between climate change and the increased severity of tropical storms. The research highlights the impact of global warming, particularly in the context of a nearly 1.3 degrees Celsius rise in atmospheric and ocean temperatures since the pre-industrial era. This increase contributes to enhanced storm formation by allowing warmer air to retain more moisture and generating more intense evaporation from ocean surfaces, both of which are critical factors in storm development and intensity.
In conclusion, Cyclone Chido has emerged as a stark reminder of the tangible effects of climate change on extreme weather events. The research underscores that a warming climate not only renders such cyclones more frequent but also intensifies their destructive potential. As communities like Mayotte recover from this catastrophic event, it becomes increasingly important to address the broader implications of climate change on global weather patterns.
Original Source: www.france24.com
