Data reveals that while the number of tropical cyclones has remained constant at about 47 annually since 1980, their intensity is increasing, with a 5% rise in average maximum wind speeds and a growing proportion of category five storms. Recent cyclones have resulted in significant casualties, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness linked to climate change impacts.
Recent data indicates that while the annual rate of tropical cyclones has remained stable at approximately 47 per year since 1980, their intensity has markedly escalated. According to global data compiled by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and corroborated by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the average maximum wind speeds of cyclones have increased by 5 percent over the past decade, rising from 182 kph to 192 kph.
Furthermore, the frequency of catastrophic category five cyclones has notably risen, with approximately 1.4 in 10 storms exceeding wind speeds of 250 kph compared to the previous rate of one in 10. These alarming trends support findings from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which warns of an increased likelihood of extreme cyclones due to climate change, significantly impacting vulnerable populations worldwide.
The year 2024 has already witnessed 42 tropical cyclones, with Hurricane Milton recognized as the strongest, attaining wind speeds of 278 kph. The West Pacific region suffered extensively, particularly the Philippines, while the recent Cyclone Chido in Mayotte resulted in significant casualties, with 39 confirmed deaths and over 4,000 injuries reported. These statistics underscore the urgent need for enhanced preparedness and support for affected communities as the threat of more destructive storms looms larger due to climate change.
The persistence of tropical cyclones at a consistent yearly rate juxtaposed with their increasing intensity highlights the significant impacts of climate change. The data from NOAA and WMO provides a critical lens through which to understand these trends. As climate patterns evolve, the linkage between rising temperatures and the ferocity of weather events becomes increasingly clear. Moreover, the IPCC’s assessments underscore the correlation between humanitarian crises stemming from cyclones and the socio-economic status of affected regions. Vulnerable populations, often marked by poverty and inadequate infrastructure, suffer disproportionately from the effects of such natural disasters, advocating for global attention to both climate resilience and disaster preparedness.
In summary, the frequency of tropical cyclones has stabilized, yet their intensity has surged, resulting in more devastating storms linked to climate change. This duality poses substantial risks, particularly for impoverished communities already susceptible to natural disasters. As the reality of these findings sets in, it is imperative to prioritize effective strategies for climate adaptation and mitigation to safeguard vulnerable populations from increasingly severe weather events.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
