Climate change is increasing the vulnerability of the Philippines to powerful tropical storms, with rising global temperatures nearly doubling the likelihood of deadly typhoons, according to a report published Thursday by the World Weather Attribution group.
Researchers found that the unprecedented formation of four typhoons near the Philippines last month was 70% more likely due to global temperature increases of 1.3 degrees Celsius (2.3 degrees Fahrenheit). Warmer oceans, driven by climate change, are intensifying rainfall and wind speeds worldwide, making severe storm conditions more probable.
“Climate change made the conditions that formed and fueled the typhoons nearly twice as likely,” the report stated.
The Philippines endured six tropical cyclones in October and November, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of thousands and over 170 deaths. Experts believe rising sea surface temperatures amplified the strength and intensity of the storms.
Ben Clarke, a researcher at Imperial College London and one of the report’s authors, noted that if global temperatures rise to 2.6 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, similar storm conditions would be 40% more likely.
Scientists emphasize that warmer ocean temperatures accelerate evaporation, intensifying tropical storms. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change supports these findings, highlighting “high confidence” that global warming is driving more intense storms.
While it remains unclear whether rising temperatures will extend the typhoon season or increase storm frequency, local climate advocates are alarmed. “We used to have what we called a hazard calendar—now it is just basically the whole year around,” said Afrhill Rances, the Philippines’ representative with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
