Tropical Cyclones Worsen under Climate Change

Climate change is a pressing global issue with far-reaching impacts, particularly evident in its influence on weather patterns. A study co-led by researchers from NTU Singapore, Rowan University, and the University of Pennsylvania revealed that climate change is intensifying and prolonging tropical cyclones in Southeast Asia.[1] Analysing over 64,000 tropical cyclones since 1881, the study found that the warming of ocean waters by climate change is providing storms with more energy to develop and intensify.

Hurricanes draw their energy from warm sea surface waters (Image source: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)

One of the consequences of this is that tropical cyclones are forming closer to coastlines. This means less time for communities to prepare and respond, particularly in densely-populated, coastal cities like Hai Phong, Yangon, and Bangkok. The study also found that cyclones are lingering longer over land, increasing the risk of severe flooding and landslides.

Rescue workers help stranded people from a flooded area in Chiang Rai (Image source: Bangkok post)

This is bad news for Southeast Asia, a region already facing numerous climate challenges. More intense and longer-lasting tropical cyclones exacerbate existing vulnerabilities to local communities, economies, and ecosystems. In addition, rising sea levels will also pose significant threats to lives and livelihoods.[2]

Risk to Asian cities due to rising sea levels and flooding by 2030 (Image source: Statista)

Agriculture, a vital sector for many countries in the region, is particularly vulnerable.[3] Storms can lead to crop damage and loss of arable land, which in turn can trigger to food insecurity and poverty.[4]For example, in 2022, catastrophic floods in Paksitan submerged one-third of the country, destroying millions of acres of farmland and affecting over 33 million people. The floods severely damaged key crops such as rice, wheat, and cotton, significantly worsening food insecurity and deepening poverty among farming communities.[5]

Typhoon hit Philippines faces rice crisis (Image source: SCMP)

The environmental impact cannot be overlooked either. Mangroves, coral reefs, and other critical ecosystems, which provide essential services such as coastal protection and biodiversity support, are at risk of destruction.[6]Their loss would have cascading effects on both the environment and communities that rely on them.

Hong Kong, as a coastal city, is also highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Rising sea levels, coupled with more intense tropical cyclones, threaten its infrastructure, economy, and communities.[7]The city has already experienced devastating impacts from typhoons in recent years, such as flooding in low-lying areas and damage to critical infrastructure.[8] As a global financial hub, Hong Kong’s climate resilience is crucial not only for its residents but also for its role in the wider regional and global economy.

Typhoon Mangkhut caused serious flooding in Hong Kong (Image source: SCMP)

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach. Research is vital to understanding the dynamics of weather systems in the context of climate change. Effective policy and governance enhance climate resilience and disaster preparedness. Governments need to invest in infrastructure capable of withstanding extreme weather, implement advanced early warning systems, and promote sustainable land use practices to safeguard communities.