Cyclone Chido’s devastation in Mayotte highlights the urgent need for climate action
Mayotte: Cyclone Chido hit hard in December, leaving the island’s 300,000 residents in a tough spot. The storm brought winds of 124 mph, wrecking homes and infrastructure. While it’s unclear if climate change caused this cyclone, its severity is a clear sign of the times.
This situation is a wake-up call for small island nations and poorer countries. They face rising tides and coastal erosion, yet they contribute very little to global carbon emissions. Meanwhile, the wealthiest nations are responsible for the majority of emissions, making it unfair that poorer countries bear the brunt of climate change.
Officials are still figuring out the total damage from Chido. At the recent U.N. Climate Change Conference in Baku, wealthier nations agreed to provide $300 billion annually to help poorer countries adapt to climate change. But that’s far less than the $1 trillion that was initially requested.
It’s important to note that this isn’t just charity. Many of these poorer nations are rich in rainforests, which play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide. They should be compensated for their efforts to combat climate change, especially since fossil fuel emissions are so high globally.
Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan expressed his disappointment, emphasizing the urgent need for action to protect vulnerable nations. He pointed out that much of Seychelles’ infrastructure is at risk, and they’re forced to divert funds from health and education to climate protection.
On the political front, U.S. president-elect Donald Trump has threatened to pull out of the Paris Climate Agreement, which could reverse progress made under President Biden. This move is seen as short-sighted, especially since many climate scientists agree that human activity is a major factor in global warming.
Finding a way to provide climate finance to small island nations is a challenge, especially for countries with tight budgets. Direct payments and carbon credits are potential solutions, but there’s skepticism about whether wealthier nations will follow through.
Some countries are making progress, with deforestation rates dropping significantly in places like Brazil and Colombia. Leslie A Jn Baptiste from St. Lucia highlighted that if small nations can protect their forests, wealthier countries should step up too.
Climate change is intensifying storms like Chido, fueled by warmer oceans and increased moisture. As we approach critical temperature thresholds, the situation is likely to worsen.
In Mayotte, a staggering 77% of residents live below the poverty line. Professor Liz Stephens from the University of Reading pointed out that the impacts of Cyclone Chido show just how vulnerable these islands are. They need international support to recover from such disasters.
Ultimately, the wealthiest nations can’t turn a blind eye to the struggles of small island nations. The costs of inaction will affect us all.
Ken Silverstein has covered energy and the environment for 25 years. He wrote this for InsideSources.com.
