Climate Change Drives Record-Breaking Typhoon Cluster in the Philippines

A study finds human-induced warming intensified six typhoons in 23 days, causing severe damage and displacing millions.

The Philippines experienced an unprecedented cluster of six typhoons in just 23 days between October and November 2024, with four reaching Category 3 or higher intensity.
The storms killed over 170 people, displaced 1.4 million, and caused economic losses exceeding $500 million, devastating communities and infrastructure.
Scientists from the World Weather Attribution (WWA) found that climate change made the conditions fueling these storms 1.7 times more likely compared to pre-industrial levels.
Rising ocean temperatures, higher air humidity, and faster sea level rise—linked to greenhouse gas emissions—intensified the storms' rainfall, wind speeds, and storm surges.
Experts warn that without significant reductions in fossil fuel use, the frequency and severity of such typhoon clusters will increase, further straining disaster response systems in vulnerable regions.