Scientists believe that the recent deluge in Oman and the UAE is “most likely” connected to climate change.

Global warming caused by fossil fuel emissions has been identified as a significant factor in the intense rains that recently hit the UAE and Oman, leading to deaths and widespread flooding. According to a group of expert scientists, the extreme rainfall experienced in the region during El Nino years has become 10-40 percent heavier, with climate change likely playing a major role in this phenomenon.

The study, conducted by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) group and compiled by 21 international researchers, highlighted the impact of warming caused by burning fossil fuels on the increasing rainfall in the region. The study noted that there are no other known explanations for the sharp rise in precipitation, emphasizing the role of human activities in exacerbating extreme weather events.

The devastating floods in Oman and the UAE resulted in the loss of 21 lives in Oman and four in the UAE, marking the heaviest rainfall in the Gulf state in 75 years. The study pointed out that even dry regions like the UAE and Oman are vulnerable to extreme weather events, which are expected to increase as the planet continues to warm due to fossil fuel emissions.

The analysis of historic weather data and climate models revealed that extreme rainfall events have become at least 10 percent heavier in the UAE and Oman, with the warmer atmosphere capable of holding more moisture. The storm that hit the region on April 14 caused significant damage in Oman, leading to fatalities and flash floods, before moving on to the UAE on April 16, where it unleashed nearly two years’ worth of rain.

The UAE, particularly Dubai, faced severe disruption as a result of the floods, with major roads blocked, power outages, and residents trapped in their homes. Dubai airport, a key international hub, experienced significant flight cancellations and diversions, highlighting the impact of the extreme weather event on the region’s infrastructure.

While reports of cloud seeding, a practice aimed at increasing rainfall, surfaced last week, UAE officials denied any involvement in such activities. The WWA study did not investigate the influence of cloud seeding but emphasized that the massive rainfall would have occurred regardless of any artificial interventions.

The UAE and Oman, both oil-producing states, have been investing in renewable energy and committing to decarbonizing their domestic economies. However, the study warned that continued reliance on fossil fuels could lead to deadlier and more destructive floods in the future, urging countries to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.

As the world grapples with the consequences of climate change, the findings of the study serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the root causes of global warming and mitigate its impact on vulnerable regions like the UAE and Oman. The call to action is clear: transitioning away from fossil fuels is essential to safeguarding the planet and its inhabitants from the escalating risks posed by extreme weather events.