A Year of Extreme Weather Challenges Billions
The impact of climate change became more evident in 2024, with extreme weather events disrupting lives worldwide. From record-breaking heat to devastating typhoons and droughts, billions faced the harsh realities of a warming planet. This year, which is on track to be the hottest on record, also brought an additional 41 days of dangerous heat due to climate change, according to researchers at the World Weather Attribution (WWA) group and Climate Central.
Heatwaves Scorch Billions
2024 was a year dominated by heatwaves, breaking temperature records on land and in the sea.
Global Impact of Extreme Heat
- Widespread Suffering: Countries from Lebanon to Cambodia faced prolonged heatwaves, increasing the risks of dehydration and heat stroke.
- Vulnerable Populations: Young children, elderly individuals, and those in conflict zones were disproportionately affected, often due to inadequate shelter and disrupted water systems.
Researchers estimate that, compared to a world without climate change, people experienced an additional 41 days of dangerous heat in 2024. Dr. Friederike Otto of WWA highlighted that “the impacts of fossil fuel warming have never been clearer or more devastating.”
Amazon Under Threat
El Niño and Climate Change
The Amazon region faced a deadly combination of a regional heatwave and reduced rainfall, exacerbated by the natural El Niño phenomenon. However, climate change remained the dominant factor:
- Reduced Amazon River Levels: Water levels dropped by 90%, affecting power supply, crop yields, and causing wildfires.
- Human and Ecosystem Impact: Nearly 500,000 children in Brazil and Colombia were affected as schools closed due to a lack of drinking water.
- Global Consequences: Dr. Regina Rodrigues warned that climate change risks pushing the Amazon rainforest to an irreversible, drier state, endangering biodiversity and its role as a carbon sink.
Philippines Faces Unprecedented Typhoons
The Philippines endured a historic typhoon season, with six typhoons striking in just 30 days during October and November. Landslides and floods across Southeast Asia claimed over 1,200 lives.
Climate Change and Storms
While climate change may not increase the number of storms, it likely intensifies their severity. Record ocean temperatures, enhanced by climate change, contributed to this year’s devastating typhoons.
Dr. Zach Zobel of the Woodwell Climate Research Centre noted, “Scientists have been warning about these extreme events for years.”
Hurricanes Devastate the U.S.
The U.S. was hit by two powerful hurricanes, Helene and Milton, leaving 260 dead and causing $115 billion in damages. Elevated ocean temperatures in the Atlantic fueled these storms.
Category Five Hurricane Beryl
Beryl became the Atlantic’s earliest Category 5 hurricane on July 2, underscoring the unprecedented nature of this year’s hurricane season. Dr. Otto explained that the extreme heat in the upper ocean contributed to the persistence of storm activity.
Flooding Wreaks Havoc in Nigeria, Chad, and Sudan
Sudan and Nigeria experienced catastrophic flooding starting in July, triggered by heavy rains that led to dam collapses:
- Deaths and Displacement: Dozens died, and thousands were forced to flee their homes.
- Human-Caused Warming: Researchers linked the heavy rainfall to human-induced climate change, estimating such events will now occur every three to 10 years.
Call for Preparedness and Action
Julie Arrighi of the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre emphasized the need for urgent action:
“We are not well prepared for life at 1.3-1.5°C of warming. Enhancing preparedness for extreme weather is critical to reducing loss of life and damages.”
As 2024 closes, the year serves as a stark reminder of the escalating challenges posed by climate change. Immediate global action is essential to mitigate its impacts and adapt to the “dangerous new era” we are living in.
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