This year has been marked by unprecedented extreme weather, with climate change driving record-breaking temperatures and a multitude of storms, leaving billions suffering worldwide. Research indicates that 2024 could likely be the hottest year recorded, exacerbating issues for those in conflict zones, such as the nearly two million displaced individuals in Gaza, who faced relentless heatwaves alongside their already challenging conditions.
Scientists from the World Weather Attribution (WWA) and Climate Central gathered data demonstrating the reality of climate change; this year alone, people experienced 41 additional days of dangerously high heat compared to a world without climate change. Dr. Friederike Otto from WWA noted that the severity and frequency of extreme weather events signal we are entering a troubling new era, where fossil fuel-induced warming has serious implications for human suffering worldwide.
While regions like the Amazon saw extreme heat diminishing rainfall, resulting in dangerously low river levels, others faced devastating floods. Colombia's Amazon River plummeted to 90% reduced levels, disrupting power supplies and resulting in school closures for nearly half a million children. Indigenous communities were particularly affected, facing severe water shortages.
In the Philippines, an alarming typhoon season brought six destructive storms within a month, leading to over 1,200 fatalities across Southeast Asia. Although climate change does not appear to increase typhoon frequency, scientists note it likely intensifies the storms, linking record ocean temperatures to this year's ferocity.
The U.S. also faced its share of catastrophe with two significant hurricanes, Helene and Milton, inflicting over 260 casualties and extensive damage worth $115 billion. The elevated ocean temperatures fueled these storms despite a temporary lull in activity, making this season notably extraordinary.
African nations like Nigeria and Sudan suffered extreme rainfall leading to catastrophic flooding, which highlighted the dire consequences of diminished infrastructure in the face of climate impacts. Reports suggest these severe rain events are likely to become more common, reinforcing the urgent need for preparedness to mitigate future losses.
The overarching conclusion from this year's events is clear: the world must enhance its response strategies to handle extreme weather effects brought by climate change. As projections show further warming, preparedness remains essential to protect vulnerable populations and secure a sustainable future.
