The world in 2024 faced significant climatic challenges, with climate change resulting in extreme weather events that affected millions. Successive heatwaves added pressure on nearly two million displaced individuals due to the Gaza conflict, while the year was projected to be the hottest on record. Research indicates that global populations experienced 41 additional days of hazardous heat because of climate change, marking a dangerous shift in environmental conditions.
Scientists from the World Weather Attribution (WWA) and Climate Central have warned that we are entering a perilous new era, starkly illustrated by the relentless suffering inflicted by extreme weather this year. From Brazil to the Philippines, 2024 has seen temperature records shattered, and marine life faced dire risks in increasingly warmer oceans. In early April, countries stretched from Lebanon to Cambodia were gripped by a harsh heatwave, exacerbating health risks for vulnerable groups. Julie Arrighi from the Red Cross highlighted that young people and the elderly, particularly those with pre-existing health issues, were notably affected due to their inability to cope with extreme heat.
In the Amazon region, a regional heatwave worsened by the natural phenomenon of El Niño saw river levels drop by 90%, endangering power supplies and crop yields. Nearly 500,000 children were impacted as schools in Brazil and Colombia closed due to the severe drought, underlining the critical nature of this ecosystem.
Conversely, the Philippines saw an unusual concentration of storms, with six typhoons hitting within a mere 30 days, resulting in landslides and flooding that claimed over 1,200 lives across Southeast Asia. While scientists assert that climate change hasn't increased the number of typhoons, it has heightened their intensity, suggesting a troubling trend for future seasons.
Even affluent nations were not spared; the U.S. experienced back-to-back hurricanes with catastrophic outcomes, resulting in significant fatalities and economic loss. Researchers attribute these storms to the unusually warm ocean temperatures, which have been intensified by climate change.
In Africa, severe flooding in Nigeria and Sudan led to significant destruction, further strained by inadequate infrastructure. Experts emphasize the urgency of enhancing preparedness for extreme weather events to mitigate the impacts of global warming. As climate change continues to accelerate, it becomes imperative that strategies and resources are put into place to safeguard vulnerable populations facing an uncertain climate future.
