In 2024, extreme weather events intensified, claiming thousands of lives and displacing millions. Climate change was responsible for at least 3,700 deaths and worsened floods across the globe, especially in vulnerable regions. Dangerous heat days increased by 41 on average, with disproportionate effects on developing nations. While El Niño influenced some events, climate change remains the dominant factor exacerbating extreme weather and its consequences.
In 2024, extreme weather reached unprecedented levels, driven by alarming global temperatures resulting from climate change. This year was marred by relentless heatwaves, severe droughts, devastating wildfires, and catastrophic storms and floods, claiming the lives of thousands and displacing millions globally. Analysis of 26 significant weather events revealed that at least 3,700 fatalities could be attributed to climate change, illustrating the immediate dangers posed by a mere 1.3°C rise in temperatures linked to human activities.
The phenomenon of climate change has been linked to this year’s record downpours, evidenced by a surge in devastating floods around the world, including regions such as Kathmandu and Dubai. Out of the 16 floods scrutinized, 15 were exacerbated by climate change-driven rainfall, emphasizing the atmosphere’s capacity to retain more moisture due to increasing temperatures. Inattention to warning systems and inadequate flood defenses contributed to worsening outcomes, as seen in the floods impacting Sudan and Brazil.
Moreover, on average, climate change resulted in an increase of 41 days of hazardous heat across the globe in 2024, with small island and developing nations facing the brunt of this alarming trend. The effects of extreme heat are often underrepresented in discussions surrounding climate impacts, yet they pose significant health risks to vulnerable populations.
While some extreme weather events in early 2024 were influenced by the El Niño phenomenon, the consensus among studies is that climate change played a more substantial role. This assertion was particularly evident in the history-making drought affecting the Amazon rainforest, highlighting the overriding influence of anthropogenic climate factors in modifying weather patterns.
The heightened sea temperatures and ambient air warmth also contributed to more potent storms, including Hurricane Helene and Typhoon Gaemi, with academic research underscoring climate change’s role in increasing hurricane intensity. Between 2019 and 2023, the intensity of most Atlantic hurricanes was notably elevated due to human-induced warming. Additionally, events such as multiple Category 3–5 typhoons striking the Philippines are becoming increasingly frequent as global temperatures rise.
In the Amazon and Pantanal regions, severe droughts and wildfires due to climate change inflicted critical damage, resulting in significant biodiversity loss. As the planet’s most vital land-based carbon sink, the Amazon’s stability remains essential for global climate health. Measures to curb deforestation are imperative to safeguard these ecosystems from the devastating impacts of drought and fire.
The topic of extreme weather in 2024 is framed against the backdrop of escalating climate change consequences globally. This year exemplifies the stark reality of 1.3°C of temperature increases linked to human activities, highlighting the urgency for a transition away from fossil fuels. The report draws attention to various weather phenomena, showcasing how climate change intensifies the frequency, severity, and impact of natural disasters, thereby prompting significant human and ecological repercussions.
The evidentiary findings from 2024 underscore the critical and urgent need to address climate change proactively. The extent of devastation caused by extreme weather this year serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with continued reliance on fossil fuels and inadequate climate response mechanisms. Strengthening climate resilience through adaptive policies and sustainable practices will be essential to mitigate the impact of future climate-related disasters and protect vital ecosystems.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
