Record Climate Disasters: 2024 Sees Unprecedented Heatwaves and Storms
The UN WMO reported 151 unprecedented climate disasters in 2024, marking it as the hottest year on record. Over 800,000 people were displaced due to extreme heatwaves, floods, and storms worldwide. The report highlights the urgent need for global action on climate change and critiques past administrative decisions undermining climate science.
In 2024, the UN’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported an unprecedented 151 extreme weather events globally, making it the hottest year on record. The aftermath of these climate-related disasters resulted in over 800,000 individuals being displaced, the highest annual figure recorded since 2008. These events included intense heatwaves, floods, and storms that devastated communities and agricultural sectors worldwide.
Japan experienced severe heatwaves leading to thousands suffering from heatstroke, while temperature highs hit 49.9°C in Western Australia, 49.7°C in Iran, and 48.5°C in Mali. Additionally, Italy faced record rainfall, causing catastrophic floods and landslides, while countries like Senegal, Pakistan, and Brazil dealt with extensive flooding that resulted in significant property and crop losses.
Storm activity intensified with six consecutive typhoons striking the Philippines within a month, and Hurricane Helene became the strongest storm recorded in Florida’s Big Bend area. In Vietnam, Super Typhoon Yagi impacted 3.6 million people, underlining the escalating severity of storms due to climate change.
Despite being in a deepening climate crisis, carbon emissions continue to rise. The WMO report indicates that all ten of the hottest years recorded occurred within the last decade, highlighting a troubling trajectory. Reports from experts criticized the Trump administration’s rollback on climate science initiatives, attributing the rising costs of environmental recovery to such actions.
UN Secretary General António Guterres emphasized that world leaders must utilize renewable energy sources more effectively, with national climate plans expected this year. Experts warn that the consequences of climate inaction will worsen, as illustrated by the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.
Dr. Luke Parsons noted that the current decade is likely to surpass the temperatures of 2024, thrusting humanity further into uncharted climate territory. Previous research underscores that human-induced climate change has intensified natural disasters significantly. This reality was echoed by Dr. Brenda Ekwurzel, who condemned efforts to suppress climate science.
Prof. Stefan Rahmstorf reiterated that ongoing global warming aligns with predictions made since the 1980s, stressing the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels. Experts stress that misinformation and lobbying efforts by the fossil fuel industry hinder progress towards addressing climate impacts effectively. Dr. Davide Faranda pointed to the critical nature of current choices in shaping future climate outcomes.
The WMO Secretary General, Prof. Celeste Saulo, described the report as a critical alert regarding escalating risks to lives and livelihoods, urging the enhancement of early warning systems and climate services globally. With only half of countries possessing adequate warnings, prioritizing such services is essential, especially in light of staffing reductions at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration under the Trump administration, which threatens vital climate monitoring capabilities. An investment of $1 in climate resilience can save $13 in future damages, further highlighting the importance of proactive measures.
The 2024 WMO report reveals a dire trend of escalating climate disasters, emphasizing the pressing need for immediate action and renewed focus on climate science. The unprecedented number of extreme weather events underscores the urgency for global leaders to adopt effective climate policies and strengthen resilience against future crises. Without proactive investments in climate services and the promotion of sustainable practices, the world risks facing increasingly severe consequences as climate change continues unabated.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
