The year 2024 marked a significant spike in climate-related disasters driven by unprecedented global temperatures and heightened weather events. Experts indicate a direct correlation between these calamities and climate change, with notable heatwaves, floods, cyclones, and droughts affecting millions worldwide and leading to economic losses estimated at $310 billion. The year serves as a stark warning of the urgent need for climate action.
In 2024, the world faced an unprecedented wave of climate disasters, affecting diverse regions from impoverished nations to affluent cities. This year set new records for global temperatures, leading to disastrous weather events worldwide. Experts from World Weather Attribution indicated that nearly all analyzed disasters throughout the year were exacerbated by climate change, highlighting the severity of the crisis.
The year was marked by extreme heat, illustrated tragically by the deaths of over 1,300 individuals during the hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, with temperatures peaking at 51.8 degrees Celsius. Heatwaves also inflicted heavy tolls in countries such as Thailand, India, and the United States, where extreme conditions led to the demise of wildlife and raised health concerns for millions.
Climate change also manifested in dramatic rainfall patterns, with the United Arab Emirates experiencing two years of rain in a single day, severely disrupting life in Dubai. Concurrently, Kenya was struck by severe flooding following a drought, as historic floods across West and Central Africa affected millions. Numerous countries, including the United States and Afghanistan, reported heavy flooding incidents, contributing to widespread humanitarian crises.
Tropical cyclones intensified due to heightened ocean temperatures, leading to an uptick in destructive storms across the Caribbean and the United States. Notably, Cyclone Chino reached devastating Category 4 intensity before impacting Mayotte in December.
Moreover, droughts and wildfires ravaged extensive areas across the Americas, with South America experiencing over 400,000 fires, thereby contributing to significant economic and environmental damage. The global economic impact of these disasters reached an estimation of $310 billion, imposed by floods, hurricanes, and droughts that disrupted agriculture and led to widespread poverty.
The extreme climate events of 2024 underscored the urgent need for global action against climate change, as millions faced loss and adversity due to the intensified natural disasters.
The article addresses the catastrophic effects of climate change observed in 2024, citing factual data and expert insights. It indicates that the rising global average temperatures fueled extreme weather events globally, affecting both affluent and underprivileged regions. By highlighting specific instances of heatwaves, flooding, cyclones, droughts, and accompanying economic impacts, the article paints a comprehensive picture of the severe climate crisis currently being faced worldwide.
In conclusion, 2024 emerged as a pivotal year in the history of climate change, where extreme weather patterns resulted in significant humanitarian and economic crises across the globe. The report by World Weather Attribution stresses the role of climate change in exacerbating these disasters, demanding immediate and coordinated action to mitigate future risks. As the evidence grows, it is imperative that nations prioritize sustainable practices to safeguard both humanity and the planet.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
