Record-breaking Weather Events Amplified by Climate Change Impact Lives Globally

In 2024, the world experienced unprecedented weather extremes, including heatwaves, droughts, and storms exacerbated by climate change, affecting millions of lives, particularly those in conflict zones or with limited resources. Researchers warn of a "dangerous new era," emphasizing the need for improved preparedness and resilience to address ongoing climate-related challenges.

This year has seen a whirlwind of extreme weather events that have significantly challenged communities and countries worldwide, a testament to the escalating impact of climate change. This year is on track to become the hottest on record, with new research indicating that climate change has resulted in an additional 41 days of dangerous heat globally. Researchers from the World Weather Attribution (WWA) and Climate Central state that these conditions have created “a dangerous new era.”

Countries across the globe, from South America to Southeast Asia, faced diverse weather challenges, with many experiencing prolonged heatwaves and severe climatic disturbances. This harsh summer in regions such as Gaza, where nearly two million people are displaced due to ongoing conflict, has intensified the hardships faced by those in temporary shelters vulnerable to heat.

The Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre noted that the impacts of heat are unevenly distributed, placing young people and the elderly, especially those with pre-existing health concerns, at increased risk. For those in conflict zones, the challenges of finding shelter and accessing necessities like water are profound, worsening the effects of rising temperatures.

The Amazon basin has not been spared, suffering a regional heatwave heightened by the El Niño phenomenon. Reduced rainfall in parts of South America led to alarming declines in river levels, particularly in Colombia, adversely affecting crop yield and causing widespread school closures for nearly half a million children, as reported by UNICEF.

In the Philippines, an unprecedented typhoon season unfolded with six major storms in just about 30 days, contributing to over 1,200 deaths in Southeast Asia. Scientists attribute these severe weather patterns to the record-warm ocean temperatures fueled by climate change, with warnings for continued elevated storm intensity.

The United States also endured severe weather, with dual hurricanes causing significant destruction and loss of life. The combined toll from Hurricanes Helene and Milton is estimated at over 260 fatalities and approximately $115 billion in damages. Researchers emphasized that the exceptional ocean temperatures set up the conditions for these deadly storms.

Extreme rainfall in Nigeria, Chad, and Sudan led to catastrophic flooding, revealing vulnerabilities exacerbated by lack of infrastructure and preparedness for such weather extremes. The persistence of heavy rainfall events may become a common occurrence due to human-caused climate variations.

Calls for enhanced resilience and preparedness resonate throughout the reports by climate scientists and humanitarian organizations. Julie Arrighi from the Red Cross has emphasized the pressing need for improved disaster preparedness as the world faces increasingly severe weather events, signaling that adapting to life in a warmer world is still a challenge that many are not equipped to address effectively.