UN Reports 2024 Sees Record Climate Disasters Amid Unprecedented Weather Events

The WMO’s report reveals that in 2024, the climate crisis led to over 150 unprecedented disasters, displacing 800,000 individuals and marking the hottest year on record. Severe heatwaves, record rainfall, and intensified storms significantly impacted lives and agriculture. Experts call for urgent action to address climate change and improve resilience against future disasters.

In 2024, the global climate crisis reached alarming heights, marked by over 150 unprecedented climate disasters, according to the UN’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO). This year, which has been declared the hottest on record, witnessed extreme weather events that resulted in significant loss of life, property, and agricultural devastation, displacing more than 800,000 individuals—the highest figure recorded since 2008.

The WMO report identified 151 extreme weather events as unprecedented, with heatwaves in Japan leading to widespread heatstroke. Notably, temperatures soared to 49.9°C in Carnarvon, Australia, 49.7°C in Tabas, Iran, and 48.5°C in Mali, demonstrating the severity of these incidents. Additionally, Italy faced catastrophic flooding and landslides due to record rainfall, while nations like Senegal and Pakistan suffered extensive property and crop damage from flash floods.

Storm events became increasingly intense as well, with six typhoons hitting the Philippines in less than a month and Hurricane Helene marking a record impact on Florida’s Big Bend region. Super Typhoon Yagi affected approximately 3.6 million individuals in Vietnam. There is concern that many similar events went unrecorded.

The WMO highlights the concerning trend that the past decade holds all ten of the hottest years on record, as global carbon emissions continue to rise, signaling even graver future consequences. Experts have criticized the previous U.S. administration for undermining climate science which has had dire ramifications for the populace.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged global leaders to harness renewable energy for the benefit of both the environment and their economies, with new national climate action plans being introduced. Dr. Luke Parsons from the Nature Conservancy emphasized that 2024 represents uncharted territory, anticipating that the following decade would experience even higher temperatures.

Research indicates a significant impact of climate change on weather events, with at least 550 climate-related disasters becoming more frequent or severe because of global warming. Dr. Brenda Ekwurzel of the Union of Concerned Scientists criticized the loss of climate data, asserting that ignoring these issues only exacerbates their effects.

Experts like Prof. Stefan Rahmstorf from the Potsdam Institute for Climate argue that swift transitions away from fossil fuels are necessary to halt the warming trend, with Dr. Davide Faranda warning that even minor temperature changes can have profound long-term impacts. Prof. Celeste Saulo, WMO Secretary-General, called the report a wake-up call, advocating for strengthened early warning systems to reduce vulnerability to extreme weather, stressing the need for comprehensive investment in climate services.

The WMO’s 2024 report delivers an urgent message about the dire consequences of unchecked climate change, underscoring that unprecedented weather events have become the norm. The findings highlight the necessity for global commitment to transition towards renewable energy and enhance climate resilience through effective early warning systems. Immediate actions are crucial to mitigate future impacts, ensuring that politicians acknowledge the gravity of climate science rather than undermining it.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com