Kavita Bisht
Severe weather events are becoming more frequent and intense worldwide, highlighting the urgent need to address climate change. Climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe emphasized this in an interview with Space.com, stating, “Each of us, wherever we live, is experiencing the impacts of climate change today.”
Record Heatwaves and Rising Temperatures
Extreme heatwaves are on the rise, with temperatures reaching alarming highs. In Saudi Arabia, during the Hajj pilgrimage, temperatures soared to 125°F (52°C), resulting in nearly 1,300 deaths. Recently, temperatures as high as 120°F (49°C) were recorded in Las Vegas. Greece and India have also faced unprecedented heat waves, impacting millions of people.
Every month between July 2023 and June 2024 broke previous records for being the hottest for that time, regularly rising over pre-industrial averages by more than 1.5°C. This alarming trend is driven by greenhouse gas emissions and the El Niño weather pattern, as reported by the European program via CBC.
Heavy Rainfall and Devastating Floods
Warmer temperatures are intensifying rain and snowstorms globally. Recent months have seen devastating floods in Afghanistan, claiming over 300 lives, and causing landslides and floods across Europe, resulting in at least seven deaths. Early monsoon rains in South Asia led to significant flooding, causing more than 40 fatalities.
The UAE Mission in Seoul has issued warnings of heavy rains and potential floods for UAE nationals in South Korea, indicating the widespread nature of these extreme weather events.
Intensifying Hurricanes and Wildfires
Oceans, which absorb 90% of the trapped heat from climate change, are fueling stronger storms. Hurricane Harvey in 2017, which intensified rainfall over Houston, is a stark example. Record ocean temperatures are leading to earlier, longer, and more potent hurricanes, posing significant challenges to global disaster responses.
Climate change has also dramatically increased the frequency and intensity of wildfires. Wildfires in the United States damaged almost 1.7 million acres in the first few months of 2024 alone. Canada’s 2023 wildfire season was particularly devastating, with fires burning 45 million acres—eight times the average—primarily ignited by lightning strikes in warming northern forests.
Warmer, moister air is escalating thunderstorm and lightning risks, further increasing wildfire dangers. Furthermore, the world’s largest tropical wetland, the Pantanal, is burning like never before in 2024 as a result of a major drought; more than half of its expanse has dried out.
Global Implications and Future Outlook
The severity and frequency of these extreme weather events are rising, which emphasizes how urgently global climate change action is needed. The impacts are widespread, affecting communities, economies, and ecosystems worldwide. As the planet continues to warm, these events are expected to become even more common and intense.
Addressing climate change requires coordinated international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance climate resilience, and develop sustainable solutions. The future depends on the actions taken today to mitigate the impacts of climate change and safeguard the planet for future generations.
