
2024 is on its way to being the hottest year ever
According to a recent report from the World Weather Attribution (WWA), 2024 is on track to surpass the previous record-breaking year of 2023, with extreme weather events causing devastating consequences worldwide. The report highlights the catastrophic impact of climate change, attributing at least 3,700 deaths and displacing millions of people due to unprecedented heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, storms, and floods.
The WWA’s annual “Extreme Weather” report reveals that the record-breaking 34.34 Fahrenheit increase in man-made warming has led to unrelenting heatwaves, severe droughts, and devastating natural disasters worldwide. The report emphasizes that climate change played a significant role in fueling these events, including the historic drought in the Amazon.
The data suggests that climate change added an average of 41 additional dangerous heat days globally, resulting in record-breaking rain and flooding across the globe. A study of 16 floods found that all but one were caused by warming atmospheres retaining more moisture, leading to heavier rainfall. These conditions also increase the risk of bigger and deadlier hurricanes and typhoons.
The report highlights the devastating effects on critical ecosystems, such as the Amazon rainforest and the Pantanal Wetland, which have been “hit hard by climate change in 2024.” The areas experienced severe droughts and wildfires, resulting in massive biodiversity loss. Both regions are crucial for maintaining the strength of the Earth’s ecosystems, climate, and economies.
In conclusion, the WWA report serves as a dire warning, emphasizing the need for immediate action to combat the rising influence of climate change. The report calls for a “faster shift” away from fossil fuel usage, improvements in early warning systems for extreme weather events, enhanced reporting of heat-related deaths, and financing support for developing countries and regions severely impacted by climate change.
Source: http://www.engadget.com