Recent climate disasters around the world highlight the increasing severity of global warming. From the catastrophic floods in California to the deadly fires in Chile, scientists warn that our preparedness for such events is lacking as human-induced climate change intensifies.
The record-breaking temperatures of last year were followed by an exceptionally warm January. Many northern hemisphere regions are experiencing heatwaves typically seen in mid-summer, while marine scientists are alarmed by the unusually high ocean surface temperatures.
These extremes are largely attributed to human activities, such as fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, compounded by the El Niño phenomenon, which started last year and is expected to persist until at least spring.
California faces catastrophic flooding from a record-breaking atmospheric river, with three lives lost.The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted a one in three chance that this year could surpass last year’s record temperatures. Rising global temperatures increase the risk of extreme weather events.
This month alone, Chile faced its deadliest forest fires ever, claiming over 120 lives in Valparaíso, exacerbated by a decade-long drought and a shift from resilient forests to more fire-prone monocultures.
Meanwhile, California experienced devastating floods triggered by an “atmospheric river,” intensified by warm Pacific Ocean waters, resulting in at least three deaths and a state of emergency declaration.
Researchers emphasize that while attribution studies are needed to determine the precise impact of climate change on these events, they reflect a broader trend of worsening climate-related disasters.
Experts like Raul Cordero and Richard Betts note that the frequency and severity of such events are rising, driven by human-induced climate change. They stress the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate future extremes and adapt to the ongoing changes.
Concerns also extend to the oceans, which absorb most of the excess heat from global warming. Scientists, including Francisco Eliseu Aquino and Francesca Guglielmo, warn that 2024 might set new temperature records, highlighting the urgent need to address these climate challenges proactively.