In 2024, climate change triggered unprecedented natural disasters worldwide, affecting all regions from Mayotte to Saudi Arabia. Heatwaves led to over 1,300 deaths during the Hajj, while extreme rainfall caused devastating floods in East Africa and the UAE. Tropical cyclones intensified, particularly impacting the Philippines and Mayotte. Conversely, droughts in the western US, Canada, and southern Africa resulted in severe food insecurity. The economic impact reached an estimated $310 billion in global damages.
Global Impact of Climate Change in 2024
The year 2024 has been marked by an alarming series of natural disasters that left no corner of the globe untouched. From the delicate archipelago of Mayotte to the affluent landscapes of Saudi Arabia, and from thriving European cities to the congested slums in Africa, every region faced the harsh consequences of climate change. The year not only set records for high temperatures but also highlighted the intensifying impact of extreme weather events worldwide.
Heatwaves and Their Deadly Consequences
As temperatures soared, June brought a tragic reminder of the lethal threat posed by heatwaves. More than 1,300 pilgrims lost their lives during the Hajj in Saudi Arabia, where temperatures climbed to an astounding 51.8°C. This “silent killer” also claimed victims in countries like Thailand, India, and the United States. The severity of heatwaves was evident in Mexico, where howler monkeys succumbed to the extreme heat, while in Pakistan, millions of children were forced to stay indoors as temperatures surpassed 50°C. Greece experienced an unprecedented early heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in June, leading to the closure of iconic sites like the Acropolis and sparking fierce wildfires that heralded the hottest summer in European history.
Climate change has transformed the dynamics of weather patterns, with warmer oceans increasing evaporation rates and leading to heavier rainfall. In April, the United Arab Emirates faced a deluge that brought two years’ worth of rain in just one day, crippling Dubai airport. East Africa, recovering from severe drought, was hit hard by unprecedented floods, while West and Central Africa saw historic flooding that necessitated humanitarian aid for four million individuals. Other regions, including Afghanistan, Russia, Brazil, China, and the United States, also faced devastating floods throughout the year.
The Rise of Cyclones and Droughts
The warmer ocean temperatures have also intensified tropical cyclones, with hurricanes like Milton, Beryl, and Helene wreaking havoc across the United States and the Caribbean. The Philippines experienced a particularly brutal storm season, enduring six significant storms in November alone, following the devastation of Typhoon Yagi. A preliminary study indicated that Cyclone Chido’s power was exacerbated by climate change, particularly affecting Mayotte in December.
Conversely, while some regions grappled with heavy rainfall, others became parched, leading to severe droughts that sparked massive wildfires in the western United States and Canada, as well as in parts of the Amazon rainforest. The World Food Programme reported that approximately 26 million people in southern Africa faced hunger due to prolonged drought conditions.
The economic toll of these extreme weather events in 2024 was staggering, with natural disasters resulting in an estimated $310 billion in damages globally. The United States recorded 24 weather-related disasters, each exceeding one billion dollars in damages. Brazil’s agricultural sector suffered a $2.7 billion loss due to droughts, and global wine production fell to its lowest level since 1961, underscoring the far-reaching impacts of climate disruption.