Floods or Droughts: Two Unavoidable Disasters in a World of Climate Extremes
There’s no escaping it — flooding and drought are now two of the most devastating outcomes of extreme weather patterns that the world must face, as the climate crisis continues to severely disrupt the global water cycle.
Water is one of the planet’s most vital natural resources. Whether it’s the tides, evaporation, or rainfall, these processes play a crucial role in sustaining life and maintaining ecological balance. However, global warming is now driving major changes in the water cycle, reshaping how water moves through the Earth’s systems.
An analysis of water-related disasters in 2024 — the hottest year ever recorded — reveals a grim reality:
- At least 8,700 deaths
- Over 40 million people displaced
- More than $550 billion in economic damage
These impacts came from a wide range of catastrophic events: sudden floods in Nepal and Brazil, severe flooding in Central Europe, China, and Bangladesh, and Super Typhoon Yagi, which devastated parts of Southeast Asia — all part of a larger, global pattern of water-driven climate disasters.
Source: Spring News
