2024 has established itself as the hottest year on record, dramatically reshaping global climate conditions and intensifying extreme weather events across various regions. According to European climate scientists, the year has witnessed unprecedented levels of heat, floods, storms, fires, and droughts, pointing to the growing reality of climate change impacts worldwide.
Canada has been significantly affected, with the country's meteorologists working relentlessly throughout the year to provide accurate weather forecasts as Canadians faced severe weather, including record-breaking heatwaves and destructive storms. Major events included a summer inferno devastating Jasper National Park, where 16% of the forest and 30% of the town succumbed to wildfires. These events led to the displacement of over 12,000 residents and 20,000 visitors, with damages from Canada’s costliest weather events exceeding $7 billion.
Notably, 2024 was marked by extreme weather occurrences across Alberta too. The year began with severe winter deep freezes, contributing to significant economic challenges, and was followed by torrential rains which led to record-breaking precipitation in Montréal.
Tragically, more than 40 lives were claimed due to the extreme weather events, highlighting the urgent need for increased preparedness among communities and reinforcing the idea of safeguarding against climate risks. Environment and Climate Change Canada has been proactive, urging citizens to leverage the WeatherCAN app and the official website to stay informed about potential hazards.
Across the globe, Singapore recorded the impact of climate change distinctly with scientists estimating the Republic endured 122 extra days of dangerous heat throughout the year. This estimation, based on recent reports, indicates without the influence of climate change, Singapore would only have experienced four such days. The report categorized these 'dangerous heat days' as days where mean temperatures surged above the warmest 10% of temperatures recorded from 1991 to 2020.
The analysis conducted by World Weather Attribution (WWA) and Climate Central emphasized the alarming reality of rising temperatures, attributing these extreme conditions primarily to the release of greenhouse gases from human activities. Joseph Giguere from Climate Central remarked, "The distribution of temperatures today has shifted dramatically due to climate change, affecting Singapore more than many countries due to its stable climate and consistent temperatures year-round."
This warming trend not only escalated heat stress levels but also heightened risks of heat-related illnesses, prompting Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) to issue advisories for minimizing outdoor activities during periods designated as high heat stress. Under the newly implemented heat stress advisory, days reaching WBGT levels of 33 deg C or higher signal significant heat stress, necessitating protective measures for individuals.
The report underscored the systematic nature of extreme weather increases leaning heavily on climate change's influence, where analyses of 29 weather events revealed climate change intensified 26 of them. For example, Hurricane Helen, which struck six states across the U.S. with deadly force, was found to be 200 to 500 times more likely due to climate change, showcasing the heightened peril facing many communities.
If left unaddressed, experts, including Dr. Friederike Otto of WWA, foresee the continuation of increasing days of extreme heat, alongside rising fatalities linked to heat exposure. "Every country needs to step up efforts to reduce fossil fuel reliance and transition to renewable energies," Dr. Otto urged, indicating the manifold benefits such changes could yield.
While the ascent of global temperatures has been alarming, Taiwanese researchers concurred on the pressing need to prioritize heat resilience, echoing sentiments shared by Dr. Otto about utilizing advanced technology and scientific knowledge to combat the shifting climate realities.
The compounding effects of climate change were not limited to just heatwaves but also entailed far-reaching economic consequences for industries reliant on agricultural cycles. The longer-term repercussions of weather extremes declared entire sectors vulnerable, as predictions indicated low yields due to adverse conditions impacting farming landscapes worldwide.
The demands for more sophisticated warning systems and government investments to help vulnerable populations have intensified. Proposals to bolster resilience strategies against extreme weather include improved infrastructure to combat flooding and comprehensive early-warning systems to protect lives and livelihoods against potential emergencies.
2024 has served as a wake-up call, presenting palpable evidence of climate change's far-reaching effects. The United Nations stressed the urgency for global action, pointing out the expected rise of dangerous climate events, posing threats not only to economies but also the very fabric of societal structures across the world.
It is clear the climate emergency has reached unprecedented levels, advocated by the stark realities presented through scientific reports. The discourse must shift swiftly toward actionable solutions to mitigate risks associated with extreme weather events, heavily amplifying the need for environmental stewardship, community engagement, and political will to address these pressing challenges.
