In 2024, nearly 4 billion people across 111 countries experienced the warmest year on record, with air temperatures rising by 1.2°C since the early 2000s and by 2.2°C since the Industrial Revolution.

The Global Water Monitor 2024 report highlights that these record-breaking temperatures have led to extreme changes in the planet's water cycle.

In South Asia, severe monsoon rains and dam releases have left millions vulnerable, while heightened temperatures in the Amazon have led to wildfires that ravaged over 52,000 square kilometers in just one month.

The report, led by Professor Albert van Dijk from the Australian National University, found that climate-induced natural disasters resulted in over 8,700 deaths and displaced 40 million people, with economic losses exceeding $550 billion.

To combat the increasing threat of severe weather events, the report stresses the importance of investing in adaptive measures, such as strengthening flood defenses and developing drought-resistant systems.

The article encourages readers to support sustainable practices and policies, emphasizing that individual actions can contribute to a more secure future for the planet.

The report indicates a significant increase in both droughts and floods, with rainfall extremes occurring more frequently due to climate change.

Specifically, record-high monthly rainfall totals increased by 27% compared to the early 21st century, while daily rainfall extremes surged by 52% in 2024.

Conversely, record low rainfall events were 38% more frequent, illustrating the widening extremes of the water cycle due to global warming.

Rising sea-surface temperatures are contributing to more intense tropical storms, while worsening droughts in key agricultural areas are impacting food production.