Impact of Global Warming on Water Cycle Intensifies
The Global Water Monitor 2024 report has highlighted alarming disruptions in the planet's water cycle, primarily attributed to record-breaking temperatures last year. Conducted by an international consortium led by experts from the Australian National University, the report reveals that climatic anomalies have resulted in catastrophic floods and severe droughts, leading to over 8,700 fatalities, displacing around 40 million individuals, and causing economic damages exceeding $550 billion.
According to the findings, 2024 has been noted as the warmest year affecting nearly 4 billion people across 111 countries. The data indicates that surface air temperatures have risen by 1.2 degrees Celsius since the beginning of the 21st century and by 2.2 degrees Celsius since the Industrial Revolution.
Experts have indicated that these extreme weather patterns are having significant impacts on global water systems. Severe droughts and unprecedented floods are not only threatening lives but also jeopardizing livelihoods and entire ecosystems. Water, a vital resource, is increasingly becoming a source of grave concern due to its extreme conditions.
The analysis incorporated extensive data from thousands of ground and satellite monitoring stations that track key water-related variables, such as rainfall intensity, frequency, soil moisture, and flooding events. The report indicates an alarming trend: instances of record-breaking rainfall are occurring more frequently. Monthly records for rainfall were surpassed 27% more often in 2024 compared to the start of the century, while daily records increased by 52%. Similarly, record low rainfall events were reported 38% more frequently, signaling a rise in extremes on both ends of the spectrum.
These alterations in the water cycle have led to elevated sea-surface temperatures, which in turn have intensified tropical cyclones and drought conditions in regions such as the Amazon basin and southern Africa. Global warming has also contributed to the formation of slower and more devastating storms across Europe, Asia, and Brazil, resulting in extreme rainfall in areas like Valencia, Spain. Flash floods have ravaged parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan, while rising water levels in China's Yangtze and Pearl rivers have adversely affected rice production.
In Bangladesh, the heavy monsoon rains, coupled with the release of water from dams, impacted more than 5.8 million people and destroyed approximately 1 million tons of rice. Additionally, forest fires in the Amazon basin, ignited by prolonged hot and dry conditions, devastated over 52,000 square kilometers in September alone, contributing further to greenhouse gas emissions.
The report also emphasizes the repercussions of these climatic changes on food supply chains, shipping routes, and hydropower generation capabilities in various regions. Experts stress the urgent need for enhanced preparedness and adaptation strategies to counter increasingly severe extreme weather events. This may involve strengthening flood defenses, innovating food production systems, and developing drought-resistant water supply networks.
Despite global commitments to curb warming and keep temperatures from exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels, the World Meteorological Organization has raised concerns about the inadequacy of current measures. The WMO estimates an 80% likelihood that, within the next five years, the average global temperature will surpass the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold again. These projections underscore the challenges faced in achieving the goals set forth in the Paris Agreement.
Furthermore, securing the necessary financial resources for climate adaptation poses another significant hurdle. The United Nations Environment Program estimates an annual funding gap ranging from $194 billion to $366 billion for climate change initiatives. The UN Secretary-General has warned that world leaders must urgently close the emissions gap to avert a climate disaster, particularly for the world's poorest and most vulnerable populations.
