Extreme weather events surged in 2024 as the climate crisis deepened

According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), more than 600 extreme weather events occurred worldwide in 2024, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,700 people and displacing about 824,500 individuals. Much of this was down to the Global North-induced climate crisis.

2024: more people displaced by the climate crisis than in nearly two decades

This data, presented in the WMO’s annual State of the Climate Report, includes 148 events deemed “unprecedented” and 289 classified as “unusual.” The significant rise in the frequency and intensity of such weather events has been attributed primarily to the effects of the climate crisis driven by human activities, particularly the Global North’s burning of fossil fuels.

The past year marked the highest number of new displacements recorded in the last 16 years, with escalating temperatures facilitating a surge in extreme weather phenomena, including tropical cyclones, floods, and droughts.

These harsh conditions have particularly affected regions in the Global South, where vulnerability to climate-related disasters is pronounced, compounded by limited adaptive capabilities. A report indicated that climate-related disasters are increasingly displacing populations, with an alarming statistic showing that the number of internally displaced people in Africa is now six times higher than it was 15 years ago.

Globally, while no continent was spared from intense weather, Europe experienced the highest number of extreme weather events, totalling 188. Most of these were heatwaves, but the continent also faced severe flooding and heavy rainfall. Rising temperatures in Europe have already led to a 30% increase in heat-related deaths over the past two decades. A study suggested that without significant adaptation measures, this number could potentially triple by the century’s end.

Alarming changes

The report detailed that key climate crisis indicators reached alarming levels in 2024, including record higher concentrations of carbon dioxide, the highest annual mean temperature, soaring ocean heat content, rising sea levels, and the lowest extent of Arctic sea ice in recorded history.

In December 2024, a separate analysis by Christian Aid highlighted the economic toll of climate disasters, noting that the ten costliest climate-related events incurred damages exceeding $229 billion. This analysis focused on water-related events, particularly storms and floods, illustrating the acute impact of the climate crisis on infrastructure and wider economic systems.

Patrick Watt, CEO of Christian Aid, commented that the suffering linked to these events is “a political choice.” He stated:

These events are being supercharged by decisions to keep burning fossil fuels, to allow emissions to rise, and the failure to deliver on financial commitments.

These sentiments echo widespread concerns that the trends in fossil fuel consumption continue to worsen, resulting in record greenhouse gas emissions, as countries seek economic growth and improved living standards.

As the climate crisis deepens, scientists warn that the number of climate refugees could reach 1.2 billion by 2050 if current trends continue.

The report underscores a critical need for global action, particularly in the Global North, where decisions on energy consumption and emissions significantly influence the severity of climate impacts elsewhere.

Featured image via the Canary