Rising global temperatures drive water cycle extremes

In 2024, record-high temperatures, driven by climate change, intensified global water extremes, causing severe floods and droughts, according to the 2024 Global Water Monitor Report. Led by Albert van Dijk of Australian National University, the study revealed that 111 countries, home to half of the world’s population, experienced their warmest year on record. Water systems worldwide were heavily impacted, with rising sea temperatures worsening droughts and tropical cyclones, especially in the Amazon Basin and southern Africa. The report also noted a significant increase in both heavy rainfall and extreme lows. Water-related disasters caused over 8,700 deaths, displaced 40 million people, and led to economic losses exceeding $550 billion. The report calls for stronger flood defenses and more drought-resistant infrastructure.

Source – CGTN