The ninth edition of The Lancet Countdown report offers a grim update on how climate change is affecting global health. Extreme heat, prolonged droughts, and intense rainfall are increasingly impacting people’s well-being worldwide, leading to heat-related deaths, disease outbreaks, and worsening air pollution. While fossil fuel pollution deaths have slightly decreased, the report calls for urgent, systemic changes to protect health and mitigate further climate risks as we approach COP29.
Scientists have recorded the largest rogue wave ever measured in the Pacific Ocean, reaching a height of 17.6 meters (58 feet) off the coast of British Columbia in November 2020. Known as the Ucluelet wave, its extraordinary height highlights the importance of advanced ocean monitoring systems. This wave, which was nearly three times the size of surrounding waves, exemplifies the rare and powerful nature of rogue waves, which pose significant risks to maritime operations and coastal communities.
The unprecedented floods in the Sahara Desert in September, brought on by intense rainfall, created temporary lakes in the typically dry region and led to deadly flash floods. Scientists attribute this rare weather event to climate change, which is expected to increase the frequency of extreme weather in the region. The floods serve as a reminder that no place is immune to the effects of climate change, urging the need for global action, adaptation strategies, and better preparedness to handle the growing threat of climate-related disasters.
2024 has shattered temperature records globally, highlighting the severe impact of climate change. Regions from North America to Asia have faced unprecedented heatwaves, leading to widespread wildfires, health crises, and economic disruptions. This article explores the regional impacts, the devastating heatwaves, and the human toll, while proposing solutions such as renewable energy adoption, sustainable agriculture, climate education, and international cooperation to combat the escalating climate crisis.
A new report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) paints a concerning picture of our planet’s health. 2023 marked the hottest year on record, with rising temperatures, melting glaciers, and extreme weather events becoming increasingly common. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warns of “climate chaos” driven by fossil fuel pollution and urges immediate action.