Escalation of Climate Disasters

New extremes

Climate and weather-related disasters have long been part of Earth’s natural systems, but their frequency and severity are surging as global temperatures rise. Driven by human-induced climate change, extreme weather events—such as heatwaves, droughts, typhoons, and hurricanes are occurring more often and with increased intensity, affecting every continent and reshaping ecosystems, economies, and communities worldwide. Today, 90% of all recorded natural disasters are now classified as weather- and climate-related, with devastating effects on livelihoods and infrastructure. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reports that the frequency of weather-related disasters has increased fivefold over the past 50 years, largely attributed to the warming climate. Annual economic losses from these events have grown to about $520 billion, hitting vulnerable regions the hardest. In addition to economic costs, climate-linked disasters push an estimated 26 million people into poverty each year, according to the World Bank. Heatwaves are breaking records across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, bringing unprecedented temperatures that disrupt power grids, threaten human health, and challenge agricultural systems. For example, in 2022, Europe experienced its hottest summer on record, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in several regions, leading to deadly wildfires, energy crises, and crop failures. Similarly, in India, record-breaking heatwaves have not only endangered lives but have also resulted in significant agricultural losses, exacerbating food insecurity.

The drought scenarios

Droughts are intensifying globally, reducing water availability and endangering food production. In East Africa, for instance, recurrent droughts have contributed to severe food shortages, placing millions of lives at risk. The WMO warns that droughts may affect an estimated 700 million people by 2030, leading to competition over resources, forced migration, and political instability. Hurricanes and typhoons, fed by warmer ocean temperatures, are hitting coastal communities with greater force. Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines (2013) and Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico (2017) both led to thousands of casualties and billions in damages. In recent years, hurricanes have intensified more quickly, leaving communities with less time to prepare and adapt. As climate change accelerates, the world is now grappling with not only more frequent but also more unpredictable climate-driven disasters. These new extremes underscore the urgent need for global action to curb emissions, enhance climate resilience, and protect vulnerable communities, aiming for a future where lives and livelihoods are shielded from the increasing impacts of a warming planet.

Climate change and global security

Climate change poses a serious threat to international peace and stability, exacerbating competition over vital resources like land, food, and water. This competition often fuels socioeconomic tensions, leading to conflict and mass displacement. In regions like Africa and Latin America, climate-induced droughts contribute directly to unrest and violence. Without intervention, the World Bank warns that by 2050, climate change may drive over 140 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and South Asia to migrate within their regions.

Solutions for a sustainable future

While the science is clear that climate change is real, it also highlights that we still have time to act and reverse climate crisis. This calls for transformative changes across all sectors — from food production and land use to transportation and energy. Although technology has contributed to climate change, new and efficient technologies offer solutions to significantly reduce emissions. Today, more than 70% of current emissions can be addressed with available technologies. In many areas, renewable energy is now the most cost-effective power source, and electric vehicles are set to become mainstream.