Global Warming Drives Water Cycle Extremes
The 2024 Global Water Monitor Report reveals that escalating global temperatures are profoundly disrupting the Earth’s water cycle, leading to unprecedented extremes. The report highlights a significant increase in both record-high and record-low monthly rainfall events, intensifying droughts and floods worldwide. These climatic shifts have resulted in substantial human and economic losses, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive climate action to mitigate further destabilization of global water resources.
Important Points
- Increased Frequency of Rainfall Extremes: The report indicates that in 2024, record-high monthly rainfall totals occurred 27% more frequently, while record-low totals were 38% more frequent compared to the early 21st century.
- Escalation of Water-Related Disasters: In 2024, water-related disasters caused over 8,700 deaths and displaced 40 million people globally, with economic losses exceeding US$550 billion.
- Mechanism of Intensified Extremes: Warmer air holds more moisture, leading to heavier rainfall during wet periods and enhanced evaporation during dry spells, thereby exacerbating both floods and droughts.
- Global Incidents of Extreme Events: The report documents severe floods across various regions in 2024, including Papua New Guinea, India, China, Bangladesh, Central Europe, and Africa, resulting in significant human and economic impacts.
