Data shows increasing impact of climate change on weather patterns, with wet weather becoming more extreme.
In the past year, the world experienced record-breaking heat and wet weather. Water-related disasters, including floods, droughts, and storms, claimed the lives of over 8,700 individuals, displaced about 40 million people, and cost the global economy more than US$550 billion, as reported in the 2024 Global Water Monitor document. Various extreme events occurred, such as floods in Spain and Brazil, heavy rains, landslides, and typhoons in Bangladesh and India. Climate experts attribute the intensity and frequency of these disasters to climate change.
In 2024, Bangladesh, known as one of the wettest countries globally, suffered severe flooding and monsoons due to incessant heavy rainfall and surging water from neighboring India, with which it shares numerous rivers. The nation, home to 180 million people, experienced the highest daily rainfall in 17 years, averaging 103 mm, compared to its usual 70-80 mm per day. The effects of these extreme weather events were devastating, displacing over half a million individuals and causing widespread power outages. Financial losses in Bangladesh due to these conditions were estimated at nearly US$500 million, leading to a significant increase in grain imports after losing 1.1 million metric tons of rice to flooding.
Climate change has led to the intensification of extreme weather events globally, with an increase of 52 percent in extreme rainfall events in 2024 compared to the period of 1995-2005. The highest daily rain count also rose by 7.8 percent. Experts predict that similar extreme weather events are likely to continue in 2025, posing significant challenges for regions such as West Africa, where heavy rains and floods resulted in the deaths of more than 1,500 individuals and the displacement of approximately one million people. The impact of climate change on these disasters was estimated to be up to 20 percent.
Even regions accustomed to wet weather have experienced new records due to the warming climate. The Global Water Monitor report highlights that extreme rain events were more frequent in 2024 compared to previous years, with a notable increase in daily rainfall levels. Countries like Bangladesh face a challenging future characterized by intensifying monsoons and extreme weather events as human-induced climate change continues to pose threats. Despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, Bangladesh remains vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, as stated in the Global Water Monitor report.
In conclusion, the year 2024 was marked by a series of extreme weather events globally, indicating the significant impact of climate change on such disasters. The increased frequency and intensity of these events highlight the urgent need for climate action to mitigate the adverse effects on communities and economies around the world.
