Organization(s): Australian National University
Media publication
WITH: Australian National University
2024 was one other yr of record temperatures that pushed the global water cycle to latest climate extremes and contributed to ferocious floods and devastating droughts, in line with a brand new report from the Australian National University (ANU).
The Global Water Monitor 2024 Reportinvolving a global team of scientists led by Professor Albert van Dijk of ANU, found that rising temperatures are changing the way water moves around the planet, “wreaking havoc” on the water cycle.
“Rising sea surface temperatures have intensified tropical cyclones and droughts in the Amazon basin and southern Africa. Global warming has also contributed to more frequent downpours and slower storms, as evidenced by deadly flash floods in Europe, Asia and Brazil,” Professor van Dijk said.
In 2024, approximately four billion people in 111 countries – half the world’s population – experienced the warmest year on record. Professor van Dijk said air temperatures over land in 2024 were 1.2 degrees Celsius higher than at the beginning of the century and about 2.2 degrees Celsius higher than at the beginning of the industrial revolution.
“In 2024, Earth experienced its hottest year on record for the fourth year in a row. Water systems around the world bore the brunt, he said.
“2024 was a year of extremes, but it was not an isolated phenomenon. This is part of a worsening trend of more intense flooding, prolonged droughts and record extremes.”
The most damaging water-related disasters in 2024 included flash floods, river floods, droughts, tropical cyclones and landslides. Water disasters have killed more than 8,700 people, displaced 40 million people and caused economic losses of more than $550 billion.
“From historic droughts to catastrophic floods, these extreme events impact lives, livelihoods and entire ecosystems. Separate heavy rainfall caused widespread flash flooding in Afghanistan and Pakistan, killing more than 1,000 people,” Professor van Dijk said.
“Disastrous flooding in Brazil has killed over 80 people and over 300 millimeters of rainfall has been recorded in the region.
“We have found that rainfall records are being broken more and more frequently. For example, record monthly rainfall totals were achieved in 2024 by 27%. more often than at the beginning of this century, while daily rainfall records were achieved by 52%. more often. Record lows were 38 percent more frequent, so we’re seeing worse extremes on both sides.
“In southern China, the Yangtze and Pearl rivers flooded cities and towns, displacing tens of thousands of people and causing hundreds of millions of dollars in crop damage.
“In Bangladesh, heavy monsoon rains and the release of dams in August caused widespread river flooding. More than 5.8 million people were affected and at least one million tons of rice were destroyed. In late October, more than 500 millimeters of rain fell in Spain in eight hours, causing deadly flash floods.”
While some parts of the world experienced severe flooding in 2024, others were hit by devastating drought.
“In the Amazon basin, one of Earth’s most important ecosystems, record low river levels have cut off transport routes and disrupted hydropower generation. In September alone, fires caused by hot and dry weather burned over 52,000 square kilometers, releasing huge amounts of greenhouse gases,” Professor van Dijk said.
“In South Africa, severe drought has reduced maize production by more than 50 percent, leaving 30 million people facing food shortages. Farmers were forced to cull cattle when pastures dried up. The drought also reduced hydropower production, leading to widespread power outages.
“We must prepare for and adapt to inevitably more severe extreme events. This could mean stronger flood defenses, developing more drought-resistant food production and water supplies, and better early warning systems.
“Water is our most important resource, and extreme water events – both floods and droughts – are among the greatest threats we face.”
The research team used data from thousands of ground stations and satellites orbiting the Earth to gain near real-time insight into critical water variables such as rainfall, soil moisture, river flows and flooding.
Global Water Monitor is a collaboration between institutions around the world, involving various private and non-private organizations.
