LIFE UNDER SIEGE

The world has witnessed a disturbing trend of extreme heat events and abnormal weather patterns, all indicative of the far-reaching impacts of climate change. Rising global temperatures, fueled by the increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, have led to unprecedented heatwaves across continents. For instance, in November–December 2022, record-breaking heat waves in Argentina and Paraguay contributed to power outages, wildfires, and poor harvests. This extreme heat was estimated to have been made 60 times more likely because of climate change. Similarly, from March to May 2023, record-breaking temperatures were recorded in parts of Southeast Asia, China, and South Asia, causing deaths and school closures in India and leading to more than 100 students requiring treatment for dehydration in the Philippines.

WILDFIRE

The surge in extreme heat has intensified the frequency and scale of wildfires across various ecosystems. In the last five years, wildfires have ravaged landscapes, leaving destruction in their wake. Notably, in January–July 2023, intense wildfires in Canada burned roughly 10 million hectares, displacing 30,000 people at their peak and worsening air quality across large portions of Canada and the United States. These extreme wildfires may be partly because of climate change, although many other factors are likely involved. Additionally, in August 2023, catastrophic wildfires in Hawaii on the island of Maui killed at least 111 people, with more than 1,000 people likely missing. Climate change may have decreased rainfall and increased temperatures in this region, potentially contributing to these fires.

DROUGHT

Climate change intensifies the impact of widespread drought events, posing significant global challenges. In the last five years, regions like the Horn of Africa, Southern Africa, and parts of Asia have faced severe drought, leading to acute water scarcity, crop failures, and heightened threats to food security. The deadly heatwave in the Southern and Midwestern United States in June 2023 highlighted both the immediate dangers of extreme heat and the enduring effects of climate change on weather patterns. Drought, often accompanying intense heatwaves, presents recurring challenges with broad consequences, affecting agriculture, economies, and water-dependent industries. As temperatures rise globally, addressing the complex interplay between climate change and drought becomes crucial for sustainable water management, resilient agriculture, and community-wide resilience, ensuring a more secure future for all.

FLOODING

Conversely, the flip side of extreme weather patterns involves the escalation of flooding events, both internationally and within the United States. In recent years, devastating floods have wreaked havoc in various parts of the world. From December 2022 to March 2023, heavy rainfall caused by atmospheric rivers led to multiple floods in the Western United States, causing at least 22 fatalities and property damages estimated to be US$ 3.5 billion. Climate change may be increasing the likelihood of such catastrophic floods, although its effect on these particular storms is less clear. In September 2023, Storm Daniel caused extreme flooding in Libya and parts of southeastern Europe, resulting in thousands of fatalities and more than 2 billion US dollars in damages, emphasizing the potential intensification of storms due to climate change.

life
under
siege

10.24.2023

HEAT

WILDFIRE

DROUGHT

FLOODING

lifeundersiege

10.24.2023

HEAT

WILDFIRE

DROUGHT

FLOODING

life
under
siege