The year 2024 has proven to be another devastating chapter in the ongoing saga of climate extremes. With record-breaking temperatures continuing to shape the global climate, a new report spearheaded by The Australian National University (ANU) reveals just how much these shifts are destabilizing the planet’s water cycle. From catastrophic floods to crushing droughts, the report paints a stark picture of how rising temperatures are disrupting the natural flow of water across the globe.
According to the 2024 Global Water Monitor Report, led by ANU Professor Albert van Dijk, rising global temperatures are forcing unprecedented changes in the way water moves around the Earth. The consequences are far-reaching, wreaking havoc on ecosystems, economies, and communities.
“The intensification of tropical cyclones, prolonged droughts, and devastating floods are all symptomatic of the profound changes we’re seeing in the water cycle,” explained Professor van Dijk. “What we’re witnessing is not a random event but part of a disturbing trend of more extreme weather, with larger-scale impacts.”
In 2024, nearly half of the world’s population around four billion people experienced their warmest year ever. Average air temperatures over land were 1.2 degrees Celsius higher than the start of the century, and a staggering 2.2 degrees Celsius higher than pre-industrial levels. These temperature anomalies are not isolated occurrences; they mark a shift toward a more chaotic climate, with water systems bearing the brunt of the change.
One of the most severe outcomes of these shifts is the increased frequency and intensity of water-related disasters. The report highlights catastrophic flash floods, river floods, tropical cyclones, and droughts as some of the most damaging events of 2024. These extreme events caused over 8,700 fatalities, displaced 40 million people, and incurred losses exceeding US $550 billion.
One particularly troubling finding was the increasing unpredictability of rainfall. Record-breaking downpours became much more frequent in 2024, with monthly rainfall totals exceeding historical norms 27% more often compared to the start of the century. Even more startling were the spikes in daily rainfall records, which were surpassed 52% more frequently. While extreme wet events are becoming more common, so too are the record-low rainfall events, which occurred 38% more often than in previous decades.
One stark example was the deadly flash flooding in Afghanistan and Pakistan, which claimed over 1,000 lives. Meanwhile, Brazil experienced catastrophic flooding that caused the deaths of more than 80 people, with some areas receiving more than 300 millimeters of rainfall in a single day. These floods highlight the growing unpredictability and severity of water-related disasters.
Professor van Dijk emphasizes that while 2024 may seem like an outlier, it is part of a broader, ongoing trend. “What we’re experiencing now is not a temporary anomaly,” he said. “These extremes are becoming more frequent and intense, and the impacts are profound, especially in vulnerable regions.”
As the Earth continues to warm, the global water cycle faces unprecedented strain. While mitigation efforts are essential, there is an urgent need to adapt to these new realities. Communities, governments, and businesses must now confront the reality of a more volatile climate and prepare for the increasing likelihood of more extreme water-related events.
