Natural Disasters Leads to Climate Change

Climate threats are natural occurrences that occur during weather cycles. Hurricanes, crop failures, wildfires, earthquakes, and strong winds have all been a part of our lives. However, we are currently experiencing unprecedented levels of destruction and devastation.

Several catastrophic climate disasters have struck different parts of the world over the last year. It includes Cyclone Idai, deadly temperature inversions in India, Pakistan, and Europe, and floods in Southeast Asia. In addition, millions worldwide have already fled their homes, lives, families, and fellow citizens due to even more extreme and regular severe weather events, from Mozambique to Bangladesh.

Climate events are becoming more devastating.

Some examples listed here will give you a broader perspective of what is going on.

1. Cyclones Idai and Kenneth

In March 2019, Cyclone Idai ravaged Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Mozambique in South Africa, killing over one thousand people and displacing millions more displaced without food or necessities. Landslides killed people and damaged houses, crops, and resources.

Weeks later, Cyclone Kenneth made landfall in northern Mozambique, wreaking havoc in places no tropical cyclone saw since the satellite period.

2. Australian Wildfires

Australia was on the verge of one of the worst forest fires at the beginning of 2020. However, following its warmest year on record, which has now left soil and fuels extremely dry. The fires have burned through even more than 10 million hectares, resulting in the deaths of 28 people, razing whole villages to the dust, displacing thousands of households, and causing a toxic smoke cloud for millions of people. In addition, over a billion natural predators have been slaughtered, and certain plants and habitats will never recover.

3. East Africa Drought

Drought risk in the African continent has doubled due to increasing ocean temperature associated with climate change—droughts in 2011, 2017, and 2019 washed out crops and animals on several occasions. Shortages had left 15 million people in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia in most need of assistance, but only 35% of the aid budget has been allocated.

Residents have been evicted from their homes because they lack the financial resources to feed themselves. Hundreds of millions of people are suffering from severe food and clean water deficits. This is a time of need for them. WHO and other countries have been running programs to help the people in need. They are trying to make sure that people get essential food requirements and can live well.

4. South Asia floods

In India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, devastating flash floods and landslides have caused 12 million people to leave their residences over the last year. Extraordinarily torrential monsoon rains and severe flooding ravaged, killed, and displaced people in the very same countries just two years ago. Flooding was one of the worst in some areas for nearly three decades, with a third of Bangladesh submerged. However, some flooding is anticipated during the summer monsoon. Researchers say that rising ocean temperatures in South Asia are intensifying the continent’s monsoon rains.

5. Dry Corridor in Central America

The Dry Corridor of Central America is now in its sixth year of famine due to an El Nio occurrence intensified by the climate change problem. The traditional three-month dry climate in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua has been prolonged to six months or more. As a result, most farms have collapsed, putting 3.5 million people in need of international relief and 2.5 million people facing food insecurity. Many of these people depend on agriculture for both food and other resources.

Wrapping It Up!!!

Both nations, rich and poor, are affected by extreme weather events. However, as we confront a future of increased threats, it is essential to acknowledge the reality of all those who bear the brunt of the effects of climate change. For Oxfam, this is a matter of justice: the poor are the ones who suffer the most as a result of climate change, despite becoming the least accountable for it.

People are forced out of their homes due to climate change, which is compounding poverty and growing hunger. People in developing countries are four times more likely than those in more affluent countries to severe weather.

The planet is in a race against the clock to curb pollution and assist the poorest and most vulnerable people in coping with climate changes. Climate changes are now present and will intensify in the coming years. Now is the time to take action.