As the World Weather Attribution (WWA) group marks its 10th anniversary, new research reveals that extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change have resulted in the deaths of more than 570,000 people globally. This staggering toll includes cyclones, heatwaves, droughts, and floods, with the recent catastrophic flooding in Spain serving as a stark reminder of climate-related risks.
Dr. Friederike Otto, co-founder and lead of the WWA, emphasized the urgency of the findings, stating, “Climate change isn’t a distant threat.” She urged political leaders to reconsider their reliance on fossil fuels, which not only heat the planet but also contribute to the loss of lives. “If we keep burning oil, gas, and coal, the suffering will continue,” Dr. Otto warned.
The WWA’s analysis illustrates the “fingerprint of climate change” in extreme weather events, revealing that the heatwave in the western Mediterranean this year saw temperatures that would have been “impossible” without climate change. The study highlights the vulnerability of even wealthy, resource-rich regions to the adverse effects of a warming climate.
Among the deadliest incidents was the prolonged drought in Somalia, which led to the deaths of an estimated 258,000 individuals due to crop failures and subsequent famine. The WWA report indicates that climate change increased the likelihood and intensity of low rainfall, further exacerbating the severity of the drought. The researchers caution that the actual death toll may be significantly higher, as millions of heat-related fatalities are likely underreported in official statistics.
Although the WWA’s analysis has not undergone peer review, it employs peer-reviewed methodologies, positioning the organization as a leading authority on the intersection of climate change and extreme weather events. The findings underscore the alarming reality that climate change is already causing severe impacts at a global average temperature increase of 1.3°C.
Recent reports from the United Nations Environment Programme highlight that the world is on track for a 2.6-3.1°C rise in global temperatures above pre-industrial levels. This alarming trajectory comes ahead of the upcoming COP29 climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan, where global leaders will convene to negotiate strategies for addressing climate change.
The high-stakes discussions aim to establish a new fund to assist developing nations in transitioning away from fossil fuels, which are the primary contributors to climate change. At last year’s COP27 talks in Egypt, a separate fund was established to compensate for losses and damages resulting from climate change impacts that exceed adaptation capabilities, such as loss of life. However, the fund is not expected to commence payouts until at least 2025, and the contributions pledged thus far fall significantly short of the required amounts.
As the frequency and severity of climate-related disasters continue to rise, the urgency for decisive action and global cooperation has never been greater.