Are Weather and Climate Extremes the 'New Normal'?
In recent days, extreme weather events have wreaked havoc across distant corners of the globe, raising urgent questions about the changing climate.
Tragedy in Afghanistan
More than 330 lives have been lost as devastating rainstorms and flash floods swept through major parts of Afghanistan. The northern Baghlan province alone witnessed over 300 fatalities and the destruction of more than 1,000 homes, leaving communities struggling to recover.
Brazil Faces Unprecedented Flooding
Across the ocean in southern Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul has been battered by two consecutive weeks of record rainfall, leading to severe flooding and mudslides. The death toll has risen to 143, with 125 individuals missing and over 600,000 people evacuated from their homes. Porto Alegre, the state capital, saw more than half of its area inundated.
Governor Eduardo Leite has announced that rebuilding the state will require an estimated 19 billion reais ($3.7 billion), highlighting the immense economic impact of these natural disasters.
What Lies Ahead
These catastrophic events underscore the pressing need for global action on climate change. As weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable and extreme, communities worldwide must adapt and develop resilient infrastructure to withstand future challenges.
Experts warn that without significant mitigation efforts, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and investing in sustainable technologies, the 'new normal' of extreme weather could become even more frequent and severe.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
