In 2023, the world has witnessed a surge in extreme weather events, highlighting emerging patterns in climate change that have global implications. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) experienced unprecedented rainfall, with 254 millimeters falling within a 24-hour period—the highest since records began in 1949, predating the nation’s formation in 1971. This deluge caused significant flooding, leading to infrastructure damage and necessitating large-scale clean-up operations.
Simultaneously, the southern African region is grappling with severe drought conditions. On April 8, the United Nations expressed deep concern as Zimbabwe became the third country in the area to declare a state of emergency due to the prolonged dry spell. The drought has impacted agricultural output, threatened food security, and strained water resources, affecting millions of residents.
According to a recent article published in “Advances in Atmospheric Sciences,” a journal of the Institute of Atmospheric Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, these extreme weather events are not isolated incidents. The study indicates that weather and climate extremes are occurring more frequently and with greater intensity than ever before, exhibiting multiple emerging features that complicate prediction and mitigation efforts.
Experts suggest that these patterns are symptomatic of broader climate change trends, emphasizing the need for international cooperation in addressing the underlying causes. In Asia, countries are urged to bolster their climate resilience strategies, invest in sustainable infrastructure, and enhance early warning systems to mitigate the impact of such events on communities and economies.
As extreme weather becomes the new normal, understanding and adapting to these changes is crucial for safeguarding livelihoods and promoting sustainable development across the globe.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
