By Emenyeonu, C. Ogadimma, College of Communication, University of Sharjah, member of the MediaClimate network.
As extreme weather events surge, the connection between climate change and devastating natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, and heatwaves has become more glaring and undeniable. In recent months, hurricanes such as Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton have wreaked untold havoc in the southeastern United States, causing record-breaking rainfall and devastating flooding. At the same time, floods in Spain, with rainfall equivalent to a year’s worth in just eight hours that killed more than 220 people and left billions in damages, and the intense Typhoon Kong-Rey in Taiwan serve as warnings of a warming world. These events underline the urgency for global climate action and a coordinated response to reduce the risks associated with these extreme weather events. The COP29 summit, currently taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan, could not have come at a more crucial time.
Hurricanes and Climate Change: The Scientific Link
The link between extreme weather events like hurricanes, floods, and climate change has become increasingly evident, as studies have shown that rising global temperatures and ocean warming contribute to more frequent and severe disasters. Reports from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) reveal that warmer oceans fuel hurricanes, causing stronger winds and heavier rainfall. This trend was evident during hurricanes Helen and Milton, as well as the devastating Spain floods and the Taiwan typhoon. Studies by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirm a sharp increase in high-category hurricanes in recent decades, particularly those in Categories 4 and 5. Scientists believe that the rising sea temperatures, particularly in regions like the Gulf of Mexico, provide storms with more energy to strengthen. With each degree Celsius of warming, the atmosphere’s moisture capacity increases by approximately 7%, leading to heavier rainfall and greater flooding risks. As Daniel Swain from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) explains, the additional atmospheric moisture complicates forecasting and preparation, often leaving affected areas ill-prepared and vulnerable. Additional findings from Nature Communications indicate that tropical storms today produce 10-15% more rainfall than in previous decades due to higher atmospheric moisture levels, raising concerns about flooding in low-lying regions.
The Global Picture: Intensified Extreme Weather Events
The rise in extreme weather is not isolated to one region. It is a global issue, whether with hurricanes Helen and Milton in the Americas and the devastating Spain flood in Europe. The impact of climate change is not limited to these regions only. Heavy monsoon rains and Typhoon Yagi in September 2024 caused severe flooding across India, Myanmar, and Thailand, which displaced hundreds of thousands of people. Pakistan also faced severe flooding tied to climate change and the La Niña weather phenomenon. In northern India, heavy monsoon rains in 2024 led to devastating floods in Himachal Pradesh, with scientists warning that climate change is increasing the intensity of such events. In September 2024, Typhoon Yagi caused widespread flooding in Myanmar, displacing over 150,000 families. Experts point to La Niña’s effects, magnified by global warming, as the primary cause. (La Niña is a climate phenomenon characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, which significantly influences global weather patterns.) The pattern is consistent across the region, highlighting Asia’s vulnerability to both natural and human-induced climate changes. These events reflect a dangerous trend: as global temperatures rise, so does the severity of natural disasters.
In Africa, many countries have experienced intensified flooding. In Nigeria for example, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Reports attributed the 2022 floods which displaced over 1.3 million people, to unprecedented rainfall worsened by rising temperatures. Mozambique has faced similar challenges, with cyclones like Idai (2019) and Freddy (2023) that brought heavy rainfall and severe flooding. These events exposed the vulnerability of African nations to climate-related extreme weather. The global pattern is clear: as temperatures rise, so does the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, hence there is urgent need for climate action.
Mitigation Strategies: A Collaborative Effort
The COP29, (the UN Climate Change Conference) that opened in Baku Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024 presents a formidable sphere for stakeholders to critically discuss poignant climate issues, including climate finance, transparency, and adaptation strategies to emerging environmental challenges worldwide. Addressing climate-driven disasters necessitates a comprehensive and collaborative approach that integrates various strategies to enhance resilience and preparedness.
Key strategies include investing in resilient infrastructure, implementing sustainable urban planning, and establishing effective early-warning systems. Enhancing infrastructure resilience is critical; for instance, retrofitting buildings to withstand extreme weather can significantly reduce damage during events such as hurricanes and floods. According to a report by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, investing in disaster risk reduction can yield significant economic returns, with every dollar spent potentially saving up to seven dollars in recovery costs.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is equally vital. Transitioning to renewable energy sources and promoting energy efficiency in industries and households can help mitigate climate change impacts. Initiatives like reforestation not only absorb carbon dioxide but also help restore ecosystems and protect biodiversity, providing a buffer against extreme weather events.
Additionally, international cooperation through climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, is crucial for global action against climate change. By committing to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, nations can collectively tackle the root causes of climate-related disasters. However, with the recent re-election of Donald Trump, there are concerns that the U.S. might scale back its climate commitments, potentially weakening global efforts by diminishing leadership and funding critical to climate initiatives. This shift could hinder the Paris Agreement’s effectiveness, as U.S. participation is pivotal in setting international climate policy standards.
Media’s Role in Mitigating the Impact of Extreme Weather Events
Media outlets play a pivotal role in this collaborative effort by advocating for climate action and educating the public on mitigation strategies. By reporting on extreme weather events like Hurricane Helene and the 2024 floods in Spain, and linking these natural disasters to climate change, the media can heighten awareness of climate urgency and influence public opinion. Engaging communities and holding leaders accountable fosters a more climate-conscious society, as it is expected to encourage local and global actions to enhance resilience. With active participation from all sectors, there is hope for communities worldwide to better prepare for the challenges posed by our changing climate. Some of the ways media can mitigate extreme weather include but are not limited to the under listed.
Real-Time Information Dissemination
Media plays a crucial role in sharing timely information during extreme weather events. In Thailand’s recent flooding, local media worked closely with government agencies to broadcast evacuation routes and provide real-time updates, reducing confusion and saving lives. By rapidly distributing emergency alerts, media channels can help communities make informed decisions and respond proactively to threats and inspire preventive adaptation measures.
Raising Awareness and Promoting Education
Education on climate resilience and disaster preparedness is vital in areas prone to extreme weather. Media outlets can promote awareness campaigns, such as public service announcements in flood-prone regions, to educate residents, and to prompt authorities to enact laws on building flood-resistant infrastructure and emergency planning. In India, for example, community-focused flood prevention initiatives are being promoted through targeted media messages.
Advocacy for Climate Action
Media is also an essential tool for advocating for stronger climate policies. Coverage of floods and hurricanes can pressure policymakers to prioritize climate mitigation strategies and infrastructural improvements. Following Myanmar’s devastating floods, extensive media reports exposed infrastructural gaps, sparking public debates that led to government commitments to improve flood defenses. This is the way to go in other climes facing climate change disasters.
Amplifying Expert Voices and Fostering Accountability
By giving climate scientists and engineers a platform, the media helps the public understand the link between extreme weather and climate change. Expert commentary encourages individuals and communities to adopt sustainable practices, fostering resilience to future climate events. Additionally, investigative reporting on government disaster response efforts can hold leaders accountable and promote transparent, equitable distribution of aid.
Finally, as temperatures continue to rise and we continue to experience hurricanes, floods, and typhoons that are undeniably linked to climate change, a collaborative, multi-sectoral approach is critical to safeguard vulnerable communities and reduce the devastating impacts of our warming world.
Sources and additional resources
-Devastating floods in Pakistan: UNICEF
-Human-induced climate change increasing tropical storm rainfall totals: Stony Brook Newsroom
-Insight on Hurricanes Helene and Milton: Fathom Global
-In the wake of Helene and Milton: Battling the Hurricane Misinformation: CIGI Online
-USA: Hurricanes Helene and Milton 2024: Prevention Web
-Hurricanes Helene and Milton: Further proof we’re not ready for fossil fuel-caused climate -change: Union of Concerned Scientists
-Devastating rainfall hits Spain in yet another flood-related disaster: WMO
-Devastating floods in Spain witnessed by satellites: ESA
-Why were the Spain floods so deadly?: The Hindu
-Hurricanes and Climate Change: C2ES
-A Force of Nature: Hurricanes in a Changing Climate: NASA
-Climate change: Key driver for catastrophic impacts of Hurricane Helene: World Weather Attribution
-WFP Pakistan Floods Situation Report, August 2023: Relief Web
-Responding to Pakistan Floods: Brookings Institution
-Super Typhoon Yagi causes severe flooding across Southeast Asia: IFRC
-Nigeria: Floods, 2022: Relief Web
-Floods in Nigeria: AP News
-Investing in Prevention Mitigates Loss: UNDRR
