Water-related disasters killed more than 8700 people and displaced 40 million people across the world last year.
The latest Global Water Monitor Report, involving an international team of researchers led by Australian National University (ANU) Professor Albert van Dijk, found rising temperatures were changing the way water moved around the planet.
“Rising sea surface temperatures intensified tropical cyclones and droughts in the Amazon Basin and southern Africa,” Professor van Dijk said.
“Global warming also contributed to heavier downpours and slower-moving storms, as evidenced by deadly flash floods in Europe, Asia and Brazil.”
He said in 2024, about four billion people across 111 countries experienced their warmest year yet.
“Air temperatures over land in 2024 were 1.2 degrees Celsius warmer than at the start of the century, and about 2.2 degrees Celsius higher than at the start of the Industrial Revolution.
“In 2024, Earth experienced its hottest year on record, for the fourth year in a row. Water systems across the globe bore the brunt,” he said.
Professor van Dijk said the most damaging water-related disasters in 2024 included flash floods, river floods, droughts, tropical cyclones and landslides.
“Water-related disasters killed more than 8,700 people, displaced 40 million people and caused economic losses exceeding US $550 billion.
“From historic droughts to catastrophic floods, these extreme events impact lives, livelihoods, and entire ecosystems.”
Read the full Global Water Monitor report.
