A new climate study has issued a warning that nearly three out of four people worldwide could face severe weather changes within the next 20 years if current greenhouse gas emissions persist.
The research, led by climate scientist Carley Iles and her team at CICERO, predicts that 70% of the global population will be affected by extreme climate shifts if emissions remain at their current levels. The study suggests that much of this future climate change is already inevitable.
Rising global temperatures have fuelled devastating wildfires, floods, storms,and droughts, which are destroying crops and intensifying the risk of famine. The study emphasises that societies are particularly vulnerable to these escalating extreme events, especially when they occur simultaneously.
Recent data from Europe’s Copernicus Climate Service revealed that the Earth experienced its hottest Northern Hemisphere summer on record, surpassing last year’s figures. The Southern Hemisphere, meanwhile, has faced an unusually warm winter, further highlighting the growing impact of climate change.
The report highlights the potential impacts of these changes, including heat stress, higher mortality rates among humans and livestock, reduced agricultural yields, and significant disruptions to transportation due to extreme heat waves.
According to the study, if greenhouse gas emissions remain high, tropical and subtropical regions— where a large fraction of the global population resides— will likely experience the most extreme weather impacts.
(With inputs from agencies)