As wildfires rage across Los Angeles, destroying homes, choking the air with smoke, and forcing thousands to evacuate, the devastating effects of a warming planet are once again in the global spotlight.
These fires are fueled by prolonged drought and rising temperatures, just one example of how climate change is driving extreme weather events around the world.
The recently released 2024 Global Water Monitor Report paints a grim picture of a planet in crisis. Earth’s hottest year on record – its fourth in a row – is pushing the water cycle to dangerous extremes, intensifying both floods and droughts.
The consequences are severe, with water-related disasters causing over 8,700 deaths, displacing 40 million people, and resulting in economic losses exceeding $550 billion last year. Rainfall records were shattered 27 percent more frequently in 2024 compared to two decades ago, while record droughts occurred 38 percent more often.
The root cause of these extremes is clear: rising temperatures are accelerating the water cycle. Warmer air holds more moisture, making floods more intense and droughts more severe.
The report also highlights that the worst impacts can still be avoided with swift and decisive action such as:
- Cutting Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Every greenhouse ton of gas not released counts. Rapid reductions in emissions are essential to limit future disasters.
- Adapting to Extreme Events: Communities must invest in stronger flood defenses, drought-resilient agriculture, sustainable water supplies, and improved early warning systems to better withstand the inevitable challenges.
Fortunately, within our .earth tribe, there are several .earth organizations working to do just that including:
- GlobalWaterwatch.Earth: This organization provides free, globally accessible, near-real-time information on water. Learn more here.
- BeyondWater.Earth: This organization produces water from air. Learn more here.
- WorldWater.Earth: This is a project funded by the European Space Agency that aims to demonstrate how global Earth Observation data can be used to systematically and accurately measure inland surface water resources. Learn more here.
- AgriWater.Earth: This .earth organization has developed a transformational water treatment system for improving water quality and irrigation efficiency. Learn more here.
Is your organization involved in reducing the devastating impacts of climate change? The .earth web domain is ideal for enhancing your brands and communicating your mission of creating a safer planet through platforms for social and environmental activism.
To learn more about the .earth domain, visit Voices.Earth. In addition, many organizations and individuals are sharing their voices about the benefits of a .earth domain in our Voices.Earth podcast series.
