A Global Deluge: Climate Change Supercharges Storms in Libya, Greece, Brazil & China

Coast of Libya Flooding from Mediterranean storm due to Climate Change - AP Photo/Jamal Alkomaty

September witnesses unprecedented flooding across the globe, driven by climate-intensified storms. From Libya to Brazil, regions grapple with devastation, loss of life, and infrastructure collapse. Amidst the crisis, scientists warn that climate change is amplifying such disasters and that no region is truly safe.

As the world steps into autumn, a series of ferocious floods are already making their presence felt. Evidence points to climate change as the catalyst, with some regions reporting thousands dead.

Libya's recent deluge, which claimed up to 20,000 lives according to the director of a medical centre in Al-Bayda town, is attributed to the aftermath of Mediterranean Storm Daniel. This 'medicane', as it's colloquially termed, wreaked havoc across Europe, carving a path of destruction through Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria. Dr. Karsten Haustein of Leipzig University comments, "While no formal attribution of the role of climate change in making Storm Daniel more intense has been conducted yet, it is safe to say that the Mediterranean sea surface temperatures have been considerably above average throughout summer." - the Guardian

These warmer seas supercharge storms, enabling them to harness more energy and draw more moisture from the atmosphere, resulting in torrential downpours. For instance, Greece experienced a rainfall equivalent to twice its annual average, in just half a day, causing dams to break and cars to be consumed by the sea. Turkey and Bulgaria faced their own set of challenges, with flooding events leading to multiple fatalities. When Storm Daniel reached Libya's northern coast, it caused dams to breach, transforming cities like Derna into disaster zones.

However, Storm Daniel isn't the lone harbinger of chaos this September. Southern Brazil saw 12 inches of rain within 24 hours due to a cyclone, causing floods and landslides that led to at least 39 deaths. This figure, as Governor Eduardo Leite reported, is the highest death toll the state has seen from a climate event.

China and Hong Kong were no exceptions. The latter experienced its most torrential rain in 140 years due to Typhoon Haikui's residuals. Connie Cheung, a Hong Kong local, expressed her alarm, saying, "Even during previous typhoons, it was never this severe." - Reuters

Torrential rainfall flooded streets, shut schools businesses, and brought Hong Kong to a standstill last week - Getty

Additionally, Spain wasn't spared. Early September saw devastating floods that obliterated bridges and carried cars away, especially in regions southwest of Madrid.

US climate activist Edgar McGregor aptly summarized the gravity of the situation, noting that while floods are not new, the simultaneous occurrence of them worldwide is alarming. He said, "Climate scientists have been warning for decades this would happen. Yes, these places have seen flooding, but not all at once." - X

This series of events serves as a dire warning and underscores the urgent need for proactive climate change mitigation.