Janice R. Andrews
Climate change wreaked havoc in 2024, surpassing previous records and intensifying extreme weather events. While scientists had hoped for a cooler year after the end of the El Niño weather pattern, it turned out to be another year of devastating temperatures and extreme conditions. The year’s escalating disasters—from powerful storms and heatwaves to floods and wildfires—highlighted the urgent need for action. Photojournalists from the Associated Press have been at the forefront, documenting humanity’s resilience and the destruction caused by climate change across the globe.
January: A Changing World
Rising sea levels have been slowly overtaking Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, forcing farmers to cope with salty ocean water that damages crops. For those who rely on the delta’s agricultural output, the changes are impossible to ignore. Meanwhile, in Tahiti, the construction of large structures for the Paris Olympics on a vital reef disrupted local marine ecosystems that sustain both wildlife and islanders alike.
These images tell a story of a world in transition, where human activities and climate change intersect to reshape daily life.
February: Farming in the Face of Adversity
Agriculture worldwide continues to suffer as climate change intersects with rising costs and changing conditions.
- Spain and Europe: Farmers protested against rising energy and fertilizer costs and the influx of cheaper imports, which threaten their livelihoods.
- Kenya: Access to clean water remained a constant battle for many.
- India’s Coastline: Fishers in Mumbai’s coastal regions faced a warming Arabian Sea, disrupting fishing practices.
Despite the challenges, some regions embraced more sustainable farming techniques that are proving more resilient to climate extremes.
March: The Struggle for Water
Over two billion people around the world still lack access to clean drinking water, a crisis made worse by climate change. In Brazil, some residents relied on mountain runoff for their water, while in India, people filled containers from polluted street drains. This severe shortage highlights the urgent need for clean water solutions and the dangers of climate-induced water scarcity.
April: Surviving Against the Odds
For the Ojibwe tribe in the United States, spearfishing remains a vital tradition, even as climate change disrupts ecosystems and practices.
- Kenya: Flash floods displaced many families, leaving communities vulnerable to further crises.
- India: Constant flooding forced residents into an ongoing cycle of displacement.
These events reflect the cultural and emotional toll of climate change on communities already struggling to adapt.
May: Forced Relocation
In South America, severe flooding in Uruguay and Brazil displaced thousands, but many eventually returned to rebuild. For others, like the Quinault Indian Nation in the U.S. and the Gardi Sugdub islanders in Panama, relocation became an unavoidable reality due to rising sea levels and coastal erosion. This trend of climate-induced migration is expected to continue as sea levels rise.
June: Heatwaves Devastate Communities
In June, relentless heatwaves affected regions worldwide, pushing temperatures to deadly levels.
- Saudi Arabia: The Hajj pilgrimage turned deadly, with over 1,300 people succumbing to heat-related illnesses.
- Global Oceans: Rising ocean temperatures posed a significant threat to ecosystems like the Galapagos Islands, putting marine life at risk.
The devastating heat impacted both people and the environment, signaling the urgent need for climate action to prevent further harm.
July: California’s Wildfires Rage
As temperatures soared and drought conditions worsened, California once again became a battleground for wildfires. Over 400,000 hectares burned, destroying homes and forcing thousands to evacuate. Wildfires also decimated wildlife habitats, leaving communities and ecosystems devastated by the flames. These fires, fueled by changing climate patterns, are becoming a yearly reality for the state.
August: Nature’s Beauty Amidst the Chaos
Amid the destruction caused by climate change, the beauty of nature shone through in some places. In Churchill, Manitoba, visitors enjoyed glimpses of polar bears, beluga whales, and the majestic Hudson Bay. These moments of natural wonder offer a stark contrast to the climate chaos unfolding worldwide, reminding us of the precious ecosystems at risk.
September: The Destructive Power of Water
Floods in 2024 left a trail of destruction across the globe:
- India: Students used ropes to navigate through flooded streets.
- Cuba: A young girl was seen floating in a container amidst rising waters.
- Nigeria: A dam collapse left thousands submerged, and the floodwaters claimed homes and lives.
These scenes highlight how water, both vital and dangerous, can reshape lives, leaving destruction in its wake.
October: Extremes and Contradictions
Throughout the year, the planet saw conflicting weather extremes.
- Morocco’s Sahara Desert: Unlikely rainstorms created temporary pools in the desert sand, contrasting sharply with the region’s usual dry conditions.
- Amazon Rainforest: Severe drought affected the once-lush region, threatening both wildlife and indigenous communities.
These extremes illustrate how climate change is distorting weather patterns, leading to unpredictable and often dangerous consequences.
November: The Aftermath of Storms
Throughout the world, powerful storms left destruction in their wake:
- Homes were obliterated.
- Personal belongings were buried under layers of mud.
- Survivors walked through floodwaters, searching for safety.
The increasing intensity of storms highlights the need for stronger climate policies and improved disaster response strategies.
December: The Future of Climate Change
As winter settled in the Northern Hemisphere, colder temperatures provided temporary relief from the heat. However, the continued occurrence of wildfires during winter underscored how deeply climate change has altered the planet’s natural rhythms. As we look toward 2025, one thing is certain: climate disasters will persist, demanding immediate and sustained action from all sectors of society.
Photojournalism: A Visual Record of Climate Crisis
Throughout 2024, photojournalists have captured the global impact of climate change. Their images offer a powerful visual testament to the human and environmental toll.
- Resilience: From the Ojibwe tribe maintaining traditions to families rebuilding in flood-ravaged areas.
- Destruction: From wildfires to floods, these photos capture the devastation of a warming world.
- Beauty: Images of polar bears and lush desert pools remind us of the planet’s fragile beauty.
These photos document a changing world, urging us to take action before more of these scenes become irreversible.
Conclusion: Time to Act
As 2024 draws to a close, the ongoing effects of climate change are undeniable. The year’s heatwaves, floods, wildfires, and droughts have highlighted the devastating consequences of inaction. While humanity has shown incredible resilience in the face of disaster, these stories remind us that action must be taken now. The planet’s future depends on our collective response to the climate crisis. Will we act in time to prevent further destruction, or will we continue to witness the escalating impact of climate change in the years to come? The choice is ours.
