Unraveling 2024: How Climate Change is Devastating Latin America and the Caribbean

In 2024, Latin America and the Caribbean faced serious climate challenges. Glaciers melted, hurricanes grew stronger, wildfires raged, and droughts struck hard. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported that the impacts of these extreme events were not just immediate; they left deep social and economic scars across the region.

The WMO’s State of the Climate for Latin America and the Caribbean 2024 highlighted the pressing issues of climate change. The report noted that many communities in this region, already struggling with poverty, faced worsening food security and livelihoods. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo stated, “In 2024, climate disasters were felt across the Andes, Amazon, cities, and coastlines, leading to significant economic and environmental challenges.” This year even saw the earliest recorded Category 5 hurricane.

Hotter temperatures made 2024 one of the warmest years on record. Glaciers, which supply fresh water to millions, are disappearing quickly. For example, Venezuela lost its last glacier, heightening concerns about water security. Reports revealed that glaciers in the Andes have lost 25% of their ice since the 19th century, and tropical glaciers are melting at a staggering rate—ten times faster than the global average.

Weather patterns were drastically altered by El Niño, causing both severe droughts and unprecedented flooding later in the year:

• Drought: Parts of the Amazon and Pantanal saw rainfall drop by 30-40%. The river levels in Manaus and Asunción reached historic lows.
• Wildfires: Intense heat and dry conditions sparked wildfires across countries like Chile and Mexico. In Chile alone, over 130 people died in the most devastating fire since the 2010 earthquake.
• Floods: In Brazil, floods in Rio Grande do Sul led to enormous agricultural losses, totaling 8.5 billion reais, despite early warnings which couldn’t save many lives.

Rising sea levels due to climate change also threaten coastal communities. For example, Hurricane Beryl became the strongest hurricane ever to hit Grenada, causing widespread havoc across the Caribbean. As storms intensify, it exemplifies the urgent need for coastal protection and preparedness.

These climate events worsened existing economic difficulties, leading to rising food prices and increasing poverty. Agricultural production took a hit as farmers struggled with changing weather patterns, threatening their livelihoods. The WMO urged governments to strengthen disaster preparedness and develop better strategies for food security.

Amid these challenges, there’s a bright spot: renewable energy is on the rise. In 2024, 69% of energy in the region came from renewables, a significant jump from previous years, with solar and wind power seeing 30% growth. This shift offers a path forward in the fight against climate change. Projects across the region, such as AI for wind energy forecasting in Costa Rica and floating solar panels in Chile, show how innovation can drive change.

Looking ahead, the recent WMO report emphasizes the need for unified action from governments, meteorological services, and private sectors. Their collaboration is key to tackling climate risks and enhancing resilience. While 2024 revealed the harsh realities of climate change, it also highlighted the importance of swift, coordinated strategies for a sustainable future.

In conclusion, the situation across Latin America and the Caribbean calls for urgent action. While the challenges are monumental, the growing focus on renewable energy and better preparation systems gives hope for a more resilient future.

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World Meteorological Organization, Latin America and the Caribbean, climate change