The Guardian reflects on a year marked by widespread droughts, wildfires and floods that have already claimed tens of thousands of lives worldwide. The death toll from extreme weather in 2026 is described as a conservative estimate, with expectations that it will rise further as the climate crisis intensifies. As COP31 proceeds, scientists warn that the pace of climate breakdown may be accelerating, underscoring the urgency of cutting emissions. The piece serves as a reminder that without swift action, this disastrous year could become a benchmark for future climate impacts.
People around the world have contended with unprecedented weather events and their fatal effects caused by the climate catastropheAfter the world’s hottest summer since records began in 1850, the death toll from extreme weather in 2026 is already in the high tens of thousands. That is a conservative estimate and is certain to rise much higher.As Cop31 continues and scientists warn that climate breakdown may be accelerating, the Guardian looks back at a year of droughts, fires and floods as a reminder that, unless the world takes urgent action to cut emissions, this disastrous year will be one of the best of the rest of our lives. Continue reading...
