From Floods to Droughts: Earth's Water Cycle Is 'Screaming for Help'
The U.N. just dropped a dire warning: climate change is turning the planet's water cycle into a chaotic rollercoaster 🎢. According to its latest report, floods and droughts in 2023 were a literal "distress signal" from nature, as rivers hit their driest levels in 30+ years and glaciers lost ice faster than ever.
Why It Matters 🌍
Think of water as Earth's heartbeat 💙—and right now, it's racing. WMO chief Celeste Saulo called it the "canary in the coal mine," with extreme weather battering lives, ecosystems, and economies. Last year's record heat turbocharged evaporation (droughts) *and* atmospheric moisture (floods), creating a lose-lose scenario.
Science Behind the Chaos 🔬
A hotter planet = wilder weather. La Niña and El Niño played roles, but human-driven climate change is the main villain 🦹♂️. Saulo warned: "A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, leading to heavier rains—while drying soils faster." Translation? Buckle up for more "once-in-a-century" disasters.
What's Next? 🚨
This isn't a drill. From vanishing glaciers to biblical floods, the signs are clear. The U.N. urges global action to stabilize the water cycle before it spirals further. 🌏💔
Reference(s):
cgtn.com