Shocking pictures of extreme natural disasters in 2019 that reminded the world that climate change is for real
1. Amazon fires
Amazon rainforest — the world’s largest rainforest — recorded almost 73,000 fires in 2019 — almost double than last year. The blazes were so big that they were visible from space, according to NASA. Majority of fires were started by local farmers to make way for their crops.
According to researchers, 20% of the forest has already been cut down in the last 5 decades and the rest of the forest would dry out and burn if another 20% disappears. Just a month before, Amazon shrank 1,345 square kilometers — almost twice the area of Tokyo — due to record deforestation. The record number of fires prompted climate activist to demand drastic action.
2. Australia bush fires
Catastrophic bushfires burnt parts of New South Wales and Queensland in Australia. So far, the fires have claimed six lives and burned hundreds of homes since July 1. But Koalas were affected the most. The fires have killed more than 25% of the Koalas — a vulnerable species — in the region. Moreover, it also pushed Sydney’s Air Quality Index to 2,552 — 13 times the hazardous level.
Fires near me was the most searched query on Google in 2019.
3. Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, is running out of water. It is hit by the worst drought in a century and registered the lowest water level in 25 year.Scientist fear that the fall might disappear due to climate change.
As many as 45 million people require food after major crop failures in South Africa.
4. "Off the charts" pollution level
Delhi which has already been one of the most polluted cities, has worsened in 2019 after AQI dropped below 999 or hazardous level. Toxic air in Delhi took a toll on people’s health and adversely affected their skin, causing allergies, rashes and premature ageing. There was an increase by 30% in skin related problem in the city.
The Delhi government declared a public health emergency, closed schools and asked people to stay indoors.
5. Floods and droughts in India
India is among the top 10 worst hit country because of climate change. In 2019, it faced two extreme conditions together — drought and floods. Chennai, a city with a million people — went dry with less or no drinking water for people. Hyderabad and Securandabad were also at the brink of facing water crisis in July. On the other side, as many as 30 were reported dead and 5.8 million displaced due to monsoon floods in Assam.
Global attention was also drawn to Hurricon Harvey and Irma which displaced 41 million people across South Asia.
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