Natural disasters such as floods and fires have long been seen as distinct phenomena, arising from specific local conditions. However, as the effects of climate change become more pronounced, it is increasingly clear that there are deep connections between these two events. At this very moment, floods are hitting Maiduguri in Nigeria and Mali, while Portugal is facing large-scale wildfires. These events, though geographically distant, are closely tied to climate disruptions.
Flooding in Mali and Maiduguri: Extreme Precipitation
As of 16th September 2024, Mali and Maiduguri (Nigeria) are experiencing devastating floods. In Mali, heavy rains have caused rivers to overflow, flooding entire villages leaving 62 dead and displacing over 100,000 people. The situation is similar in Maiduguri, where the collapse of the Asau Dam caused by a combination of government neglect and extreme rainfalls has led to widespread flooding and infrastructure damage. Residents are forced to leave their homes, and many have lost their belongings. The Nigerian government has deployed emergency response teams to Maiduguri to provide aid, but the situation remains dire especially with heightened fear of disease outbreak as the flood ravages on.
These floods are partly due to increased precipitation, a phenomenon exacerbated by climate change. Rising temperatures worldwide lead to faster evaporation of ocean water, increasing humidity in the atmosphere. This results in more intense rains and violent storms. Moreover, climate models predict that regions like West Africa will become increasingly vulnerable to episodes of torrential rainfall. The water cycle is thus disrupted, causing extreme weather events like these floods.
Fires in Portugal: Persistent Heatwaves
Meanwhile, in Portugal, wildfires are ravaging the country. Southern Europe, particularly the Mediterranean region, is experiencing more frequent and prolonged heatwaves. These heatwaves dry out vegetation, making it highly flammable. A simple spark, whether natural or human-caused, can trigger fires that spread rapidly due to strong winds and dry conditions.
The fires in Portugal are not an isolated event. They are part of a broader trend affecting several regions worldwide, exacerbated by rising global temperatures. Climate change amplifies heatwaves, making drought periods more intense and frequent, creating fertile ground for wildfires.
The Link Between Floods and Fires: The Role of Climate Change
Although floods and fires seem to be opposite phenomena (one related to an excess of water, the other to a lack of moisture), they are actually two sides of the same climatic coin. Climate change acts as a catalyst for both events, making them more frequent and more devastating.
1. Disruption of the Hydrological Cycle: Climate change intensifies the hydrological cycle, increasing the likelihood of extreme precipitation in some regions while causing prolonged droughts in others. This extreme variability creates an environment where some regions, like Maiduguri and Mali, experience floods, while others, like Portugal, struggle with fires caused by drought.
2. Rising Global Temperatures: Rising global temperatures are at the core of these disasters. A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, fuelling storms and causing increased rainfall. At the same time, these temperatures raise the risk of drought and fires, especially in already vulnerable regions.
3. Fragile Vegetation and Soil: In many regions of the world, including those affected by floods and fires, climate change is altering ecosystems. Vegetation damaged by fires takes time to regenerate, leaving soil vulnerable to erosion and landslides during heavy rains. Conversely, after floods, surviving vegetation may become more susceptible to fires if conditions suddenly turn dry.
Human and Environmental Impacts
The consequences of these events are devastating for local populations and ecosystems. The floods in Mali and Maiduguri have caused loss of life, mass displacement, and the destruction of critical infrastructure. Moreover, agricultural land has been ravaged, compromising food security.
In Portugal, the fires have also had disastrous effects. Villages have been evacuated, forests destroyed, and biodiversity severely impacted. The toxic smoke from the fires also has long-term effects on public health.
What Does This Teach Us?
The floods in Maiduguri and Mali, as well as the fires in Portugal, illustrate how climate change exacerbates extreme weather phenomena that appear to be opposites. The link between these two disasters is clear: rising global temperatures and disruption of the water cycle are fueling both floods and fires. In the face of these events, it becomes crucial to strengthen efforts to combat climate change and prepare populations for the challenges it brings, or else risk seeing these disasters multiply in the future.