Malta October 2023 Driest Since 1922, UOM Report Warns

In 2023, the World Meteorological Organisation declared it the warmest year on record globally, with an alarming average temperature of 1.45 ± 0.12 °C above pre-industrial levels. Extreme weather events, growing in frequency and cost, are now challenging global forecasts.

The World Economic Forum warns of potential 14.5 million deaths and $12.5 trillion in economic losses worldwide by 2050 due to climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for global action.

Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands faced $43 billion in damages and 200 deaths from floods in July 2021, with event costs rising by almost 77% between 2018-2023.

Malta experienced its share of extreme weather events in 2023, such as intense heatwaves, erratic storms, and cyclones. Notably, October was the driest since 1922, and February delivered 70% of the winter’s precipitation.

The Cerberus heatwave in July set records, with a 29.6 oC average temperature and a 10-day heatwave impacting national infrastructure. These events, intensifying and occurring more frequently, disrupt delicate ecosystems, agriculture, and population well-being.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres urgently calls for increased global action to limit the rise in global temperature to 1.5 °C and ensure climate justice.

In the face of a shifting focus among climate deniers to undermine solutions, consistent messaging is crucial, especially on influential platforms like YouTube, given its potential to significantly influence public opinion for an extended period.

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