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Extreme weather events have increased worldwide, with India among the most affected countries. A recent report by Climate Central, titled People Exposed to Climate Change: December 2024-February 2025, highlights how human-caused climate change has influenced global temperatures. The study, conducted over the past three months, shows that extreme heat, heavy rainfall, and storms were more intense and widespread due to climate change.
Global Impact of Climate Change
According to the report, December 2024 was the second-warmest December ever recorded, while January 2025 was the hottest January on record, surpassing the previous record by 0.05°C. The increase in temperature has led to intense rainfall, destructive storms, and severe cyclones worldwide.
The study found that at least one in five people globally experienced the effects of climate change every day from December 2024 to February 2025. Around 394 million people endured extreme heat for at least 30 days during this period. Africa was the most affected, with 74% of the people exposed to these risky heat conditions.
In half of the 220 analyzed countries, the average person felt the impact of climate change for at least 30 days. Furthermore, 287 cities worldwide recorded strong temperature anomalies, making extreme heat a persistent issue.
Asia Faces Intense Weather Events
Many parts of Asia suffered from extreme weather conditions during these three months. Continuous heavy rainfall led to deadly floods and landslides in several countries. Cyclone Fengal claimed 20 lives in Sri Lanka and India, while severe floods killed 30 people in Malaysia and Thailand.
In southwest China, a landslide caused by heavy rain left 28 people missing. Torrential rains in Indonesia caused rivers to overflow, leading to 21 deaths in Java Island. Northern Japan witnessed record snowfall, with 129 cm of snow accumulating in just 12 hours. These events highlight how climate change is causing unpredictable and extreme weather conditions in Asia.
India's Rising Temperature Anomalies
India ranked fifth among the top 10 Asian countries with the highest temperature anomalies. The report states that between December 2024 and February 2025, more than 358 million people across 73 cities in 12 states experienced extreme heat for at least 30 days.
Maharashtra and Mizoram recorded the highest temperature increases, with average temperatures 1.6°C above normal. Several other states, including Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Karnataka, registered higher Climate Shift Index (CSI) levels, meaning they experienced hotter-than-average conditions during this period.
The report emphasizes that human activities are the primary reason for rising global temperatures. The burning of coal, oil, and methane gas has significantly increased heat-trapping pollution in the atmosphere. Since the early-industrial period (1850-1900), global temperatures have risen by nearly 1.2°C, leading to more frequent and intense weather events.
The findings from Climate Central's report show that climate change is not a distant threat but a present reality affecting millions worldwide. Rising temperatures, extreme rainfall, and destructive storms are now part of daily life. Countries like India, which are already facing intense weather conditions, need urgent climate action to reduce pollution and adopt sustainable practices. Without immediate efforts, these extreme weather events will only become more frequent and severe in the future.
