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PHOTO ESSAY

A Year in Pictures: Our Angry Planet

A visual testament to the devastating effects of climate change, curated by our photojournalist Joyrene Kramer.
Daily Maverick Photo Team
By Daily Maverick Photo Team
29 Dec
El Niño Droughts Threaten Bogota's Water Supply The corpse of a bird lies on a now dry section of the Embalse La Regadera due to its historic low level in the town of Usme on 8 April 2024 in Bogota, Colombia. Droughts related to El Niño climatic phenomenon contributed to the decline of water reservoirs of Colombia's largest city. (Photo: Diego Cuevas / Getty Images)

Scorched Earth

An Indian laborer splashes water in his face to beat the heat during a hot afternoon in Kolkata, eastern India, 30 April 2024. Heatwave red alert has been extended by the state government as it continues non-stop across Bengal. The summer or pre-monsoon season lasts from March to July in eastern India with the highest day temperatures ranging from 38 to 45 degrees Celsius. EPA-EFE/PIYAL ADHIKARY
An Indian labourer splashes water on his face to beat the heat during a hot afternoon in Kolkata, eastern India, on 30 April 2024. The summer or pre-monsoon season lasts from March to July in eastern India with the highest day temperatures ranging from 38 to 45℃. (Photo: EPA-EFE / Piyal Adhikary)
Afghan youths cool off in a canal during the current heatwave, in Kandahar, Afghanistan, 31 May 2024. Temperatures in Kandahar have been on the rise since last week, with this week's high averaging at 40 degrees and predicted to further increase. This annual rise in temperature, which is expected to be hotter this year due to climate change, follows a period of severe cold and increased rainfall. EPA-EFE/QUDRATULLAH RAZWAN
Young Afghans cool off in a canal on 31 May 2024 during a heatwave in Kandahar, Afghanistan. (Photo: EPA-EFE / Qudratullah Razwan)
Sick brown pelicans recuperate at the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center of Orange County on May 14, 2024 in Huntington Beach, California. The center is currently caring for over 100 brown pelicans who have been discovered starving, anemic and suffering from hypothermia in recent weeks. Hundreds of emaciated pelicans have been found up and down the California coast with some showing injuries from fishing hooks and lines in recent weeks. Scientists are attempting to pinpoint the cause while brown pelicans were only recently removed from the endangered species list in 2009. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Sick brown pelicans recuperate at the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center in Huntington Beach, Orange County, California on 14 May 2024, California. The centre was caring for over 100 brown pelicans which had been discovered starving, anaemic and suffering from hypothermia in recent weeks. Brown pelicans were only recently removed from the endangered species list, in 2009. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Youths cool off in a swimming pool during high temperatures in the Al Dewika district of Cairo, Egypt, on Saturday, June 8, 2024. While the planet has now seen 12 consecutive months of record-breaking heat, global warming is a particularly severe problem for Egypt, a desert country heating up at one of the world's fastest rates. Photographer: Islam Safwat/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Young people cool off in a swimming pool during high temperatures in the Al Dewika district of Cairo, Egypt, on Saturday, 8 June 2024. Global warming is a particularly severe problem for Egypt, a desert country heating up at one of the world’s fastest rates. (Photographer: Islam Safwat / Bloomberg via Getty Images)
People enjoy the warm temperatures and sunshine on the promenade on June 26, 2024 in Blackpool, United Kingdom. Brits are enjoying warmer temperatures this week, with highs reaching the low 30s in parts of the UK, peaking on Wednesday. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
A man enjoys the warm temperatures and sunshine on the promenade on 26 June 2024 in Blackpool, United Kingdom. Britons are enjoying warmer temperatures this week, with highs reaching the low 30s in parts of the UK, peaking on Wednesday. (Photo: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
A man covers his head in a wet towel during a heatwave in Karachi, Pakistan, 26 June 2024. The heatwave in Karachi has led to the hospitalization of 1,592 individuals at Jinnah Hospital within the past 24 hours, resulting in 49 fatalities, including 29 brought in dead, according to doctors. The city, currently experiencing extreme heat due to the suspension of sea breeze, witnessed its hottest day of 2024 on 24 June, with temperatures soaring to a record 42 degree Celsius. Residents are advised to avoid sun exposure between 10am and 4pm. EPA-EFE/SHAHZAIB AKBER
A man covers his head in a wet towel during a heatwave in Karachi, Pakistan, 26 June 2024. The heatwave led to the hospitalisation of 1,592 people at Jinnah Hospital within the past 24 hours, resulting in 49 fatalities. (Photo: EPA-EFE / Shahzaib Akber)
A person suffering from a heatwave receives treatment at the 'heat stroke emergency ward' at a hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, 25 June 2024. The heatwave in Karachi has led to the hospitalization of 1,592 individuals at Jinnah Hospital within the past 24 hours, resulting in 49 fatalities, including 29 brought in dead, according to doctors. The city, currently experiencing extreme heat due to the suspension of sea breeze, witnessed its hottest day of 2024 on 24 June, with temperatures soaring to a record 42 degree Celsius. Residents are advised to avoid sun exposure between 10 AM and 4 PM. EPA-EFE/SHAHZAIB AKBER
A person suffering from a heatwave receives treatment at the ‘heat stroke emergency ward’ at a hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, 25 June 2024. (Photo: EPA-EFE / Shahzaib Akber)
A man cools off in a weir on the Ostravice river in Frydek-Mistek, Czech Republic, 19 June 2024. A current heat wave brings temperatures up to 33 degrees Celsius across Czech Republic. EPA-EFE/MARTIN DIVISEK
A man cools off in a weir on the Ostravice River in Frydek-Mistek, Czech Republic, on 19 June 2024. A heatwave brought temperatures up to 33℃ across the Czech Republic. (Photo: EPA-EFE / Martin Divisek)
Ukrainians cool themselves with water sprayed from a pipe hanging over a sidewalk at a local park during a heatwave in Kyiv, Ukraine, 18 July 2024. According to weather reports, the abnormal temperatures in the Ukrainian capital reached 40 degrees Celsius during the past week and are expected to remain high for several more days. EPA-EFE/SERGEY DOLZHENKO
A Ukrainian and his dog in Kyiv cool themselves at a park with water sprayed from a pipe hanging over a sidewalk during a heatwave on 18 July 2024. Temperatures in the Ukrainian capital reached 40℃. (Photo: EPA-EFE / Sergey Dolzhenko)
A farmworker wears protective clothing while working in a field in the morning heat on July 3, 2024 near Coachella, California. A long-duration heat wave is impacting much of California with authorities warning of extreme health and wildfire risks. An excessive heat warning is in effect for all of the Coachella Valley through July 8th with highs forecast of up to 121 degrees. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
A farmworker wears protective clothing while working in a field in the morning heat on 3 July 2024 near Coachella, California. An excessive heat warning was in effect for all of the Coachella Valley until 8 July with highs forecast of up to 49.4 ℃. (Photo: Mario Tama / Getty Images)
A visitor looks out at icebergs jammed in the Ilulissat Icefjord on July 15, 2024 near Ilulissat, Greenland. The Ilulissat Icefjord is approximately 60km long and is a conduit for icebergs calving from the massive Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, also called the Jakobshavn Glacier, of the Greenland Ice Sheet. Since 1850 Sermeq Kujalleq has retreated approximately 40km, a process that has accelerated in recent decades, with the period from 2002 accounting for 22km of glacier retreat. According to the Programme for Monitoring of the Greenland Ice Sheet (PROMICE), the Greenland Ice Sheet has been losing mass continuously since 1996, with an accumulated loss since 1986 approaching 6,000 metric gigatons, or six trillion tons. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
A visitor looks out at icebergs jammed in the Ilulissat Icefjord on 15 July 2024 near Ilulissat, Greenland. The Ilulissat Icefjord is about 60km long and is a conduit for icebergs calving from the massive Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, also called the Jakobshavn Glacier, of the Greenland Ice Sheet. Since 1850 Sermeq Kujalleq has retreated bout 40km, a process that has accelerated in recent decades, with the period from 2002 accounting for 22km of glacier retreat. According to the Programme for Monitoring of the Greenland Ice Sheet, the Greenland Ice Sheet has been losing mass continuously since 1996, with an accumulated loss since 1986 approaching 6,000 metric gigatons, or six trillion tons. (Photo: Sean Gallup / Getty Images)
A tiger gets frozen food distributed for the animals of the Rome Bioparco during heatwave, Rome, Italy, 18 July 2024. Temperatures are forecast to get as high as 40 degrees Celsius in areas of southern Italy at the weekend, while Health Ministry placed 17 cities on 'red alert' for 19 July due to extreme heat and high humidity which poses a threat to healthy people and not just vulnerable groups. EPA-EFE/FABIO CIMAGLIA
A tiger receives frozen food distributed for the animals of the Rome Bioparco during a heatwave on 18 July 2024. Temperatures were forecast to go as high as 40℃ in areas of southern Italy. (Photo: EPA-EFE / Fabio Cimaglia)
Oped-Reeler-Summer
A boy pours water on his head during high heat in Brussels, Belgium, on 11 August 2024. After months of rain, the country is bracing for its first summer heatwave. The year was the rainiest on record. (Photo: EPA-EFE / Frederic Sierakowski)
People crowd a beach during a hot day in Valencia, Spain, 11 August 2024. High temperatures, exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in some parts of Spain, are being recorded in a new heatwave, the fourth of the summer. EPA-EFE/MANUEL BRUQUE
People crowd a beach during a hot day in Valencia, Spain, on 11 August 2024. High temperatures, exceeding 40℃ in some parts of Spain, were recorded in the fourth heatwave of the summer. (Photo: EPA-EFE / Manuel Bruque)
A swan stands on a beach of Lake Yamanakako in front of Mount Fuji on October 31, 2024 in Yamanakako Village, Japan. Japan's iconic Mount Fuji has yet to receive any snowfall this year, marking the latest date without snow since records began 130 years ago. Typically, the mountain's snowcap forms by early October, but unusually high temperatures this summer have delayed its arrival, raising concerns about climate change's impact on weather patterns. (Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images)
A swan on a beach of Lake Yamanakako in front of Mount Fuji in Japan on 31 October 2024. The iconic Mount Fuji was yet to receive any snowfall in autumn 2024, marking the latest date without snow since records began 130 years ago. Typically, the mountain’s snowcap forms by early October, but unusually high summer temperatures delayed its arrival, raising concerns about climate change’s impact on weather patterns. (Photo: Tomohiro Ohsumi / Getty Images)
Oped-Reeler-Summer
The sun rises over Bondi Beach on 27 November 2024 in Sydney, Australia. Australians are at risk of enduring rolling blackouts this week, amid a heatwave sweeping through New South Wales and unexpected power outages across the state. Some areas reached a maximum temperature of 37℃, with Richmond and Perth in Sydney’s west also clocking in at 35℃. (Photo: Brook Mitchell/Getty Images)

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A planet submerged

A sunken yacht is seen on January 26, 2024 in Townsville, Australia. A cyclone watch zone has been issued for large parts of north Queensland, as tropical Cyclone Kirrily made landfall near Townsville on Thursday. The cyclone was downgraded after it crossed the coast, but still left behind significant flooding. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
A sunken yacht is on 26 January 2024 in Townsville, Australia. A cyclone watch zone has been issued for large parts of north Queensland, as tropical Cyclone Kirrily made landfall near Townsville on Thursday. The cyclone was downgraded after it crossed the coast, but still left behind significant flooding. (Photo: Ian Hitchcock / Getty Images)
People carry an unconscious woman (C) who nearly drowned after being trapped in her flooded home following a night of heavy rainfall and the Gitathuru river broke its banks, damaging surrounding neighborhoods, in the Ngondo village, in Mathare, Nairobi, Kenya, 24 April 2024. EPA-EFE/DANIEL IRUNGU
People carry an unconscious woman (centre) who nearly drowned after being trapped in her flooded home after a night of heavy rainfall. The Gitathuru River broke its banks, damaging surrounding neighbourhoods, in the Ngondo village, in Mathare, Nairobi, Kenya, on 24 April 2024. (Photo: EPA-EFE / Daniel Irungu)
A displaced person taking shelter at a local school stands with mud-soaked footwear, a day after the Gitathuru river overflowed and broke its banks due to heavy rainfall damaging their surrounding neighborhoods, in the Ngondo village, in Mathare, Nairobi, Kenya, 25 April 2024. According to the Kenya Red Cross Society, the floodings left at least 32 dead, 15 injured and at least 103,485 people have been affected by the March-May long rains that continue to rise, including 40,265 people displaced, as of 18 April 2024. Kenya's meteorological department predicts more heavy rainfall this week, as floods continue to destroy properties in various parts of the country. EPA-EFE/DANIEL IRUNGU
A displaced person takes shelter at a local school in mud-soaked footwear in Ngondo village in Mathare, Nairobi, Kenya, 25 April 2024, a day after the Gitathuru River overflowed and broke its banks due to heavy rainfall damaging their surrounding neighbourhoods. The Kenya Red Cross Society said the floodings left at least 32 dead, 15 injured and affected at least 103,485 people amid the long March-May rains. (Photo: EPA-EFE / Daniel Irungu)
An aerial photo taken with a drone of the Arena do Gremio stadium and its flooded surroundings in Porto Alegre, Brazil, 05 May 2024. At least 180 people died in Brazil's worst floods in over 80 years. EPA-EFE/ISAAC FONTANA
An aerial drone photo of the Arena do Gremio stadium and its flooded surroundings in Porto Alegre, Brazil, on 5 May 2024. At least 180 people died in Brazil's worst floods in more than 80 years. (Photo: EPA-EFE / Isaac Fontana)
Heavy rains causes havoc in Lwandle Informal Settlement in Strand on June 06, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa. Multiple roads are closed in and around informal settlements around the Western Cape due to flooding following heavy rains. (Photo by Gallo Images/Brenton Geach)
Heavy rains caused havoc in the Lwandle informal settlement in Strand, Cape Town on 6 June 2024. Multiple roads were closed in and around informal settlements around the Western Cape due to flooding following heavy rains. (Photo: Gallo Images / Brenton Geach)
A resident holds on to a street sign in a road flooded by Typhoon Gaemi and monsoon rains on July 24, 2024 in Quezon city, Metro Manila, Philippines. Monsoon rains, intensified by Typhoon Gaemi, have caused flooding and landslides throughout the Philippines, resulting in at least eight deaths and displacing over 600,000 people. The typhoon, located east of Taiwan Wednesday with up to 162 kph winds, did not make landfall in the Philippines but enhanced monsoon rains. In the region around the capital Manila, government work and schools were suspended due to severe overnight flooding. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
A resident holds on to a street sign on a road flooded by Typhoon Gaemi and monsoon rains on 24 July 2024 in Quezon city, metro Manila, Philippines. Monsoon rains, intensified by Typhoon Gaemi, caused flooding and landslides throughout the Philippines. At least eight people died and more than 600,000 people were displaced. (Photo: Ezra Acayan / Getty Images)
Severe flooding an Oasis farms on July 11, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa. It is reported that formal and informal housing structures, electrical and communication infrastructure, as well as roads and trees, have been severely damaged by storms and winds that swept through the region. (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
Severe flooding at Oasis Farm in Philippi, Cape Town, on 11 July 2024. Formal and informal housing structures, electrical and communication infrastructure and roads were severely damaged by storms and winds that swept through the region. (Photo: Gallo Images / Ziyaad Douglas)
A person wades through a flooded street caused by the swollen Bagmati River after torrential rains in Kathmandu, Nepal, 06 July 2024. Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) warned of heavy monsoon rains that put several parts of the country at risk of floods and landslides. According to the statement issued by NDRRMA, at least 28 people have died in monsoon-related disasters since mid-June 2024. EPA-EFE/NARENDRA SHRESTHA
A person wades through a flooded street caused by the swollen Bagmati River after torrential rains in Kathmandu, Nepal, 6 July 2024. (Photo: EPA-EFE / Narendra Shrestha)
Huge waves smashing against the breakwater in Thre Anchor Bay caused foam on July 08, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa. It is reported that the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has further upgraded its initial warning from Yellow Level 4 to Yellow Level 6 for disruptive rain. (Photo by Gallo Images/Brenton Geach)
Huge waves that smashed against the breakwater in Three Anchor Bay caused heavy foam on 8 July 2024 in Cape Town. (Photo: Gallo Images / Brenton Geach)
A destroyed house in Fontana, in Val Bavona in the Maggia Valley, southern Switzerland, 04 July 2024. Severe storms and torrential rain over the last weekend left five people dead in Switzerland's Val Maggia and its side valleys in Ticino. EPA-EFE/MICHAEL BUHOLZER
A destroyed house in Fontana, in Val Bavona in the Maggia Valley, southern Switzerland, on 4 July 2024. Severe storms and torrential rain left five people dead in Switzerland’s Val Maggia and its side valleys in Ticino. (Photo: EPA-EFE / Michael Buholzer)
A man walks past a flooded house during heavy rain on September 14, 2024 in Mikulovice, Czech Republic.There have been extreme weather and flood warnings as heavy rainfall sweeps the Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, Austria and Slovakia. (Photo by Gabriel Kuchta/Getty Images)
A man passes a flooded house during heavy rain on 14 September 2024 in Mikulovice, Czech Republic. Heavy rainfall swept the Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, Austria and Slovakia. (Photo: Gabriel Kuchta / Getty Images)
Emergency service personnel help evacuate residents from the flooded town of Lewin Brzeski, southwestern Poland, on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024. The government will outline a reconstruction plan once the floodwaters subside, using both state funds and some of the 1.5 billion ($1.7 billion) made available by the European Union for impacted countries, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said. Photographer: Bartek Sadowski/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Emergency service personnel help evacuate residents from the flooded town of Lewin Brzeski, southwestern Poland, on Tuesday, 17 September 2024. (Photo: Bartek Sadowski / Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Filipino villagers evacuate in the coastal municipality of Santa Ana, Cagayan province, Philippines, 14 November 2024. After the onslaught of Typhoons Toraji, Trami, Yinxing and Kong-rey, the Philippines now brace for the landfall of Typhoon Usagi, the fifth major storm to hit the country in three weeks. Government officials warned residents of possible landslides due to ground saturation from successive typhoons impacting the Luzon island. EPA-EFE/FRANCIS R. MALASIG
Filipino villagers evacuate the coastal municipality of Santa Ana, Cagayan province, Philippines, on 14 November 2024. After the onslaught of typhoons Toraji, Trami, Yinxing and Kong-rey, the Philippines braced for the landfall of Typhoon Usagi, the fifth major storm to hit the country in three weeks. Government officials warned residents of possible landslides due to ground saturation from successive typhoons impacting the Luzon island. (Photo: EPA-EFE / Francis R. Malasig)
A villager wades on floodwater in the flood-hit municipality of San Pablo, Isabela province, Philippines, 12 November 2024. The Philippine government is on a 10-day alert for the impact of Typhoon Toraji and two more tropical cyclones expected to hit the country in a few days, according to the Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla. Villagers living on identified to be prone to landslides must evacuate immediately due to ground saturation from successive typhoons impacting these areas, Remulla added. EPA-EFE/FRANCIS R. MALASIG
A villager wades through floodwater in the flood-hit municipality of San Pablo, Isabela province, Philippines on 12 November 2024. (Photo: EPA-EFE / Francis R. Malasig)
The swollen Matarranya river flows through the town of Valderrobres, in the province of Teruel, Spain, 31 October 2024. The town's mayor Carlos Bone said that the ravines began to overflow flooding some homes, as the river's water levels have risen and the access road to the town has been cut due to landslides. More than 100 people died in the province of Valencia and neighboring provinces following floods caused by the DANA (high-altitude isolated depression) phenomenon impacting the eastern part of the country. EPA-EFE/ANTONIO GARCIA
The swollen Matarranya River flows through the town of Valderrobres, in the province of Teruel, Spain, on 31 October 2024. Mayor Carlos Bone said that the ravines began to overflow, flooding some homes, as the river’s water levels rose. Landslides cut off the access road to the town. More than 100 people died in the province of Valencia and neighbouring provinces following floods caused by the Dana (high-altitude isolated depression) phenomenon, affecting the eastern part of the country. (Photo: EPA-EFE / Antonio Garcia)
Villagers carry a coffin to bury their relative ahead of All Saints Day observance in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Trami in the town of Laurel, Batangas province, Philippines, 30 October 2024. The weather disturbance Trami hit across several provinces in the Philippines and killed at least 125 people due to several landslides and massive flooding. EPA-EFE/FRANCIS R. MALASIG
Villagers carry a coffin to bury a relative ahead of the All Saints Day observance in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Trami in the town of Laurel, Batangas province, Philippines, on 30 October 2024. The weather disturbance Trami hit across several provinces in the Philippines and killed at least 125 people due to landslides and massive flooding. (Photo: EPA-EFE / Francis R. Malasig)
Villagers stand on a damaged bridge in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Trami, in the town of Laurel, Batangas province, Philippines, 27 October 2024. At least 82 people were killed and more than 250,000 villagers were forced to flee their homes as Tropical Storm Trami barreled in the Philippines, officials said on October 25. Trami dumped heavy rain, triggering widespread flooding and landslides. EPA-EFE/FRANCIS R. MALASIG
Villagers inspect a damaged bridge in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Trami, in the town of Laurel, Batangas province, Philippines, on 27 October 2024. At least 82 people were killed and more than 250,000 villagers were forced to flee their homes, officials said. (Photo: EPA-EFE / Francis R. Malasig)
Beached boats during Hurricane Milton in St. Petersburg, Florida, US, on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. Hurricane Milton churned toward Florida's west coast with winds powerful enough to demolish houses, threatening to unleash once-in-a-century flooding across some of the state's fastest-growing counties. Photographer: Tristan Wheelock/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Beached boats as Hurricane Milton hits in St Petersburg, Florida, US, on Wednesday, 9 October 2024. (Photo: Tristan Wheelock / Bloomberg via Getty Images)
In an aerial view, a wind turbine lies toppled after tornadoes tore through the area yesterday on May 22, 2024 near Prescott, Iowa. Multiple deaths and injuries have been reported from a series of tornadoes and powerful storms that hit several Midwestern states. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
A toppled wind turbine after tornadoes tore through an area near Prescott, Iowa, US on 22 May 2024. Multiple deaths and injuries were reported from a series of tornadoes and powerful storms that hit several Midwestern states. (Photo: Scott Olson / Getty Images)
Homes surrounded by flood waters after Hurricane Beryl made landfall in Sargent, Texas, US, on Monday, July 8, 2024. Hurricane Beryl made landfall on the Texas coast early Monday, bringing heavy rains and life-threatening storm surge after churning across the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Photographer: Eddie Seal/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Homes surrounded by floodwaters after Hurricane Beryl made landfall in Sargent, Texas, US, on Monday, 8 July 8 2024. Hurricane Beryl brought heavy rains and a life-threatening storm surge after churning across the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. (Photographer: Eddie Seal / Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Local residents stand at an apartment building behind a wall of sandbags against the rising Oder River on September 24, 2024 in Eisenhuttenstadt, Germany. Communities all along the Oder and Neisse rivers are bracing for water levels that are expected to peak later today following catastrophic flooding upriver in Poland over the last week. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
Residents stand at an apartment building behind a wall of sandbags against the rising Oder River on 24 September 2024 in Eisenhuttenstadt, Germany. Communities all along the Oder and Neisse rivers were bracing for water levels expected to peak later that day after catastrophic flooding upriver in Poland. (Photo: Sean Gallup / Getty Images)
An abandoned Tesla Inc. electric vehicle at a Tesla supercharging station at the Bonaire Shopping Center following flash floods in Aldaia, Spain, on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024. The storms on Oct. 29 caught authorities in Valencia unprepared and the main alert system to mobile phones wasn't activated until after the storms started and thousands of people were caught unaware. Photographer: Angel Garcia/Bloomberg via Getty Images
An abandoned Tesla electric vehicle at a company supercharging station at the Bonaire Shopping Center following flash floods in Aldaia, Spain, on Monday, 4 November 2024. Storms on 29 October caught authorities in Valencia unprepared. The main cellphone alert system wasn’t activated until after the storms began, leaving thousands of people unaware. (Photo: Angel Garcia / Bloomberg via Getty Images
An aerial view of oil slick from the sunken tanker MT Terra Nova in the waters of Manila Bay on July 29, 2024 near the coastal village of Santa Cruz, Paombong, Bulacan province, Philippines. Industrial fuel oil from the capsized MT Terra Nova tanker is leaking into Manila Bay, with the country potentially facing its worst oil spill disaster. The tanker, carrying 1.4 million liters of fuel, sank during Typhoon Gaemi, resulting in an oil slick stretching 12-14 km. The Philippine Coast Guard is racing to contain the spill, which jeopardizes the livelihoods of many coastal communities dependent on the bay. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
An aerial view of oil slick from the sunken tanker MT Terra Nova in the waters of Manila Bay on 29 July 2024 near the coastal village of Santa Cruz, Paombong, Bulacan province, Philippines. Industrial fuel oil from the capsized MT Terra Nova tanker leaked into Manila Bay. The tanker, carrying 1.4 million litres of fuel, sank during Typhoon Gaemi, resulting in an oil slick stretching 12-14 km. (Photo: Ezra Acayan / Getty Images)

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The Earth gives way

In an aerial view, a section of the northern tailings dam wall, which collapsed in 2018, of the Cadia Goldmine is seen on November 08, 2024 in Orange, Australia. In the central west of New South Wales, Australia, residents near the Cadia gold mine are expressing serious concerns about potential contamination from mining operations. Cadia is the second largest gold mine in Australia. Many community members have reported health issues and elevated levels of heavy metals in their bodies, which they believe stem from dust and water contamination linked to the mine, media reports said. Despite the lack of definitive evidence connecting the mine to health problems, local residents are advocating for better regulatory oversight and transparency regarding environmental impacts. Newmont Corporation, the mine's owner, has recently filed a submission to continue mining at Cadia until at least 2050, a move the mining giant says will expand the gold mine's footprint in the area. Residents have raised concerns about the current and future potential impacts of the mine on the nearby Belubula River, which is home to significant populations of Platypus and Murray Cod. As tensions rise, the community grapples with the balance between economic benefits from mining and the urgent need to protect public health and the environment – a dynamic that may play out around other mines as demand for raw materials soars. (Photo by Brook Mitchell/Getty Images)
A section of the northern tailings dam wall of the Cadia Gold Mine, which collapsed in 2018, photographed from the air on 8 November 2024 in Orange, Australia. In the central west of New South Wales, residents near the mine are worried about potential contamination from mining operations.  (Photo: Brook Mitchell / Getty Images)
In an aerial view, workers move fresh sand delivered via barge to the main public beach during a sand replenishment project along eroding shoreline on May 21, 2024 in San Clemente, California. The project aims to reduce coastal erosion, storm damage and coastal bluff failures while improving beach access along a vital Amtrak corridor. According to the USGS (U.S. Geological Survey), up to 75 percent of California's beaches could become completely eroded by 2100 without intervention due to climate change-related sea level rise. Overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the project is using sand delivered from an offshore dredging site and will be repeated every five-six years over a 50 year period. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Workers move fresh sand delivered via barge on 21 May 2024 to the main public beach during a sand replenishment project along an eroding shoreline in San Clemente, California. The project aims to reduce coastal erosion, storm damage and coastal bluff failures while improving beach access along a vital Amtrak rail corridor. According to the US Geological Survey, up to 75% of California's beaches could become completely eroded by 2100 without intervention due to climate change-related sea level rise. (Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images)
In this aerial view, a house partially hangs over a cliff edge following rapid coastal erosion, on April 8, 2024 in Trimingham, United Kingdom. Coastal erosion has endangered an 18th Century farmhouse in north Norfolk, with the cliffs at Trimingham shrinking over the past decade due to insufficient absorption of rain by the ground. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)
In this aerial view on 8 April 2024 in Trimingham, United Kingdom, a house partially hangs over a cliff edge following rapid coastal erosion. Coastal erosion has endangered an 18th-century farmhouse in north Norfolk, with the cliffs at Trimingham shrinking over the past decade due to insufficient absorption of rain by the ground. (Photo: Carl Court / Getty Images)
People gather near a collapsed bridge after the passage of Hurricane John, in the resort of Acapulco in the state of Guerrero, Mexico, 30 September 2024. EPA-EFE/David Guzman
People gather at a collapsed bridge on 30 September 2024 in the resort of Acapulco in the state of Guerrero, Mexico, after the passage of Hurricane John. (Photo: EPA-EFE / David Guzman)
A Kia Pacanto which belongs to Maya Angelo Buys sunk in a sinkhole at the intersection of Nelson Street and and Chapel Street on February 29, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa. It is reported that Maya was able to get out of the car when she realised that the car was sinking. (Photo by Gallo Images/Die Burger/Jaco Marais)
A Kia Picanto in a sinkhole at the intersection of Nelson Street and Chapel Street in Cape Town on 29 February 2024. The driver managed to get out of the car when she realised it was sinking. (Photo: Gallo Images / Die Burger / Jaco Marais)
Village children collect washed-up items at a coastal village in Bacoor city, Cavite province, about 30 kilometers south-east of Manila, Philippines, 19 September 2024. At least 23 people lost their lives and 15 remain missing in the Philippines as a result of the floods and landslides caused by the passage of three tropical storms, reported on 18 September by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). Tropical cyclones Bebinca, Gener, and Pulasan intensified the southwest monsoon, tore off roofs, uprooted trees, and turned streets into rivers in several parts of the country. EPA-EFE/FRANCIS R. MALASIG
Children collect washed-up items at a coastal village in Bacoor city, Cavite province, about 30km southeast of Manila, Philippines, on 19 September 2024 after the passage of three tropical storms. Tropical cyclones Bebinca, Gener, and Pulasan intensified the southwest monsoon, tore off roofs, uprooted trees, and turned streets into rivers in several parts of the country. (Photo: EPA-EFE / Francis R. Malasig)
A general view of damages due to a landslide on the Cantonal road and the Bodenbruecke in the Saastal, Eisten, in southern Valais, Switzerland, 06 September 2024. Severe storms over the last 24 hours left the Valley with landslides, and floods to be cut off from the outside world. EPA-EFE/ANDREA SOLTERMANN
Damage after a landslide on the Cantonal road and the Bodenbruecke in the Saastal, Eisten, in southern Valais, Switzerland, on 6 September 2024. Severe storms resulted in landslides and floods, cutting off the valley from the outside world. (Photo: EPA-EFE / Andrea Soltermann)
Search and rescue operations continue following landslides in Mundakai, Chooralmala area, Wayanad district, Kerala, southern India, 31 July 2024. The death toll of multiple landslides that hit Kerala's Wayanad district on 30 July has risen to 158, according to the State Revenue Department. A two-day statewide mourning period was announced on 30 July. EPA-EFE/TP BINU
Search and rescue operations after landslides in Mundakai, Chooralmala area, Wayanad district in Kerala, southern India, on 31 July 2024. The death toll on 30 July had risen to 158, according to the State Revenue Department. A two-day statewide mourning period was announced on 30 July. (Photo: EPA-EFE / TP Binu)

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The burning world

Fire damaged power lines are viewed at dawn during the Bridge Fire which has now burned more than 47,000 acres in Angeles National Forest on September 11, 2024 in Wrightwood, California. Three large wildfires are currently burning in Southern California after igniting amid an intense heat wave in the region. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Fire-damaged powerlines at dawn on 11 September 2024 during the Bridge Fire which had then burnt more than 19,000 hectares in Angeles National Forest in Wrightwood, California in the US. (Photo: Mario Tama / Getty Images)
A woman reacts during efforts to extinguish wildfires near her home in Covelo, Gondomar, northern Portugal, 17 September 2024. EPA-EFE/JOSE COELHO
An exhausted woman during efforts to extinguish wildfires near her home in Covelo, Gondomar, northern Portugal, on 17 September 2024. (Photos: EPA-EFE / Jose Coelho)
Firefighters fight a wildfire in the Du Toitskloof on Day 2 on April 17, 2024 in Paarl, South Africa. It is reported that the fire continued to rage on Wednesday afternoon, but there was no threat to property. (Photo by Gallo Images/Die Burger/Jaco Marais)
Firefighters battle a wildfire in Du Toit’s Kloof on 17 April 2024 in Paarl, Western Cape. (Photo: Gallo Images / Die Burger / Jaco Marais)
Firefighter Matt Carazolez uses a drip torch while conducting a burn operation on State Road 172 as the Park Fire burns on August 7, 2024 in Mill Creek, California. Park Fire has burned more than 400,000 acres so far and the dry weather conditions make it hard to contain. (Photo by Ethan Swope/Getty Images)
Firefighter Matt Carazolez uses a drip torch while conducting a burn operation on State Road 172 as the Park Fire burns on 7 August 2024 in Mill Creek, California, US. Park Fire had burnt more than 162,000 hectares and the dry weather conditions made it hard to contain. (Photo: Ethan Swope / Getty Images)
A firefighting aircraft drops Phos-Chek fire retardant ahead of the Thompson Fire on July 03, 2024 in Oroville, California. At least 12,000 Butte County residents have been evacuated as they flee the Thompson Fire that has burned more than 3,000 acres and destroyed multiple homes since starting on Monday. The fire is zero percent contained. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
A firefighting aircraft drops Phos-Chek fire retardant ahead of the Thompson Fire on 3 July 2024 in Oroville, California. At least 12,000 Butte County residents had been evacuated as they fled the Thompson Fire that had burnt more than 1.200 hectares and destroyed multiple homes. (Photo: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images)
Horses walk at a fire damaged stables during the Bridge Fire which has now burned more than 47,000 acres in Angeles National Forest on September 11, 2024 in Wrightwood, California. Three large wildfires are currently burning in Southern California after igniting amid an intense heat wave in the region. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Horses at a fire-damaged stables during the Bridge Fire which has now burned more than 19,000 hectares in Angeles National Forest on 11 September 2024 in Wrightwood, California, US. (Photo: Mario Tama / Getty Images)
An aerial view of homes destroyed in the Mountain Fire on November 22, 2024 in Camarillo, California. The Mountain Fire ignited in powerful winds on November 6 destroying more than 200 buildings, many of them homes. The nearly 20,00 acre fire was the third most destructive wildfire to occur in Southern California in at least ten years. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
An aerial view of homes destroyed in the Mountain Fire on 22 November 2024 in Camarillo, California. The Mountain Fire ignited in powerful winds on 6 November, destroying more than 200 buildings, many of them homes. The blaze was the third most destructive wildfire to occur in Southern California in at least a decade. (Photo: Mario Tama / Getty Images)
People watch the Airport Fire burning on a hill above homes on September 9, 2024 in Trabuco Canyon, California. The fast-moving Orange County brush fire prompted evacuations in the area while scorching 1,900 acres and injuring three people amid a heat wave in Southern California. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
People watch the Airport Fire burning on a hill above homes on 9 September 2024 in Trabuco Canyon, California. The fast-moving Orange County brush fire prompted evacuations in the area while scorching 770 hectares and injuring three people amid a heatwave in Southern California. (Photo: Mario Tama / Getty Images)
Firefighters and residents try to extinguish a fire in a residential district of Las Pinas city, Metro Manila, Philippines, 01 April 2024 (issued 02 April 2024). According to a report by the Philippines Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), fire incidents between January and March are higher by 24 percent over the same period in 2023. Firefighters experienced a sharp increase in calls from households due to power overload and overheating of electric fans from non-stop usage, leading to fires. EPA-EFE/FRANCIS R. MALASIG
Firefighters and residents try to extinguish a fire in a residential district of Las Pinas City, Metro Manila, Philippines, on 1 April 2024. According to a report by the Philippines Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), fire incidents between January and March were higher by 24% over the same period in 2023. Firefighters experienced a sharp increase in calls from households due to power overload and overheating of electric fans from non-stop usage, leading to fires. (Photo: EPA-EFE / Francis R. Malasig)
A smoke plume from the Park Fire, which has currently burned over 170,000 acres according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), in Butte County, California, USA, 26 July 2024. According to a press release from Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey, a 42-year-old man from Chico, California was arrested for allegedly pushing a burning car into a gully which set off the Park Fire. As of today, according to Cal Fire, the fire was 0 percent contained. EPA-EFE/JOHN G. MABANGLO
A smoke plume from the Park Fire, which had then burnt almost 69,000 hectares, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, in Butte County, California, US, on 26 July 2024. (Photo: EPA-EFE / John G. Mabanglo)
Lava spews from the Sundhnúkur volcano on June 2, 2024 on the Reykjanes peninsula near Grindavik, Iceland. The volcano, which has erupted five times since December has forced the evacuation of the southwestern fishing town of Grindavik as well as the nearby Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
Lava spews from the Sundhnúkur volcano on 2 June 2024 on the Reykjanes peninsula near Grindavik, Iceland. The volcano, which had erupted five times since December 2023, forced the evacuation of the southwestern fishing town of Grindavik as well as the nearby Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. (Photo: John Moore / Getty Images)
Seen from an aerial view, lava flows from the Sundhnúkur volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula on May 30, 2024 near Grindavik, Iceland. The volcano, located in southwestern Iceland, erupted anew the day before, cutting electricity to Grindavik and forcing the evacuation hundreds of guests at the nearby Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. The volcano has erupted five times since December. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
Lava flows from the Sundhnúkur volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula on 30 May 2024 near Grindavik, Iceland. The volcano, located in southwestern Iceland, erupted anew the day before, cutting electricity to Grindavik and forcing the evacuation of hundreds of guests at the nearby Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. (Photo: John Moore / Getty Images) DM

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