Halfway through 2023, a worrying pattern has emerged. “Rare” and “record-breaking” have become ubiquitous terms, used to describe an onslaught of extraordinary weather events worldwide.
Freakish heatwaves, mega droughts, flash floods—climate change has loaded the dice for more frequent and intense extreme weather events. Bouts of chaotic weather are posing an existential threat to feeding humanity.
Troubling reality
From February 5 to March 14, cyclone Freddy pummeled Malawi, Mozambique, Madagascar and Zimbabwe with punishing winds and flooding rains. Sustained for over five weeks, Freddy set new global records for longevity and accumulated storm energy.
The impacts of the cyclone on humanity have been staggering. According to the United Nations World Food Programme, nearly 2.3 million people lost critical crops and livestock. The relentless tempest destroyed over 180,000 hectares of farmland. In sum, has plunged 1.3
