2023 will be remembered as a year of extreme weather: from the intense heatwaves in Europe to the devastating megafires in Chile, each event has tested the resilience of our critical infrastructure and agricultural systems. As we move into 2024, previously unthinkable phenomena continue to emerge, highlighting the need to adopt advanced technologies that strengthen agriculture.
In this scenario, there are some phenomena that have occurred recently, shaping the current climate landscape. These are:
Europe: Heatwaves
During the summer of 2023, Europe faced unprecedented heatwaves, with temperatures breaking historical records (+40ºC), endangering human health, exacerbating drought, and increasing crop vulnerability. The need for efficient irrigation systems and climate monitoring technologies became more evident than ever to prevent catastrophic losses.
Megafires in Chile
In Chile, megafires have been a tragic constant, devastating extensive areas and endangering both communities and local biodiversity. Throughout 2023, thousands of hectares were consumed by flames, and unfortunately, 2024 has followed a similar trajectory. Early in the year, another major fire ravaged the V Region, further weakening already affected infrastructures and ecosystems from previous events. These fires result in immediate losses of forest resources and crops, complicate long-term recovery, and highlight the urgency to improve fire management strategies and prevention policies.
Africa: Prolonged Droughts
Africa, on the other hand, has faced some of the most severe droughts in its recorded history, dramatically impacting food security and increasing abandonment of arable lands. The hardest-hit regions have seen water wells dry up and crops fail, forewarning an unprecedented food crisis. Water scarcity threatens not only agricultural production but also the health and stability of millions of people. In response, urgent interventions are needed to improve water management, invest in efficient irrigation technologies, and develop drought-resistant crops, essential measures to mitigate the devastating effects of these extreme climates.
Australia: Bushfires
Australia witnessed one of its most devastating fire seasons, with vast forest areas turned to ashes. These fires caused immediate environmental damage, released enormous amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, and exacerbated climate change challenges. The recovery of these areas is slow and endangers endemic species, in addition to affecting local communities that depend on these ecosystems for their livelihood.
Dubai: Flooding
Dubai experienced historic floods on April 17, 2024, due to heavy rains associated with storm "Hadir". The storm unloaded more than 254 millimeters of rain on the city in just 24 hours, equivalent to approximately a year and a half of average precipitation. This caused widespread flooding, transportation chaos, and property damage.
Late Frosts in Europe
Following the trend of extreme weather events, Europe has recently faced late frosts that have challenged farmers, especially in wine regions like Chablis in France. These frosts arrived after an unusually warm period, exacerbating their impact on vineyards just at the start of the growing season. In response, winegrowers have resorted to traditional methods such as using torches to protect the crops. This phenomenon underscores the increasing unpredictability of the climate and the need to adapt our agricultural practices to increasingly variable conditions. As these late frosts become more frequent, the implementation of advanced technologies and resilient agricultural techniques is crucial to safeguard food security and the agricultural economy of the region.
Ongoing Innovation to Face Extreme Climates
The reality of climate change is no longer a prediction; it is a daily experience that requires innovative responses. At Tierraverde, we remain committed to developing technologies that not only address current challenges but also prepare our fields for tomorrow's challenges, through sustainable solutions such as low water precipitation or our anti-frost electric tower.
