Scientists say the world is entering a new era of 'unpredictable' climate – what are they warning?

If you thought this year's hurricane season was bad, it may not be over.

Scientists at Oregon State University say there are more climate surprises on the way.

What is happening?

A team of researchers at OSU released an annual report that says we are entering a "critical and unpredictable phase of the climate crisis." This could include stronger hurricanes and more extreme droughts, according to KGW.

"We could never have predicted that a hurricane would hit a mountainous region that we thought was a climate shelter," said Jillian Gregg, co-author of the study, referring to Hurricane Helene.

The storm hit Asheville, North Carolina, leading to intense flooding and at least 42 deaths in Buncombe County.

Why is this report important?

"We are on the brink of an irreversible climate disaster," the report says.

"This is a global emergency beyond any doubt," he adds.

It is known that in 2024, the world experienced a series of extreme weather events, writes yahoonews, the Telegraph reports.

For example, the report cites a July heat wave in the Mediterranean that led to at least 23 deaths and Hurricane Debby, an August storm that caused major flooding in the southeastern US and killed at least 10 people.

While hurricanes, droughts and floods are nothing new, scientists say our overheating planet is making weather disasters more frequent and more intense.

According to the United Nations, extreme weather threatens people in many ways.

For example, heat waves reduce worker productivity and can lead to heat-related illnesses.

Meanwhile, stronger storms can devastate communities, causing death and huge economic losses.

What is being done to increase global temperatures?

The main culprit behind the increase in global temperatures is the burning of energy sources such as coal, natural gas and oil.

To help, a number of governments around the world have undertaken projects that reduce dependence on these fuels.

India is reportedly installing solar panels and Scotland is giving residents better access to public transport.

Meanwhile, major companies including Microsoft, Walmart, Apple and Meta are investing heavily in solar energy. /Telegraph/