Climate change has a significant impact on global weather patterns, one of which is increasing the frequency and intensity of floods. This phenomenon not only impacts areas that are already prone to flooding, but also reaches areas that were previously considered safe from the dangers of flooding. One of the main reasons for increased flooding is increasing global temperatures. Temperatures are melting ice in polar regions and glaciers, causing sea levels to rise. According to the IPCC report, sea levels are increasing by around 3.3 mm per year, making coastal areas increasingly vulnerable to flooding due to tidal waves and storms. As the volume of water increases, low-lying areas are at risk of experiencing more severe inundation. Changes in rainfall patterns are also caused by climate change. Some areas experienced heavier rains in a short period of time, causing infrastructure damage and mass evacuations. For example, the floods that swept through Jakarta in early 2023 occurred after prolonged heavy rain, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee. Crops and agriculture are also affected by flooding due to climate change. With increasingly frequent flooding, agricultural land is threatened with erosion and loss of fertility. The lack of fertile land results in a decrease in crop yields, which leads to a food crisis. Developing countries, which depend on traditional agriculture, are particularly vulnerable to these impacts. Furthermore, flooding increases the risk of disease spreading. Water mixed with waste can cause diseases such as cholera and dengue fever. Already weak health systems are becoming increasingly burdened, especially in areas with limited health infrastructure. The social impact of flooding is also significant. Many communities have lost their homes and livelihoods, exacerbating social injustice. The people most affected are often those on the poverty line, with limited access to recovery after the flood. It is important to adopt mitigation and adaptation strategies to overcome this problem. Sustainable management of water resources, building flood-resistant infrastructure, and planting trees can be effective solutions. In addition, increasing public awareness and education about climate change is very important to build engagement with this issue. Environmental sustainability also plays a key role in mitigating the impact of flooding. Preserving wetlands and forests can help absorb excess water and prevent flooding. Environmentally friendly policy initiatives are increasingly needed to tackle this problem comprehensively, with strengthening international cooperation as the key to success.
