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Climate changes
Extreme weather refers to conditions that drastically deviate from normal patterns, often occurring with unusual intensity. These phenomena include heavy rainfall that leads to flooding, scorching heatwaves, violent storms, flash floods, prolonged droughts, hailstorms, and even snowfall in typically warm regions. As climate change accelerates, such events are becoming more frequent and severe, posing significant risks to communities and ecosystems.
A condition in which air temperatures rise drastically over a prolonged period, potentially causing health issues like dehydration or heatstroke. Heatwaves occur when air temperatures increase significantly (5-10°C above normal) for days to weeks. This phenomenon is triggered by climate change, urbanization (urban heat island effect), and atmospheric pressure patterns.
Impacts include:
Flash floods occur due to extreme rainfall over a short period, worsened by:
Key impacts:
Common in coastal areas, characterized by:
Main impacts:
Marked by minimal rainfall for over 3 months, leading to:
In Indonesia, extreme rainfall often causes:
One of the main drivers of extreme weather events is global climate change, which is largely fueled by global warming caused by the greenhouse effect. Human activities—such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial emissions—release large amounts of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, raising the Earth’s average temperature and disrupting natural climate systems. As a result, we see more frequent and intense weather events, including floods, droughts, storms, and heatwaves across the globe.
El Niño and La Niña are natural climate patterns originating in the Pacific Ocean that significantly influence global weather. El Niño occurs when sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific become unusually warm, disrupting normal wind patterns and often causing droughts in some regions and floods in others. In contrast, La Niña is marked by unusually cold sea surface temperatures in the same region, which can intensify rainfall in certain areas and cause prolonged dry spells in others. Both phenomena contribute to unpredictable seasonal shifts and extreme weather events around the world.
Extreme weather—such as heatwaves, droughts, and heavy rainfall—disrupts the balance of natural ecosystems. Forests, which are crucial for carbon absorption and biodiversity, are damaged by wildfires fueled by high temperatures and drought. Wetlands, which act as natural water reservoirs and habitats for many species, either dry up or flood excessively, disrupting food chains. Meanwhile, coral reefs—among the most vulnerable ecosystems—undergo bleaching due to warming sea temperatures. Rapid climate change hampers these ecosystems' ability to adapt, threatening global environmental stability.
Increasingly frequent heavy rainfall from climate change triggers disasters like flash floods and landslides. Rapid water flow washes away fertile topsoil, accelerating erosion and damaging landscapes. Mountainous and hilly regions become more prone to landslides, threatening nearby settlements and farmland. Excessive sedimentation in rivers and lakes disrupts aquatic ecosystems, reduces water quality, and harms fish habitats. Eroded soil also decreases long-term agricultural productivity, worsening food crises in various regions.
Extreme weather forces many animal and plant species to migrate or adapt quickly—yet not all can survive. Polar and mountain species, such as polar bears and some bird species, lose their habitats due to melting ice and temperature changes. Plants, which cannot easily relocate, face local extinction if conditions no longer support their growth. Shifts in blooming seasons and animal migration patterns also disrupt food chains, affecting entire ecosystems. If this trend continues, global biodiversity will decline further, reducing nature’s resilience to climate change.
Extreme weather poses serious threats to human health. Intensifying heatwaves cause dehydration, heatstroke, and worsen cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Conversely, floods and heavy rainfall increase waterborne disease risks, such as cholera and leptospirosis, and the spread of mosquitoes carrying dengue and malaria. Air pollution also worsens during wildfires or dust storms, triggering respiratory issues like asthma and acute respiratory infections (ARIs). Vulnerable groups—children, the elderly, and low-income communities—are most affected due to limited access to healthcare and infrastructure.
The economic impact of extreme weather is vast and damaging. Agriculture suffers major losses from crop failure, drought, or floods that destroy crops and livestock. Fishers also face challenges as sea temperatures and rising levels disrupt fish ecosystems. Infrastructure damage—such as to roads, bridges, and power grids—due to storms or floods requires extremely costly recovery. Additionally, tourism suffers when natural destinations like beaches and forests are damaged by extreme weather. Developing countries, with fewer resources to adapt, often bear the heaviest economic burden.
Communities affected by extreme weather often face severe social consequences. Disasters such as floods, storms, or wildfires force many to evacuate, lose their homes, and be separated from family. Resource scarcity—like clean water and food—can spark conflict, especially in politically vulnerable areas. Climate migration has also become a global issue, with millions forced to leave their homes due to uninhabitable environments. Without strong policy intervention, social injustice will widen, deepening the gap between rich and poor nations in dealing with climate change.
Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) reports a significant annual increase in extreme weather events, such as intense rainfall, prolonged droughts, whirlwinds, and hailstorms. Several regions are particularly vulnerable, including Kalimantan (forest fires and droughts), East Nusa Tenggara or NTT (water scarcity and dry seasons), Jakarta (urban flooding and extreme rainfall), and West Sumatra (landslides and flash floods).
Intense rainfall combined with a failed embankment led to severe flooding across several sub-districts in Demak. According to Kompas, over 21,000 residents were displaced, with many seeking refuge in temporary shelters. Access to public services, including schools and main roads, was disrupted for weeks, making this one of the largest flood-related evacuations in early 2024.
On March 5, continuous torrential rains saturated hillsides in Sumedang, triggering landslides that buried homes and blocked major roadways. As reported by Tempo, the extreme weather affected at least four districts, causing both infrastructure damage and loss of life. Emergency responses were hindered by persistent rain and unstable terrain.
To mitigate the impact of extreme weather, the Indonesian government has introduced several key regulations and action plans:
BMKG is developing real-time weather prediction technology and community education programs in vulnerable areas.
Replanting critical forests helps reduce flood and landslide risks through several ecological functions:
Building weather-resilient infrastructure has become a top priority in disaster-prone areas. Flood-resistant designs such as stilt houses and the use of water-resistant materials are increasingly applied, especially in coastal and lowland regions. Roads reinforced with advanced drainage systems help prevent damage from floods and erosion. In addition, the construction of reservoirs, embankments, and water infiltration systems offers solutions for managing extreme rainwater runoff. Major cities are also adopting the "sponge city" concept, which utilizes green spaces and eco-friendly technologies to reduce flood impacts. With this approach, economic and social losses due to extreme weather can be minimized.
People are increasingly aware of the importance of a sustainable lifestyle to deal with extreme weather. The use of renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines is becoming popular in households and industries. Reducing personal vehicle use by switching to public transportation, bicycles, or electric cars helps lower carbon emissions. In the consumption sector, urban farming and zero-waste lifestyles are becoming trends to reduce dependence on climate-sensitive supply chains. Small changes like choosing local products and reducing plastic waste also make a significant contribution to environmental resilience.
Technological advancements allow for more accurate weather predictions and quick responses to disasters. AI-based applications such as Early Warning Systems (EWS) provide early alerts for floods, storms, or heatwaves through smartphones. Advanced weather satellites monitor global climate changes, helping scientists predict extreme weather patterns with high precision. At the local level, automated weather stations and IoT sensors are installed in vulnerable areas to collect real-time data. With this information, governments and communities can take preventive actions, such as emergency evacuations or logistical preparations, before disasters strike.
Environmental campaigns like #BijakPlastik and reforestation movements encourage people to care more about the planet. Waste bank programs at the neighborhood level transform household waste into a source of income while reducing pollution. Nature enthusiast communities actively organize beach and river clean-ups, prevent floods caused by waste blocking waterways. This awareness has also spread to the digital realm, where climate education content on social media goes viral and inspires young people to get involved.
Communities are not merely spectators but active participants in climate mitigation. Mangrove planting efforts along the coast help prevent erosion and provide natural habitats for marine life. Community clean-up activities before the rainy season reduce flood risks in urban areas. In schools and campuses, disaster simulations and climate workshops are held to prepare the younger generation for extreme weather events. Collaboration among citizens, NGOs, and governments proves that change can start from the grassroots level.
Everyone can be a climate hero through simple actions. Using public transport or carpooling reduces air pollution while saving money. Saving electricity by turning off unused electronics helps reduce the load on fossil fuel-based power plants. A low-carbon diet — such as eating less meat and choosing local vegetables — also has a significant impact. Even repairing items instead of buying new ones can reduce emissions from the manufacturing industry.
Schools in Indonesia have begun integrating the climate crisis into their curriculum, particularly in science, geography, and civics subjects. Field practices, such as tree planting or water quality testing, help students understand environmental issues tangibly. Some schools even have "green labs" where students experiment with renewable energy. This education goes beyond theory, also training soft skills like leadership and problem-solving to face climate-related disasters.
Mass and digital media play a crucial role in spreading climate information. Special TV programs like "Lestari Bumi" offer extreme weather adaptation tips for families. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are used by activists to present climate data in engaging formats such as infographics or #ClimateAction challenges. Newspapers regularly publish success stories of communities that have adapted, inspiring others. With its wide reach, media can accelerate transformation toward climate-conscious societies.
Developing countries face significant challenges in adapting to extreme weather due to limited access to technology, funding, and institutional capacity. Unlike developed nations that can invest in advanced infrastructure, early warning systems, and climate-resilient urban planning, many developing countries lack the financial and technical resources to implement similar measures.
This inequality makes it harder for vulnerable populations to prepare for and recover from disasters such as floods, droughts, or hurricanes. Efforts to close this gap include increasing international climate financing, strengthening technology transfer partnerships, and empowering local communities through education and capacity-building programs.
One of the biggest challenges in extreme weather mitigation is funding limitations. Building disaster-resilient infrastructure such as flood barriers, advanced drainage systems, and relocation settlements requires significant investment. Developing countries like Indonesia often face budget constraints, while the need for post-disaster aid and environmental rehabilitation continues to grow.
Additionally, long-term projects such as large-scale reforestation or the construction of green infrastructure often require sustained operational and maintenance funding. Without consistent support, even well-built infrastructure can deteriorate and become ineffective in future disasters.
Researchers estimate that extreme weather events—such as heatwaves, hurricanes, floods, and droughts—will become more frequent and intense due to the continued rise in global temperatures. As greenhouse gases accumulate in the atmosphere, they trap more heat, disrupting weather patterns and amplifying natural climate variability. For example, warmer oceans provide more energy for tropical storms, while higher air temperatures increase the likelihood of prolonged heatwaves and droughts. Climate models consistently show that without significant emission reductions, these extreme events will occur more often, last longer, and cause greater damage to ecosystems and human societies.
Global cooperation in emissions reduction and technology transfer is vital to tackling extreme weather and climate change. For example, agreements like the Paris Agreement encourage countries to set emissions targets and share progress transparently. Programs such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF) help transfer clean energy technologies and provide climate finance to developing countries. Additionally, international research collaborations—like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)—enable countries to share scientific data, forecasting models, and best practices for adaptation and disaster resilience.
Extreme weather is a real threat to both the environment and society. A combination of climate change, human activity, and lack of mitigation worsens the impact. Collective awareness and concrete actions are key to sustainably facing this challenge.
Jejakin’s green programs combine high-tech monitoring, biodiversity restoration, and community-led initiatives to deliver powerful, sustainable change across ecosystems.
