Human-induced climate change is the largest, most pervasive threat to all societies. And our growing exposure to extreme weather has brought disaster and destruction to all corners of the globe, this year.

Eight months ago, deadly floods battered the KwaZulu Natal province leaving hundreds dead, and thousands displaced. The Presidency blamed climate change for the destruction.

Meanwhile in South Asia, in never-before-seen flooding, one third of Pakistan was left completely submerged.

Climate change disasters leave people susceptible to diseases. In Pakistan, health officials noted a rise in diarrhoea, skin diseases and eye infections.

Wildfires also ravaged Europe in 2022, during one of its hottest summers. Millions of hectares of land was lost in Greece, the UK, Spain and France, leaving hundreds dead and thousands, displaced.

Mitigation means going beyond reacting to the impacts of climate change – rather, it means being part of the solution. The UN’s 27th Conference of the Parties saw nearly 200 countries gather in Egypt to act against climate change.

After 27 years of discussions – a breakthrough agreement ended the conference, a loss and damage fund was created. This means that poorer nations – ravaged by climate impacts – would receive reparations from wealthy nations whose historic emissions fueled climate change.

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READ MORE: WATCH: World on highway to climate hell, UN chief tells COP27