The Urgent Call for Climate Action: Lessons from the Kerr County Floods

Drone footage captured the catastrophic floods that heavily damaged areas of the Texas Hill Country on Friday, July 4, 2025. (Copyright 2025 by KSAT - All rights reserved.)

A Tragic Night in Kerr County

On the night of July 4th, a tragedy struck Kerr County in Texas. The floods caused the deaths of 135 people, with three others still missing. This disaster was not just a random occurrence; it was the result of increasing flood possibilities and a continuous disregard for climate disasters.

Global warming has accelerated the rate of evaporation from our oceans, rivers, and other water bodies. For instance, a study conducted at Texas A&M recorded a staggering 58% increase in the evaporation rate of local lakes. With such a significant rise in evaporation, there is more moisture in the air. This correlation is evident in the increase of surface temperatures over time. In 2020, the surface temperature was 2 degrees hotter than it was a century ago, leading to a 9% increase in air moisture.

With hotter surfaces and heavier downpours, the ground cannot absorb enough water. This situation leads to flooding. To put this issue into perspective, Kerr County received 13 inches of rain, equating to 120 billion gallons of water in just an 8-hour period. Additionally, man-made infrastructure disrupts the natural pathways that slow down rainwater on land while absorbing it.

Global Disregard for Flash Floods

As a global society, we have increasingly ignored the rising threat of flash floods and other climate-related disasters. In 2022 alone, Pakistan experienced catastrophic floods that affected over 33 million people and caused $30 billion in damages. Similarly, flash floods in Germany and Belgium in 2021 claimed over 200 lives.

A review of these disasters reveals vulnerabilities in existing early warning systems. The recent tragedy in Kerr County, Texas, highlights the potential failure of these systems and the lack of mechanisms to deal with flash flooding. According to the UN, climate-related disasters have significantly increased over the past 50 years. This alarming trend calls for urgent attention and a global response, including personnel and investments to address this issue.

The Need for Disaster Preparedness

According to the UN, less than 5% of total climate funding is directed towards disaster preparedness. This was particularly evident during the recent Texas flash flood, where funding for improving climate and weather predictions was cut by the US government on June 30th.

Now we ask the big question: “Is this the wake-up call the world needed to finally change its stance?” Following the devastating flash floods in Texas on July 4, 2025, governments worldwide have taken urgent steps to improve flood preparedness.

In July 2025, the United Kingdom’s Environment Agency fast-tracked a £1.2 billion flood defense upgrade almost immediately after the Texas disaster. The African Risk Capacity expanded its parametric flood insurance program a week later, allowing for faster and more efficient aid. Lastly, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) held an emergency session on July 16, 2025, to share global lessons from the Texas floods and coordinate action among vulnerable nations.

United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction(UNDRR) emergency meeting

A Global Awakening

It is safe to say that we, as a global society, are beginning to wake up from our prolonged slumber. We are starting to address this growing conflict. The recent events in Kerr County serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action.

We must prioritize disaster preparedness and invest in sustainable solutions. The time for complacency has passed. The world must unite to combat climate change and its devastating effects.

As we reflect on the tragedy in Kerr County, let us remember that we have the power to change our future. By taking action now, we can prevent similar disasters from occurring in the future.

In conclusion, the floods in Texas are a wake-up call for all of us. We must act decisively to protect our communities and our planet. The phrase "climate action is essential" resonates now more than ever. It is time for governments, organizations, and individuals to come together and make a difference.