2024 was the warmest year on record, exacerbating Indonesia’s remote villages’ water crisis and health risks.
Rising temperatures worsen water shortages, heightening malnutrition and infectious disease risks.
Rising temperatures in 2024 are worsening water shortages in Indonesia’s ultra-rural areas.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) confirms that 2024 was the hottest year on record, with temperatures reaching approximately 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels. This significant increase in temperatures is impacting the world, including us in the far eastern regions of Indonesia, where communities are facing severe water shortages. The lack of this essential resource is severely affecting ultra-rural populations, worsening health problems, especially among children, the most vulnerable group impacted by inadequate access to clean and safe water.
In these areas, water shortages are significantly increasing the incidence of infectious diseases. The lack of sufficient drinking water leads to poor sanitation and hygiene practices, creating an ideal environment for pathogens to thrive. Children are particularly susceptible to diseases such as diarrhoea, which can cause severe dehydration and increase mortality rates if not treated promptly. Additionally, limited access often forces communities to rely on contaminated sources, exacerbating the risk of contracting waterborne diseases.
Rising temperatures and increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation can result in a rise in skin cancer cases. The lack of adequate protective measures during prolonged exposure is a growing concern, particularly given the limited access to healthcare in these remote areas. Compounding these challenges is the rise in malnutrition rates, which is directly linked to water scarcity. The availability of clean water plays a vital role in agriculture; its absence negatively impacts both the quantity and quality of food production. The result is food shortages that significantly contribute to malnutrition, severely affecting children’s development and overall health.
Organisations like the Fair Future Foundation are playing a crucial role in these challenging times. With initiatives such as the Water Connections programme, they are actively working to alleviate difficulties by increasing access to water and improving the living conditions of vulnerable populations. These programmes aim to foster resilience and adaptability within affected communities by addressing climate change and public health issues.
It is therefore essential to address the root causes of water scarcity through sustainable solutions and promote awareness of climate change adaptation strategies. This approach can significantly reduce the health impacts experienced by these communities.
Today, February, the 5th, 2025 – Alex Wettstein
High Temperatures and Global Warming Endanger Lives
How Rising Temperatures Are Reshaping Life in Indonesia’s Ultra-Rural Villages
A Visual Exploration of Climate Change: The Effects of Intense Heat, Water Shortage, and Health Issues
These 30 original photos, taken on the ground by the Fair Future Foundation team, uncover the harsh reality of increasing temperatures in Indonesia’s remote rural areas. From parched riverbeds and wilting crops to weary villagers, these images depict how climate change is devastating daily life.
With the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) declaring 2024 as the hottest year on record, temperatures have surged to 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels. This dramatic rise is exacerbating water shortages, worsening food insecurity, and elevating health risks globally. Children are particularly vulnerable, suffering from malnutrition, dehydration, and a heightened threat of deadly waterborne diseases. The incidence of vector-borne illnesses such as malaria and dengue has increased significantly. Additionally, extreme heat conditions are contributing to an uptick in respiratory issues and skin cancer rates due to extended periods of sun exposure.
Each photograph in this gallery highlights the pressing demand for climate action and sustainable solutions. The Water Connections program, spearheaded by Fair Future Foundation, is tackling this crisis head-on through initiatives that enhance water access, bolster community support, and strengthen public health resilience. These images narrate a tale not merely of hardship but also of hope, adaptability, and human perseverance amidst a shifting climate landscape.
We cordially invite all captivated by this story to explore our photo gallery, witness this extraordinary effort, and further engage with our mission through our Instagram account.
Alex Wettstein – Fair Future Foundation medico-social camp in East Sumba – Rumah Kambera, Lambanapu – The 5th of February 2025
List of Related Organizations with Hyperlinks
- World Meteorological Organization (WMO) – Provides global climate data, confirming 2024 as the hottest year on record.
- UNICEF – Supports clean water access and child health programs in climate-affected regions.
- Water.org – Works on sustainable water access projects in underserved communities.
- WHO (World Health Organization) – Addresses climate-driven health crises, including waterborne diseases.
- Last Mile Health – Trains local health workers to respond to climate-related health emergencies.
- Rotary International – Partners with NGOs like Fair Future to deliver clean water solutions.
