Heatwaves, floods and wildfires pose growing threat to democracy, report finds

Heatwaves, floods and wildfires pose growing threat to democracy, report finds
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A new global study warns that climate change is increasingly disrupting democratic elections worldwide, as floods, wildfires, heatwaves, and other extreme weather events interfere with voting processes and electoral integrity.

According to The Guardian, researchers found at least 94 elections and referendums in 52 countries over the past two decades were affected by climate-related hazards, with disruptions intensifying in recent years. In 2024 alone, 23 elections across 18 countries—including Brazil, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Senegal—were impacted through damaged infrastructure, voter displacement, or last-minute procedural changes.

The report highlights several cases, such as Cyclone Idai disrupting Mozambique’s 2019 elections, floods interfering with Senegal’s 2024 parliamentary vote, and extreme heat in the Philippines causing technical failures during vote counting. Heatwaves have affected at least 10 elections since 2022, with megacities like Lagos facing growing risks due to rising temperatures.

Experts warn that fragile democracies, particularly in Africa and Asia, are especially vulnerable. The study calls for better election planning, including coordination with meteorological and disaster-response agencies, improved contingency planning, and potentially adjusting election dates to avoid predictable climate hazards such as hurricane or wildfire seasons.