Entering the Era of Change

In the US, the annual frequency of natural disasters, including floods, wildfires, tropical cyclones, and severe storms, showed an increasing pattern between 2019 and 2024, reaching as many as 26 and 24 weather/climate events in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Worldwide disaster statistics also follow the US pattern, revealing a sustained increase in the global incidence of billion-dollar natural disasters between 2014 and 2024.

Analyses of flood events worldwide also reveal a sustained increasing pattern. In 2024, the United Arab Emirates experienced an extreme flood catastrophe. Flood crises spread across the world in 2025, including events in Algeria, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Iraq, Nigeria, and Venezuela. In Europe, frequent storms with damaging winds and large hail also threaten to cause significant damage, particularly in densely populated areas.

Social Order Disruption: A Systemic Global Phenomenon

Weather-related disasters alone are not the only threat to human life, safety, and the capability to thrive in our societies. The frequency of protests, riots, politically motivated violence, and international conflicts increased significantly from 2014 to 2024 throughout many regions. Recent levels of violence have been described as "unprecedentedly high," with several months in the past year breaking records. In comparison, the frequency of conflict events reached 200,000 in 2025, up from 104,371 in 2020. Information tracking international conflicts and civil disorder suggests that this is not a series of isolated events, but a systemic global phenomenon.

The Antidote to Chaos

Nelly Barcom’s chronicles issue a call to action, emphasizing that enduring the Era of Change depends not only on securing adequate food, water, and shelter but, more importantly, on the evolution of human consciousness and forming functional, collaborative groups. We present this material ahead of a worldwide peak in human-made and natural disasters, and at a time when you, your family, your loved ones, and trusted friends can still make proactive choices to protect your livelihood and well-being, in preparation for a transformative period in our societies and on the planet.