In 2024, climate disasters caused over $200 billion in damages globally, with the US suffering the majority of losses. Major events included Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene, alongside severe floods and droughts impacting various regions. The report emphasizes the exacerbating role of climate change and calls for urgent action toward renewable energy and resilience for vulnerable populations.
In 2024, the climate crisis inflicted severe economic damage globally, with a report from Christian Aid revealing that the ten most devastating climate disasters caused losses exceeding $200 billion. Top among these was Hurricane Milton, which wreaked havoc in the United States in October, inflicting $60 billion in damages and resulting in 25 fatalities. Following closely was Hurricane Helene, which impacted the US, Cuba, and Mexico, leading to at least $55 billion in losses and claiming 232 lives. Other significant disasters included floods in China costing $15.6 billion and storm-related damages in Spain and Germany amounting to $14 billion, with a total death toll reaching 258.
The report highlighted that the United States alone accounted for 71 percent of the total financial losses due to these disasters. While the report focused on insured losses, it indicated that the actual economic impact is likely even greater. Moreover, the consequences of such disasters extend beyond economic metrics, affecting the most vulnerable populations in poorer nations where access to insurance is limited. Cyclone Chido, which struck Mayotte, reportedly caused over 1,000 fatalities, while severe drought in Colombia severely affected the Amazon River, jeopardizing indigenous communities’ livelihoods.
Dr. Mariam Zachariah from Imperial College London emphasized that the report merely scratches the surface of the climate devastation experienced in 2024, underscoring a pattern of increasing frequency and severity of climate-related events due to climate change. The year is projected to set a record for global heat, with temperatures nearing the critical 1.5°C threshold, which could trigger even more catastrophic effects.
Experts stress the urgency of transitioning away from fossil fuels and investing in renewable energy and climate adaptation efforts. Professor Joanna Haigh noted that the consequences of these climate events should serve as a wake-up call for urgent action against climate change.
The report by Christian Aid outlines the financial consequences of extreme weather events in 2024, which have intensified due to climate change driven primarily by fossil fuel emissions. It catalogues significant climate disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts, revealing a troubling trend in increasing economic losses and human tolls. The urgency of addressing climate change through a shift to renewable energy and adaptation measures is underscored by alarming predictions about future climate scenarios and their impacts on vulnerable communities worldwide.
The analysis of the ten worst climate disasters of 2024 highlights the alarming economic and human costs of climate change. Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene exemplify the devastation wrought by these events, with the US bearing a significant percentage of losses. The report serves as an urgent reminder of the need for swift action in transitioning to sustainable energy sources and enhancing resilience in affected communities to mitigate the impacts of future climate-related disasters.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
