In 2024, climate disasters resulted in damages exceeding $200 billion, with the ten most costly surpassing $4 billion each in losses. Major incidents include Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene in the U.S., along with significant floods in China and Europe. Christian Aid calls for urgent action to combat climate change and support poorer nations grappling with severe weather events.
In 2024, the ten most expensive climate-related disasters inflicted damages exceeding $200 billion, according to a report by Christian Aid. Each disaster exceeded $4 billion in losses, primarily derived from insured damages, indicating that total costs may be even greater. The report stresses the urgency for governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to provide financial assistance to vulnerable nations facing climate challenges. Joanna Haigh, a climate expert, cautioned that those leaders who underestimate the climate crisis contribute to significant suffering globally.
The report identifies Hurricane Milton as the most damaging event, causing approximately $60 billion in losses when it struck the United States in October, influenced by climate change. Close behind, Hurricane Helene caused $55 billion in damage after impacting the U.S., Mexico, and Cuba. The U.S. experienced multiple costly storms throughout the year, with other significant weather events totaling over $60 billion in damages.
Of the ten costliest disasters, three affected Europe, including the catastrophic floods from Storm Boris and the Valencia floods, which resulted in 226 fatalities. Additionally, the charity reported that significant flooding in China and Typhoon Yagi in South Asia also incurred substantial costs and loss of life. Events such as Cyclone Chido, though not among the most financially damaging, tragically affected over 1,000 lives in Mayotte.
The report highlights the escalating humanitarian crises linked to extreme weather, noting that heatwaves impacted 33 million people in Bangladesh and worsened conditions in Gaza. Conversely, devastating droughts affected millions in Southern Africa.
Christian Aid’s Chief Executive Patrick Watt emphasized that the increasing severity and frequency of natural disasters derive from continued reliance on fossil fuels and unmet financial commitments to the most vulnerable countries. He called for urgent leadership and action to promote sustainability and transition to cleaner energy technologies.
Dr. Mariam Zachariah noted that this report only reflects a snapshot of the climate challenges ahead, as many extreme weather events continue to emerge.
The ten most costly climate disasters of 2024 include:
1. U.S. storms (December to January) – over $60 billion;
2. Hurricane Milton (October 9-13) – $60 billion;
3. Hurricane Helene (late September)- $55 billion;
4. China floods (June 9-July 14) – $15.6 billion;
5. Typhoon Yagi (September 1-9) – $12.6 billion;
6. Hurricane Beryl (July 1-11) – $6.7 billion;
7. Storm Boris (September 12-16) – $5.2 billion;
8. Rio Grande do Sul floods in Brazil (April 28-May 3) – $5 billion;
9. Bavaria floods in Germany (June 1-7) – $4.45 billion;
10. Valencia floods in Spain (October 29) – $4.22 billion.
The report from Christian Aid underscores the financial impacts of climate disasters significantly driven by anthropogenic climate change. Increased storm intensity and frequency have led to catastrophic losses for both developed and developing nations. The charity calls attention to the effectiveness of insurance in mitigating damage claims in wealthier regions while acknowledging that poorer countries face equally devastating impacts without corresponding financial recovery mechanisms. This concern emphasizes both the necessity for immediate climate action and systematic support for nations disproportionately affected by climate phenomena.
In conclusion, the 2024 report by Christian Aid starkly highlights the alarming financial toll of climate-induced disasters, totaling over $200 billion across the globe. The emphasis placed on government action regarding emissions reduction and fiscal support for vulnerable regions is critical in light of recurring, devastating weather events. The evidence shows that climate change is an escalating threat which, if not addressed, will lead to further loss of life and economic hardship worldwide.
Original Source: www.irishnews.com
