From 1980 to 2024, the United States experienced 403 weather and climate disasters, each causing over $1 billion in damages. These events, including severe storms, droughts, floods, and hurricanes, have had devastating impacts on both lives and the economy.
The Cost of Climate Disasters is Rising:
Annual billion-dollar events increased from an average of 9.0 per year (1980-2024) to 23.0 per year in the last 5 years (2020-2024).
2024 alone saw 27 billion-dollar disasters, totaling $182.7 billion in damages and resulting in 568 fatalities.
California Wildfires (2025) – A Sobering Case:
Initial estimates placed insured losses over $20 billion, with total economic losses around $50 billion.
As evaluations continue, estimates suggest losses between $135 billion and $150 billion. Some projections even extend up to $275 billion when accounting for property damage, business closures, and long-term economic disruptions. These figures reflect the compounding economic toll of climate-driven disasters on our communities.
The Message is Clear: Investing in disaster resilience, infrastructure adaptation, and sustainable practices is not just an environmental priority but an economic necessity.
For detailed information and data on these events, visit NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information: NOAA NCEI Disasters Summary
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