Has our Climate Really Changed?
Have weather-related disasters gotten worse over the last 10 years, and what is the forecast for the next 10 years
Over the past decade, weather-related disasters in the United States have increased in both frequency and severity. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), from 2014 to 2023, the U.S. experienced at least 173 separate billion-dollar disaster events, resulting in total damages exceeding $1.2 trillion.
In contrast, the average number of such events per decade was substantially lower throughout the 20th century. This indicates a marked escalation in the occurrence and financial impact of these disasters in recent years.
This trend underscores the growing challenges posed by climate change and highlights the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies.
In 2023 alone, there were 28 such events, marking a significant rise compared to previous years. This upward trend is attributed to factors such as climate change, urban development, and increased asset exposure.
Looking ahead, projections indicate that the frequency and intensity of weather-related disasters will continue to escalate over the next decade. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has issued a "Red Alert," highlighting the rapid pace of climate change driven by greenhouse gas emissions and an El Ni?o period. The WMO's provisional report emphasizes rising atmospheric concentrations of CO? and methane, rising sea levels, and significant glacier loss, all contributing to more extreme weather events globally.
Additionally, a study published in Environmental Research: Climate found that human-caused climate change has increased the wind strength of Atlantic hurricanes by 18 miles per hour over the past six years, leading to more powerful and damaging storms.
These findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive climate action and disaster preparedness to mitigate the escalating risks associated with weather-related disasters in the coming years.
Recent Findings on Climate Change and Weather Disasters
Strategy & Corp. Finance Executive | Helping impact-driven businesses scale up | Fractional CFO to startups and SMBs. Certified Scaling Up Coach.
3 天前Overwhelming impacts, daunting future. Time for action over rhetoric?