Extreme weather disasters will cost a lot of money in 2021 due to climate change

According to a new analysis, weather events connected to climate change caused hardship for millions of people around the world in 2021.

The Christian Aid analysis found ten extreme disasters that each generated more than $1.5 billion in damage.

Hurricane Ida, which devastated the United States in August, and flooding in Europe in July, had the most significant financial consequences.

Floods and storms caused large displacements and terrible suffering in many disadvantaged areas.

Although scientists have become more daring in their exploration of the linkages, not every extreme weather occurrence is caused by or linked to climate change.

In the case of storms and hurricanes, there is mounting evidence that climate change is having an impact.

The first section of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) sixth assessment report was released in August.

According to Christian Aid, it was the year’s most financially damaging weather event. Thousands of people in Louisiana were evacuated as a result of the slow-moving hurricane.

For the first time, New York issued a flash flood emergency notice as a result of the storm, which dumped tremendous amounts of rain across several states and towns. Around 95 people died, with a total economic loss of $65 billion.

The massive floods in Germany, France, and other European countries in July were the second most financially damaging occurrence.

The water’s speed and intensity overpowered defences, resulting in the deaths of 240 individuals. Damages were estimated to be over $43 billion.

According to Aon, worldwide natural disasters are anticipated to cost more than $100 billion for the fourth time in five years in 2021. Over 800,000 people were displaced by flooding in South Sudan, while 200,000 were forced to flee Cyclone Tauktae, which devastated India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives in May.

The research emphasises the need for increased efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to mitigate future weather-related consequences. It also urges world climate diplomats to put their money where their mouths are and assist poorer countries suffering from severe economic losses.