2024's Costliest Climate Disasters Cause Over $228 Billion in Damage

A Christian Aid report reveals escalating economic and human tolls of extreme weather, driven by climate change and fossil fuel emissions.

The ten worst climate disasters of 2024 caused an estimated $228 billion in damages and over 2,000 deaths globally, with actual costs likely higher due to underinsured regions.
Hurricane Milton in October caused $60 billion in damages in the US, while Hurricane Helene in September resulted in $55 billion in losses and 232 fatalities across the US, Cuba, and Mexico.
Floods in China caused $15.6 billion in damages and 315 deaths, and Typhoon Yagi killed over 800 people in Southeast Asia, highlighting the global reach of extreme weather events.
Poorer nations, despite contributing the least to climate change, faced severe impacts, including Cyclone Chido in Mayotte, which may have killed over 1,000 people, and a historic drought in Southern Africa affecting 14 million lives.
Scientists emphasize the growing intensity of these disasters is linked to fossil fuel emissions, urging governments to accelerate renewable energy transitions and invest in climate adaptation for vulnerable communities.