Weather-related Disasters Dominate

An estimated 874 weather-related disasters occurred worldwide in 2007, representing a 13 percent increase over 2006, according to the latest Vital Signs Update. This was the highest number of such disasters since the systematic recording of these events began in 1974.

This new snapshot of weather-related disasters trends includes detailed figures on fatalities around the world as well as associated economic and insured losses. It reveals that:

Economic losses from weather-related disasters totaled some $69 billion in 2007, an increase of 36 percent over 2006.
In 2007, weather-related disasters accounted for 91 percent of all natural disasters.
Between 1980 and 2007, some 46 percent of all natural catastrophes occurred in high-income countries, but these nations were home to only 8 percent of related fatalities.
Economic losses in the United States for the 2007 hurricane season were far below average, at $60 million.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's Fourth Assessment Report points to the likelihood of more-frequent and more-intense extreme weather events. Climate change is expected to contribute to more heatwaves, heavier precipitation, and more areas affected by droughts and stronger tropical cyclones—all of which could increase the number of catastrophic weather events.

Read the Vital Signs Update: Environment a Growing Driver in Displacement of People