Stormy Weather Spells Disaster For Millions

In 2002, the world experienced about 700 natural disasters—nearly 600 of which were weather-related events. Economic losses from weather disasters worldwide approached $53 billion, a 93 percent increase over 2001. The year also set numerous local and regional records for windstorms, rain intensities, floods, droughts, and temperatures.

Poorer nations are the most vulnerable to climate change. While the average number of deaths per weather event has declined, the total number of people affected is on the rise. Over the past two decades, floods and other weather-related disasters were among factors prompting some 10 million people to migrate from Bangladesh to India. In 2002, rains in Kenya displaced more than 150,000 people, while more than 800,000 Chinese were affected by the most severe drought in over a century. Erratic weather patterns are the primary cause of famine for about 18 million Africans.

Source:

Severe Weather Events on the Rise, Vital Signs 2003, pp. 92-93.
Carbon Emissions and Temperatures Climb, Vital Signs 2003, pp. 40-41.

Worldwatch Links:

Vital Signs Fact of the Week Archive
Vital Signs 2003 press release
Take action: Vital Signs 2003, What You Can Do
More research from Worldwatch

Additional Resources:

International Red Cross: Disaster Preparedness for Climate Change: www.ifrc.org/what/disasters/dp/climate/index.asp

UNEP Press Release: 2002 Natural Disasters Set to Cost Over $70 Billion:
www.unep.org/Documents/Default.asp?DocumentID=266&ArticleID=3157