Days between billion-dollar disasters
Since the 1980s, the U.S. has faced more frequent billion-dollar climate disasters with every passing decade. However, these catastrophic events are now striking at an alarming pace, with an average gap of only 18 days between them in the last three years.
In recent years, changing climate and weather patterns in the U.S. have led to a surge in the frequency and the intensity of climate disasters across the country. In 2022, the U.S. experienced 18 billion-dollar disasters—well above the historical average of eight events per year.
According to the NOAA, 2022 marked the eighth straight year with over 10 disaster events where overall damages/costs reached or exceeded $1B. Over the last three years (2020-2022), the total damages have exceeded over $447B—roughly 18% of the total costs of U.S. billion-dollar disasters from 1980 to 2022.
Examining the Hotspots
The U.S. has witnessed varying types of weather and climate disasters, with specific states bearing the brunt of each calamity. In the last decade, severe storms have dominated the list of billion-dollar disasters. Among the worst affected areas are:
Coastal regions prone to hurricanes, such as Florida, Texas and North Carolina.
Inland states situated within the Tornado Alley, including Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
As the climate shifts, exposure to extreme heat also poses a severe threat to western states such as California and Arizona, which has seen prolonged droughts, scorching heat waves, and widespread wildfires in recent years.
The economic repercussions from these disasters are significant, ranging from property and infrastructure damages, crop failures, to disruptions in local economies.
Health Risks, Disruptions, and Social Inequalities
Beyond the staggering monetary losses incurred, climate disasters have far-reaching consequences for affected populations. Health risks from exposure to air pollution and waterborne diseases, along with disruptions to essential services like power, water, and transportation, often arise in the aftermath of disasters.
Vulnerable communities, including low-income neighbourhoods and marginalized populations also suffer disproportionately from limited resources and inadequate access, furthering existing social inequalities.
Additionally, studies have highlighted the psychological toll of disasters on mental health—as people grapple with trauma, displacement, and the arduous task of rebuilding their lives.
Consequences of a Warming Planet
According to the latest IPCC report, human-induced GHG emissions have amplified the frequency and intensity of extreme weather and climate events, and these trends are projected to worsen.
The Climate Hazard Risk assesses states most susceptible to future billion-dollar disasters based on several factors, including its population, vulnerable infrastructure, and its physical exposure to natural hazards. Vulnerability reflects the reduced ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from hazards based on many socioeconomic factors.
Both of these scales highlight Arizona, California, Texas, Florida as particularly vulnerable.