In 10 years, climate change will cost us $ 20 billion a year

Large-scale wildfires, catastrophic hurricanes and tropical storms, and tornadoes are just some of the notable weather events that occurred in the United States during 2020. A year that changed the whole world beyond recognition with the COVID-19 pandemic. But, as he writes The hill further we should expect only a worsening of the situation.

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Scientists and experts warn that the increase in the severity and number of destructive natural events is a result of climate change. The United Nations (UN) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have released a report warning that these natural disasters are largely linked to climate change. And if it continues at the same pace, then by 2030 annual economic losses due to natural disasters could amount to about $20 billion.

This is evidenced by the increasing frequency and severity of hazardous weather events over the past 50 years. During this time, there have been more than 11 natural disasters related to climate and weather, resulting in 000 million deaths and economic losses of $ 2 trillion.

The survey results show that in 2018, about 108 million people were in need of humanitarian assistance due to natural disasters. According to experts, this number will increase by 2030% by 50, and economic losses will also grow.

To prevent these problems, the report proposes a multi-step approach to investing in early warning systems and natural disaster forecasting. This will help people take the necessary action if they live in areas with potentially severe weather conditions.

“Early warning systems (EWS) are a prerequisite for effective disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. The readiness and ability to respond at the right time and in the right place can save many lives around the world,” said Professor Petteri Taalas.

The least developed countries (LDCs) and small island states (SIDS) are the most vulnerable to severe weather threats, with 90 per cent of these countries prioritizing EWS development as their top priority. But they cannot install these warning systems due to lack of capital and financial resources.

On the subject: Winters are getting shorter and summers are getting hotter: how global warming is changing seasonality

Some of the strategies outlined in the report include investing in EWS systems in underdeveloped regions, especially in African and small island developing states.

A more optimistic conclusion is that the average number of deaths from each disaster has decreased by a third over the past 50 years. But the number of disasters increased by about five times over the same period.

The main cause of climate change is anthropogenic impact, which also needs to be reduced.

“2020 highlighted the importance of strengthening the resilience of vulnerable developing countries to climate change, as well as to health and economic risks,” says Mikko Ollikainen, Manager of the Adaptation Fund. “Climate is critical to achieving resilience, and the Fund plays a critical role in this partnership through its specific local adaptation projects serving the most vulnerable communities, with approximately 20% of its portfolio dedicated to supporting countries to build resilience through early warning systems.”

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