Two million killed, $4.3 trillion in damages from extreme weather over past half-century: World Meteorological Organisation

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released a comprehensive report today revealing the devastating toll of extreme weather events over the past 50 years. The report indicates that approximately two million lives have been lost, and the global economy has suffered a staggering $4.3 trillion in damages as a result of these events.
The WMO report, titled Extreme Weather: A Half-Century of Destruction, presents a sobering assessment of the escalating impact of climate change on our planet. The study examines data from 1971 to 2021 and analyzes the consequences of extreme weather phenomena such as hurricanes, floods, droughts, heatwaves, and wildfires.Source:- The Hindu 
According to the report, the past five decades have witnessed a sharp increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events worldwide. The loss of human lives during this period has been primarily attributed to storms, floods, and heat-related incidents. These events have not only claimed countless lives but also caused immense human suffering and displacement.
Furthermore, the economic toll resulting from the damages caused by extreme weather events is substantial. The report estimates that the total economic losses amount to a staggering $4.3 trillion, encompassing property damage, infrastructure destruction, agricultural losses, and other associated costs. These losses have posed significant challenges to economies around the world, hindering development and exacerbating socioeconomic disparities.
The report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for coordinated global action to address climate change and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather. It underscores the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, implementing adaptation measures, and strengthening resilience in vulnerable regions.
Petteri Taalas, Secretary-General of the WMO, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, The findings of this report should sound an alarm bell for all of humanity. We cannot ignore the mounting evidence that climate change is intensifying extreme weather events, causing immense human suffering and economic losses.
The report also highlights the disproportionate impact of extreme weather events on the most vulnerable populations, including low-income communities and developing countries. It underscores the need for equitable and climate-resilient policies that prioritize the protection of these communities and ensure a just transition towards a sustainable future.
The WMO report’s release comes ahead of the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) scheduled to take place later this year. It serves as a call to action for global leaders, urging them to accelerate efforts in combating climate change, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and investing in climate adaptation and mitigation measures.
As the world grapples with the consequences of extreme weather events, the findings of this report serve as a stark reminder of the urgency to address climate change and its devastating impacts on human lives, economies, and the planet as a whole. The international community now faces the crucial task of translating these insights into meaningful action to safeguard the well-being and future of our planet.
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