Climate Change: The Billion-Dollar Weather Disasters

Increasing Weather Disasters

• Frequency & Intensity: Climate change is making weather disasters more frequent and intense.
• Economic Toll: Since 1980, the U.S. has experienced over 400 weather events costing over $1 billion each.
• Total Damage: A staggering $3.1 trillion in total damages.
• Example: Hurricane Helene caused $81 million in damages in Augusta, requiring the cleanup of 4.5 million cubic yards of debris.

Future Economic Costs

• Projected Costs: By 2049, the U.S. could face $38 trillion in annual costs.
• Included Damages: Damage from disasters, lost crops, and rising sea levels.

Impact on Agriculture

• Shifting Patterns: Changing rainfall patterns are forcing farmers to reconsider where they grow crops.

Threats to Public Infrastructure

• Rising Sea Levels: Threaten roads, power lines, and water supplies.
• Government Spending: Increased costs to maintain infrastructure could slow down the economy.

Stronger Hurricanes

• Warmer Oceans: Fuel more intense storms.
• Increase in Wind Speeds: From 2019 to 2023, about 80% of Atlantic hurricanes saw their wind speeds increase by an average of 18 mph.

Broader Implications

• Beyond Environment: Climate change affects the economy, public health, and daily lives.
• Urgent Action Needed: A complex issue requiring immediate attention.