Global number of natural disasters events 2000-2022

In 2022, there was a total of 421 natural disasters events recorded worldwide, up from 406 recorded a year earlier. The Asian Pacific region experienced the highest number of natural disasters that year.

Deaths and costs of natural disasters

Natural disasters affect almost every part of the world. In 2022, Europe saw the highest number of deaths from a single natural disaster due to the heatwave that hit the region in July. In terms of economic damage, Hurricane Katrina remains one of the most expensive natural disasters in the world, topped only by the earthquake/tsunami which hit Japan in 2011.

Climate change and natural disasters

Climate change has influenced the prevalence of natural disasters. It can raise the risk of extreme weather and can result in the increased risk of droughts and an increased strength of storms, such as tropical cyclones. The elevated levels of water vapor in the atmosphere give storms the power to emerge. Furthermore, the heat in the atmosphere and increased ocean surface temperatures lead to higher wind speeds found in tropical storms. Areas that are usually unaffected by the sea are becoming more vulnerable due to rising sea levels as waves and currents become stronger.