Washington, D.C. — Today, the Center for American Progress released an analysis of the most severe domestic extreme weather events in 2013, and found that there were nine storms, floods, and wildfires that each caused at least $1 billion in damage. These nine severe events led to 114 fatalities, and caused $20 billion in damages. The severe extreme weather impacts for 2011 to 2013 is 34 events with at least $1 billion in damage, resulting in 1,221 fatalities and $208 billion in destruction.
Scientific analyses repeatedly highlight the link between the release of carbon and other climate pollution, climate change, and extreme weather. In addition to slashing the emissions from power plants and other major sources responsible for climate change, it is imperative that the federal government assist with communities’ efforts to better withstand future storms, floods, drought, heat waves, and wildfires.
President Barack Obama proposed a $1 billion Climate Resilience Fund that would help communities avoid the lost lives and economic damage spurred by extreme weather.
“The billions of dollars in damage from these climate-charged events are essentially an unfunded mandate on communities that must prepare for more frequent and ferocious weather,” said Daniel J. Weiss, Senior Fellow and Director of Climate Strategy at the Center. “It is essential that Congress fund the $1 billion Climate Resilience Fund to help our cities prepare for a future of destructive weather.”
Read the analysis: 2013: Extreme Weather, Extreme Damage by Daniel J. Weiss and Siri Manning
To speak to an expert, contact Anne Shoup at [email protected] or at 202.481.7146.
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