The cost of extreme weather

The cost of extreme weather

The Rising Costs of Extreme Weather: Beyond the Dollar Figures

Two trillion, six-hundred and fifteen billion dollars. It’s an astounding amount, one that is almost impossible to comprehend. This staggering figure represents the estimated cost of 371 weather and climate disasters that have occurred in the United States since 1980, each with damages exceeding $1 billion. From devastating tropical cyclones to droughts and severe storms, these disasters have left an indelible mark on the nation. The most recent addition to this list is Hurricane Idalia, a testament to the increasing frequency and intensity of costly extreme weather events caused by greenhouse gas emissions.

However, the dollar figures alone fail to capture the true extent of the losses incurred in these disasters. Countless costs to individuals and communities are often omitted from official tallies, including mental and physical trauma, environmental damage, and supply-chain disruptions. These hidden costs burden not only the affected individuals but also society as a whole.

The True Cost of Extreme Heat

Lois Nigrin’s harrowing experience serves as a stark reminder of the rising cost of extreme heat, the leading weather-related killer in the United States. During a hike in Arizona in June 2019, Nigrin and her husband encountered temperatures so extreme that their celebratory trip turned into a fight for survival. Despite having trained for the hike, Nigrin suffered third-degree burns and ended up in a coma, with her family fearing for her life.

Nigrin’s near-death experience highlights the potential consequences of extreme heat. The Center for American Progress estimates that the healthcare costs associated with extreme heat, including emergency department visits, could amount to an additional $1 billion annually. Furthermore, the Atlantic Council predicts that the increasing number of sweltering days could result in a substantial loss of $100 billion per year in labor productivity.

For Nigrin, the true cost of extreme heat extends far beyond the physical scars she bears. It is a cost that she continues to grapple with each day.

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The True Cost of Volatile Weather

Dale Murden, a long-time citrus farmer in Harlingen, Texas, has experienced firsthand the volatile nature of weather patterns in recent years. The swings in weather have left him uncertain about the future of his farm in the face of changing climatic conditions. Murden witnessed the consecutive devastation caused by a hurricane and a deep freeze, resulting in significant losses to his grapefruit harvest and trees. The recovery process for his farm has taken years.

As extreme weather becomes increasingly common, farmers like Murden face challenges in planning for their crops. Crop insurance, which serves as a support system, often fails to cover the full range of costs associated with unpredictable weather, especially for fruit and vegetable growers. In Murden’s case, the uncharacteristic cold air caused damage to his trees, leading to a substantial loss in grapefruit production.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Texas holds the unfortunate distinction of having the highest cumulative damages and frequency of extreme weather events in the United States since 1980. The citrus industry in the state has suffered immensely, with the average grapefruit and orange production nearly halved during the 2020-21 season. The subsequent season was even worse, resulting in severe financial losses and job cuts.

For farmers like Murden, the increasing costs of volatile weather pose an existential threat to their livelihoods, making it increasingly difficult to make ends meet.

The True Cost of Flooding

Barb Grant’s experience encapsulates the devastating impact of flooding on individuals and communities. As the head of a nonprofit organization in eastern Iowa, Grant’s ability to help others was severely compromised when floodwaters ravaged their offices. The devastating flood forced her to inform those she sought to assist that her organization could not offer aid as it, too, was dealing with the aftermath of the catastrophe.

Flooding has become an almost daily occurrence in the United States, caused by torrential rains and snowmelt, affecting not only coastal regions and riverbanks but also areas that were previously less susceptible. The nonprofit Pew Charitable Trusts reveals that flooding is the most frequent and costly type of natural disaster in the country.

Recovering from a flood is a lengthy process, as Grant and many others can attest. The hardship and uncertainty that follow are endured by an increasing number of Americans as floods become a recurring and devastating reality.

The True Cost of Inaction

The costs of extreme weather extend beyond mere financial figures. Data suggests that the economic repercussions of these events are permeating through society and have the potential to overwhelm our social safety net if left unaddressed. By taking decisive action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build a more resilient economy, we have the opportunity to create a world where the climate crisis becomes a manageable challenge rather than a series of catastrophic events.

The 371 weather and climate disasters that have exceeded $1 billion in damages should serve as a wake-up call. The true costs of these disasters go far beyond the overwhelming dollar figures, encompassing physical and emotional trauma, environmental degradation, and economic disruption. It is imperative that we recognize the hidden costs and work towards mitigating the impact of extreme weather events. Only through proactive measures can we build a more sustainable and secure future for ourselves and generations to come.

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• Texas