2022 has been a year of some “devastating” climate-related disasters, with countries across the globe suffering from more intense storms, deadlier flooding, and a huge bout of summer droughts.
A new report from Christian Aid has highlighted the top 10 most expensive environmental disasters of the year, including hurricanes in North America, torrential downpours in Asia, and record-breaking heatwaves in the UK. These have caused deaths, displacement, destruction, and widespread environmental damage.
Scientists have said many of the events were driven by rising global temperatures as a result of human activity. They added this highlights the importance of the special fund created at COP27, which will compensate people in poorer countries for the loss and damage they suffered at the hands of the climate crisis.
So here are the 2022 climate disasters which racked up the biggest costs - and the impacts they had on the people and countries hit.
9. Floods in KwaZulu Natal and Eastern Cape, South Africa ($3 billion)
In April, a national state disaster was declared when days of heavy rain across KwaZulu-Natal in southeastern South Africa led to deadly floods. At least 435 people died across Durban, a coastal province, making it one of the deadliest disasters in the country in the 21st century, and an unknown number of people are still missing. Several thousand homes were also damaged and destroyed, and critical infrastructure such as major roads, transportation, communications and electrical systems were impacted by flooding. Records show there was $3 billion in damage. (Photo Credit: Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
10. Hurricane Fiona ($3 billion)
Hurricane Fiona was the most intense hurricane to hit Canada since records began. It was also the most expensive - costing a total of $3 billion. Regions affected, such as the Caribbean and Canada, experienced heavy rain, strong winds and incredible storm surges - all of which combined to cause huge damage. At least 31 deaths were confirmed, with search and rescue teams taking about two weeks to finish their search of people that were missing. Homes, possessions and other property were also swept out to sea. (Photo Credit: Getty Images) | Getty Images