2020, annus horribilis on all fronts.
While the planet's eyes were on the Covid 19 pandemic and its consequences, climate disasters have multiplied around the world.
Their cost has soared to more than 140 billion dollars for the 15 extreme episodes "
linked to the climate crisis
" the most destructive, according to Christian Aid.
An underestimated amount, since the British NGO is based solely on figures from insurers.
"
Each month of the year 2020, until November, has been affected by at least one natural disaster attributable to the climate crisis
", explains the association which has been fighting poverty for more than 70 years.
Read also: The proliferation of climatic catastrophes pushes insurers to react
Over the past year, nine of the most devastating weather events cost more than 5 billion euros each, says the association.
Six of them took place in Asia, five of which are associated with an unusually rainy monsoon.
The floods that occurred between June and October in China cost 32 billion dollars.
In Africa, huge swarms of locusts have ravaged crops and vegetation in several countries, causing damage estimated at $ 8.5 billion.
"
The disaster is linked to wet conditions caused by unusual rains fueled by climate change,
" says the NGO.
In Europe, cyclones total more than 6 billion dollars in damage
In Europe, two extra-tropical cyclones, Ciara and Alex, totaled more than $ 6 billion in damage, recalls the association.
She warns that in the years to come the economic consequences of climate change should increase in the old continent.
For its part, the United States has experienced both a record hurricane season and unprecedented fires, totaling more than $ 60 billion in damage, calculates Christian Aid.
The country is thus suffering the heaviest economic consequences of climate change in 2020.
Read also: Climate change, the main responsible for the doubling of natural disasters in 20 years
Some less populated places have also suffered from the consequences of climate change.
“
The destruction of these areas has considerable consequences on biodiversity and the planet's ability to react to a warmer world
,” warns the NGO.
“
The Covid-19 pandemic has naturally been a major concern this year.
For millions of people living in vulnerable parts of the world, climate degradation has made matters worse.
The good news is that, like with the Covid-19 vaccine, we know how to solve the climate crisis.
We need to keep fossil fuels in the ground, increase investment in clean energy and help those who are suffering on the front lines,
”says Dr Katherine Kramer, author of the report.