Natural disasters have cost the world $131 billion in just six months, with accusations directed at climate change.
According to an analysis by the German reinsurance company Munich Re, the world recorded material losses reaching nearly $131 billion during the first half of 2025 due to natural disasters. This period marks the second most costly half-year since 1980, following the first half of 2011, which witnessed the devastating tsunami in Japan.
In comparison, the average losses over the past thirty years have not exceeded $79 billion. Experts attribute this continuous increase to climate change, which has made natural phenomena more frequent and severe.
The wildfires that swept through California in January resulted in a record loss of $53 billion, the highest ever for this type of disaster. Additionally, a devastating earthquake in Myanmar on March 28 claimed 4,500 lives, making it the deadliest disaster.
In the United States, 70% of global losses were concentrated, amounting to $92 billion, as a result of recurring waves of wildfires, storms, and tornadoes. Europe recorded lower losses of $5 billion but experienced a serious landslide in the Swiss canton of Valais at the end of May.
Tobias Grimm, head of the climate department at Munich Re, stated that losses are no longer limited to major disasters; they now include more frequent phenomena such as storms, hail, and floods. He also warned about the increasing fragility of the Alps against concerning geological changes.
Of the $131 billion in losses, only $80 billion were covered by insurance, according to group estimates. From 1980 to 2024, the global cost of natural disasters reached around $6.9 trillion.
This reality highlights the growing human and economic toll of climate change and poses significant challenges for governments and decision-makers regarding prevention and adaptation.
