Climate Change Now the Main Driver of Natural Disasters

Most natural disasters today are linked to climate change, says the UN emergency relief coordinator. From 1988 through 2007, over 75 percent of all disaster events were climate-related and accounted for 45 percent of deaths and 80 percent of the economic losses caused by natural hazards. The most vulnerable are impoverished people living in risk-prone hotspot countries, where the risks from extreme climatic events overlap with human vulnerability. "Any credible vision of the future must recognize that humanitarian needs are increasing and that climate change is the main driver. We are already seeing its effects, in terms of the numbers of people affected and in the rising cost of response."

The worst floods in 10 years inundated Jakarta, Indonesia Feburary 2, 2007. (Photo by A. Imam Alka)