(Bloomberg) – Climate-based disasters caused $46 billion in damage and killed at least 138 in the 48 contiguous U.S. states last year, with inland flooding emerging as the costliest weather event for the first time since 1997.
The number of billion-dollar occurrences was the second-highest since 1980, with one less than the 16 in 2011, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. It was also the second warmest year behind 2012 over 122 years, and the 20th consecutive warmer-than-normal year.
The seven types of disasters noted in the yearly report — including droughts, hurricanes and winter storms — are closely watched by scientists and industries to gauge how changing patterns affect people's lives. Storms and rising seas have opened discussions on whether, and how, to build on coastal areas, and who pays in the event of a disaster. Warmer temperatures can have profound effects on both energy and agriculture.
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