Between 1970 and 2021, weather, climate, and water-related hazards caused more than 2 million deaths and an estimated US$ 4.3 trillion in reported economic losses globally, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) revealed on the occasion of World Meteorological Day.
In the statement issued on March 22, the WMO called for an urgent scale up investments in early warning systems and national meteorological services, especially in vulnerable countries.
The WMO’s latest climate assessment confirmed that 2024 surpassed previous temperature records, driven by greenhouse gas emissions and the intensifying effects of ocean warming and El Niño.
Alongside soaring temperatures, scientists observed accelerating sea level rise, glacier retreat, and alarming increases in extreme weather events, including tropical cyclones, flash floods, droughts, and wildfires.
Between 1970 and 2021, globally reported economic losses from weather, climate, and water hazards were a staggering US$ 4.3 trillion. More than 2 million people died.
Economic costs continue to soar, but the death toll is falling.
However, stark disparities remain. While 108 countries now report some capacity for multi-hazard early warning systems—up from 52 in 2015—many low-income and climate-vulnerable nations still lack access to accurate, timely alerts.
A call for global solidarity and investment
World Meteorological Day is observed each year on March 23 to commemorate the establishment of the WMO as a UN specialized agency in 1950. This year also marks its 75th anniversary.
