In 2025, there were 157 extreme weather events with serious effects on people and communities, according to the World Weather Attribution initiative. These events led to tragic outcomes: thousands died or were injured, and many lost their homes and livelihoods. Some were even forced to flee their homes.
Interestingly, the year before, 219 events were recorded—62 more than in 2025. This increase might relate to the La Niña phenomenon, which reduced warming during that time.
What Happened in 2025?
The most common types of events were floods and heatwaves, both totaling 49 occurrences. Next were storms (38), wildfires (11), droughts (7), and cold spells (3). Scientists studied 22 of these events across various continents, concluding that 17 were intensified or made more likely due to climate change.
Heatwaves: A Growing Danger
Since the Paris Agreement in 2015, global temperatures have risen by 0.3°C. However, some heatwaves are now ten times more likely. In 2025, heatwaves resulted in the highest number of deaths. A study estimated that over 24,400 people died from one intense heatwave, affecting places like South Sudan, Argentina, and England.
Storms and Their Deadly Impact
Storms caused significant destruction in Asia and Southeast Asia. More than 1,700 people died when several storms hit simultaneously, and Hurricane Melissa devastated parts of Jamaica just weeks prior. Research shows that climate change has made such heavy rainfall from storms more intense and likely.
Wildfires and Inequality
Wildfires, especially in the Palisades (USA) and Spain, have become more frequent due to climate change. Experts note that these extreme events hit marginalized communities the hardest. Data shortages in the Global South create challenges for understanding and addressing these issues.
Economic Burden
In 2025, these extreme weather events cost an estimated $120 billion. However, the real cost could be much higher since many human losses are not counted. The most expensive events included:
- California Fires: Caused about $60 billion in damage and over 400 deaths.
- Southeast Asia Cyclones and Floods: Resulted in $25 billion in losses and more than 1,750 deaths across several countries.
- China Floods: Led to $11.7 billion in damages, thousands displaced, and at least 30 fatalities.
It’s clear that climate change is pushing people closer to their limits. Experts argue that drastically reducing fossil fuel emissions is vital to avoid even worse outcomes. The data from 2025 highlights that extreme weather is not only increasing in frequency and intensity but also in economic and human costs, impacting the most vulnerable communities the hardest.
For further insights on climate change and its impacts, check sources like the World Wildlife Fund.
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