Washington, D.C. – A crucial U.S. climate disaster database has been revived thanks to its former leader, Adam Smith. This database, which tracks financial losses from extreme weather events, revealed that in just the first half of 2025, severe weather caused a staggering $101 billion in damages.
Previously maintained by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the database documented major incidents from 1980 to 2024. However, it was shut down last year amid budget cuts criticized as an attack on scientific research. Smith, who led the project for 15 years, emphasized its importance. “We need this dataset to understand the costs of climate disasters,” he said.
The American Academy of Actuaries and other organizations have been vocal about the database’s need. They argue that it is vital for tracking the increasing costs of disasters like wildfires and floods, which directly impact homeowners and insurers.
In response to growing concern, Smith now heads the project at Climate Central, a nonprofit. He worked with experts in various fields to rebuild the dataset using the same reliable sources. The results are eye-opening. Early 2025 witnessed historic wildfires in Los Angeles, with estimated insured losses of around $60 billion. Following these fires were severe spring storms and destructive tornadoes across the central and southern U.S.
A total of 14 billion-dollar weather disasters were reported from January to June 2025. While this year might not break records due to a milder Atlantic hurricane season, the damages are still significant, adjusted for inflation.
Smith expressed his concerns about the current climate for science, stating it’s becoming increasingly challenging for researchers. However, he is pleased the database can continue to serve as a “public good.”
Looking ahead, there’s a plan to expand the tracker. The team wants to include events that cost at least $100 million. These smaller-scale disasters can also have life-altering effects on communities.
As climate change continues to escalate, understanding the financial toll of these events will be crucial. For more detailed insights, you can view NOAA’s resources and reports here.
In summary, the revival of this database marks a significant step in understanding and addressing the financial impacts of climate disasters.
