Recently Cataloged: Atlas of mortality and economic losses from weather, climate, and water extremes (1970-2012)

Cover image: Photograph by Jocelyn Augustino, FEMA

"The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recently published the results of a longitudinal study on the devastating effects of weather in the report “Atlas of mortality and economic losses from weather, climate, and water extremes (1970-2012).” Economic, human, and physical damage inflicted by weather and natural disasters is increasing worldwide in frequency and severity, creating long-ranging implications for both developed and developing nations.

This report examines several different types of natural disasters, from meteorological (storms), climatological (droughts, extreme temperatures and wildfires) to hydrological events (floods and mass movement wet, which includes subsidence, rockfalls, avalanches and landslides). These events are examined globally and regionally: Africa, Asia, South America, North America/Central America/The Caribbean, South-West Pacific, and Europe.

Striking photographs, infographics, and charts make the data relatable and meaningful. Viewers will find lists of the ten worst reported disasters in regards to human deaths and economic losses during the forty-three year period per WMO region, as well as more granular reports related to the number of disasters, related deaths and economic losses by decade, from 1970-2012.

A PDF of the entire report is available online.