The global cost of disasters is growing: The economic burden of disasters is intensifying. While the direct costs of disasters averaged $70–80 billion a year between 1970 and 2000, between 2001 and 2020 these annual costs grew significantly to $180–200 billion. But the real cost is far higher.

In 2024, the Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT) recorded 393 natural hazard-related disasters. These events caused 16,753 fatalities and affected 167.2 million people. Economic losses totaled US$241.95 billion.

Europe is the fastest-warming continent, and the impacts of climate change are clear. 2024 was the warmest year on record for Europe. Storms were often severe and flooding widespread, claiming at least 335 lives and affecting an estimated 413 000 people.

At least 242 million students in 85 countries had their schooling disrupted by extreme climate events in 2024, including heatwaves, tropical cyclones, storms, floods, and droughts, exacerbating an existing learning crisis, according to a new UNICEF analysis released today.

Current trends and future climate projections for India indicate an escalation in the intensity, frequency, and duration of heat waves. Coastal cities like Thane face additional risks, with compounding factors such as humidity and urban heat islands. The interaction of these elements can elevate felt temperatures by 3-4 degrees Celsius.

In the wake of rising temperatures, the Goa State Disaster Management Authority (Goa SDMA) is taking necessary Preparedness and Mitigation Measures for Heatwave in the State.

As climate change intensifies, the danger posed by heatwaves is increasing every year. In 2015, thousands were killed in India and Pakistan, and in 2022, the death toll reached tens of thousands in Europe. Despite this, heatwaves often receive limited attention from humanitarians, emergency response agencies, and policymakers at large.

Because of deteriorating climatic conditions, Uttar Pradesh is susceptible to a number of natural calamities. The state has suffered both droughts its in areas where water shortage is severe due to depleted aquifers and flash floods from the Ganges.

The heatwave affecting India from March to May 2022 was exceptional for its record temperatures, its early onset, its unusually long duration and the large area that was affected.

This analysis attempts to address a pressing problem at the heart of India’s plans to combat extreme heat: finance. Indian Heat Action Plans (HAPs) contain a welcome diversity of adaptation solutions spanning many sectors, but generally fail to identify viable sources of public and private finance to implement these solutions.