The impacts of natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and tsunamis have been increasing steadily since the 1950’s, particularly for developing countries. According to a World Bank external evaluation report “natural disasters destroyed US$652 billion in property worldwide in the 1990s alone – an amount 15 times higher in real terms compared to the 1950s. Approximately 2.6 billion people were affected by natural disasters over the past ten years, compared to 1.6 billion in the previous decade. Developing countries have borne the brunt of these catastrophes, accounting for over 95 percent of all casualties” (IEG, 2006). Asia has been the most affected region with 79 per cent of deaths from natural disasters during the period 2000-20071; while Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are among the most vulnerable. This trend is not likely to change. The Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC 2007) has confirmed that frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as heat waves, tropical cyclones, floods and droughts are likely to increase with climate change.
Authors and Publishers
Claudia
Herrera Garibay, A.
Climate, Energy and Tenure Division
Deputy Directory-General Natural Resources
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Serving both developed and developing countries, FAO acts as a neutral forum where all nations meet as equals to negotiate agreements and debate policy. FAO is also a source of knowledge and information.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Serving both developed and developing countries, FAO acts as a neutral forum where all nations meet as equals to negotiate agreements and debate policy. FAO is also a source of knowledge and information.
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The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Serving both developed and developing countries, FAO acts as a neutral forum where all nations meet as equals to negotiate agreements and debate policy. FAO is also a source of knowledge and information.