Vijay Jayaraj
Despite fear-mongering about climate change exacerbating natural disasters, weather-related deaths have dropped significantly.
According to the Emergencies Database, the total number of global deaths per decade from climate-related disasters has fallen by more than 96% since the 1920s. The data shows an unprecedented decline in climate-related deaths between 1960 and 2020 compared with the period between 1920 and 1959.
This decline is even more impressive considering that the global population has more than quadrupled during this period, from about 2 billion in 1920 to nearly 8 billion in 2020.
The dramatic drop in deaths is more than just a statistic; It represents a fundamental improvement in our species' ability to adapt to and withstand the forces of nature. This is a story of overcoming adversity and innovating in the face of danger.
Why deaths are falling
For thousands of years, erratic weather patterns have determined the rise and fall of civilizations, determined the success of harvests, and often claimed countless lives. However, the 20th century marked a critical turning point in this long struggle.
One of the most important factors in reducing deaths is significant improvements in infrastructure, especially in developing countries. The World Meteorological Organization's “State of the Global Climate 2023” notes that improved early warning systems and disaster management continue to reduce the loss of life caused by extreme weather events.
Bangladesh was once notorious for deaths caused by cyclones, but the number of casualties has dropped significantly. In 1970, Tropical Cyclone Bora killed an estimated 300,000-500,000 people. In comparison, Cyclone Amphan in 2020 caused less than 100 deaths in Bangladesh despite causing heavy damage, mainly due to early warning and evacuation procedures.
The Netherlands, with most of its land below sea level, is a pioneer in flood protection. Its system of dikes, dams and storm surge barriers, including the famous Meslant structure near Rotterdam, effectively protects the country from catastrophic flooding.
In the United States, the Mississippi River and its tributaries program, initiated after the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927, has prevented billions of dollars in flood damage. From China's Three Gorges Dam to London's Thames Dam, similar projects around the world have saved countless lives.
In hurricane-prone areas, buildings are now designed to withstand strong winds and flying debris. After Hurricane Andrew in 1992, Florida implemented strict building codes that significantly reduced structural damage during subsequent storms.
Likewise, earthquake-resistant building techniques have saved countless lives in seismically active areas. Japan's strict building codes require buildings to withstand severe earthquakes, which has significantly reduced the number of earthquake fatalities.
Drought was once one of the deadliest climate events, even ending the reign of famous empires. Today, advances in agricultural technology and practices have significantly reduced the death toll from drought-induced famine. For example, the development of drought-tolerant maize has benefited millions of farmers in Africa.
Fans worried about misreporting cause of damage
Yet despite unprecedented reductions in deaths from natural disasters, some believe the economic costs of natural disasters have risen. Yes, monetary losses have increased, but this is partly due to a lack of planning that puts increasingly valuable properties at risk from storm flooding and high winds.
A case in point is the Indian city of Chennai (formerly Madras), where flooding has become a regular occurrence due to the poor state of infrastructure. The city's newest built-up zones are located in areas where water naturally accumulates, putting residents at risk during heavy rains.
Living in the same city not long ago, I found myself wading impossibly knee-deep in water to retrieve my luggage from a parking lot where the floodwaters were up to my hips.
A simple analysis found that there have been many heavy rains in Chennai over the past few decades. Repeated flooding in this and other cities is largely due to poor management, not climate change.
Human ingenuity has achieved great success in dealing with natural threats. In this story, humanity's shortcoming is a failure to properly apply its knowledge rather than a neglect to control an uncontrollable climate.
This comment was first published on american thinker September 29, 2024.
Vijay Jayaraj is a scientific research assistant carbon monoxide2 allianceArlington, Virginia. he He holds a master's degree in environmental science from the University of East Anglia, UK, a postgraduate degree in energy management from Robert Gordon University, and a bachelor's degree in engineering from Anna University, India.
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