Climate change is an ongoing global phenomenon.
According to the World Meteorological Organization, the average temperature of the earth has increased by 1.2°C since 1880.
This increase in temperature is thought to be the cause of the increase in the number of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, droughts, floods, and storms. Because of this, experts have begun to call this era the “Anthropocene,” which means “human impact on the planet.”
Climate change is the biggest challenge that humanity has ever faced.
If we are unable to tackle this issue, it could lead to the destruction of entire ecosystems, the extinction of species, and the collapse of human civilization. One of the most significant risks to your financial success in any climate is your lack of knowledge about the future.
Where are we now?
Climate change is already affecting weather patterns around the globe and will continue to pose an increasing risk to our Banking Industry, Real Estate, Insurance Industry, Homeowners/Ordinary Citizens and Agriculture Sector.
Extreme climate events have become more apparent in Europe. In July 2021, Germany experienced an unprecedented loss of lives & property due to flooding. In the same year, Czech Republic also suffered from the aftermath of a huge tornado. Other events that had the attention of climate experts, the media, and governments include forest fires in Greece and sea floods in countries like Venice and Croatia. In more recent news, Spain is dealing with record-breaking heat waves.
The 8 most common climate risks
1. Drought and Floods
When it comes to climate risks, one of the most common ones is drought.
Drought is the abnormal and temporary lack of precipitation that leads to the shortage of water.
There was a recent drought in California that lasted from 2012 until 2018. As a result, many farmers lost crops, and the cost of feeding all those people skyrocketed. This resulted in higher food prices and more people going hungry.
Many people will be affected by the drought. If you are living in a place where the climate is prone to the drought, then you need to think about the best ways to deal with the drought.
2. Wildfires/Forest Fires
Wildfires can occur in any season, but the months of July and August tend to see a lot of wildfires in the United States. The wildfires in California have been devastating. More than 1,000 homes have been destroyed and nearly 7,000 people have been evacuated. The fires have caused a lot of damage to homes and businesses. This is because of the drought and because many homeowners neglect their lawns. The result is that their grass gets dry, and it easily catches fire. There is currently no end in sight to the fires.
It is important that you plan ahead and ensure that you have plenty of water to drink and enough food in the freezer.
3. Extremely High Temperatures
We are living in a world where the temperature is increasing and that means, we are facing heat waves. In summer, the temperature can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius and that is very high. If you don’t have air conditioner, then you can’t afford to live in a hot country.
Heat waves are dangerous for animals and humans alike.
Heat waves are dangerous because they can cause illness or even death. In addition, heat waves can cause major damage to your home. When you start experiencing heat waves, make sure that you keep your house well ventilated and make sure that your windows are closed.
4. Sea Flood
Sea level rise can be caused by a number of different things. But the most common one is glacier melt and sea ice melt. This causes the water levels to rise, which affects the coast.
Many people believe that the cost of this type of climate change is not worth the benefits. However, if you look at the long term effects, it is easy to understand why this type of change is so dangerous.
For example, when the oceans rise, it makes it difficult for people to live in low lying areas.
This means that they can lose their homes and become homeless. This is something that the government is doing everything it can to prevent.
5. Hurricanes
We know that hurricanes are the most devastating storms that can occur in any part of the world. They can damage property and even take lives.
Another risk associated with storms is that they can lead to tornadoes.
When a tornado hits, you can see how the wind speed increases.
6. Storm surge
The storm surge is the high tide that occurs due to the storm. This is also a climate risk that we are facing and the effects of the storm surges are becoming stronger that can lead to fatalities and destruction of our properties.
7. River flood
Floods are the most common natural disasters. Floods are the sudden and violent occurrence of water on the land surface.
Many parts of the world have experienced floods in the past few years.
According to NOAA, floods occur in the United States about once every five years. And according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that by 2050, “moderate” (typically damaging) flooding is expected to occur, on average, more than 10 times as often as it does today, and can be intensified by local factors.
8. Extreme Precipitation
The excessive rain will cause the soil to lose its strength.
Due to this, the soil will get weak and it will be easy for the landslide to take place.
Also, the water will be very heavy and it will fill the entire house. So, the people will be afraid that their houses will get flooded and it will be difficult for them to save their lives.