First Half of 2025 Sees Record $100B+ Insured Losses from Natural Disasters
The first half of 2025 saw a devastating impact from natural disasters, with global insured losses surpassing $100 billion. The United States bore the brunt, with economic losses exceeding $126 billion, making it the costliest H1 on record.
Wildfires and severe convective storms in the U.S. drove more than 90% of the global insured losses. California's January wildfires alone resulted in over $40 billion in insured losses. At least 19 events, mostly in the U.S., each surpassed $1 billion in insured losses. The U.S. suffered at least $34 billion in economic damage from severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. Outside the U.S., a severe convective storm outbreak in Europe was the only event to exceed the $1 billion threshold. Global economic losses were estimated at $162 billion, above the 21st-century average.
The first half of 2025 underscored the growing impact of natural disasters on economies worldwide, with the U.S. being particularly hard hit. While insurance claims reached record highs, the protection gap narrowed, indicating improved insurance coverage. Despite the high losses, the death toll was relatively low, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the devastation.
Read also:
- Thieves Steal Unique Sculptures from Redwood National Park's Grove of Titans
- Republicans advocate Trump's domestic policy plans in Iowa, though some business owners remain skeptic
- Ethiopia's GERD Flooding Submerges Sudan Village, Displacing Residents
- Global carbon emissions could lead to a resurgence in coal usage, warns industry analyst
