2017 Saw $306 Billion in Damages from Climate and Weather-Related Disasters

2017 Saw $306 Billion in Damages from Climate and Weather-Related Disasters The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released a report on Monday stating 16 major climate or weather events occurred in 2017, causing $306.2 billion in damages. "2017 was a historic year for billion-dollar weather and climate disasters.” A majority of the damage was caused by Hurricane Harvey, Irma and Maria, totaling a record $265 billion. The recent wildfires in California cost $18 billion, also a record. NOAA also said that their total cost is likely on the lower end of the spectrum because they don't account for "health care-related costs, destruction of natural capital, physical and mental distress."