Extreme weather events, including heatwaves, wildfires, droughts, and storms, cost the world more than $120 billion in 2025, according to a new report by UK-based NGO Christian Aid.
The report highlights the growing financial and human toll of climate change and warns that continued reliance on fossil fuels is driving the crisis.
The analysis found that the ten costliest climate disasters this year each caused more than $1 billion in damage, with total losses exceeding $122 billion.
Most estimates are based on insured losses, meaning the real cost is likely much higher, while the human toll often goes uncounted.
Asia accounted for four of the six most expensive disasters, with flooding in India and Pakistan killing more than 1,860 people. In Pakistan alone, over seven million people were affected, with losses estimated at up to $6 billion.
The United States recorded the costliest single event, with California wildfires causing $60 billion in damage and killing more than 400 people. Cyclones and floods across Southeast Asia caused $25 billion in damage and claimed over 1,750 lives. Flooding in China displaced thousands, caused $11.7 billion in damage, and killed at least 30 people.
The report also noted severe impacts in poorer nations where insurance coverage is limited. Floods in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo affected thousands, while drought in Iran and West Asia threatened water security for millions. Other extreme events included wildfires in Scotland, record heat in Japan, and climate stress in Antarctica and global oceans.
Christian Aid CEO Patrick Watt said the disasters show the urgent need to cut carbon emissions and support vulnerable communities, warning that the poorest continue to suffer the worst consequences of climate breakdown.