Climate and Weather

Millions of weather observations are recorded worldwide, and each weather station has precise scientific instruments to measure climate variables, including humidity, temperature, and precipitation. While the day-to-day state of the atmosphere and its short-time variations represents the weather, the atmosphere's behavior over relatively long periods of time constitutes the climate of that place. And while the changes in long-term averages of daily weather are noticed, it is climate change.

Natural disasters are adverse events caused by natural forces of the Earth that are sudden and cause widespread destruction. Of late, there have been frequent occurrences of heatwaves, floods, wildfires, and hurricanes worldwide, and these have been linked to increasing average global temperatures. They represent great risk to humanity, and the economic costs related to the damages are increasing.

Global CO2 emissions
36.4bn mt
Global land and ocean surface temperature anomaly
0.98 degrees Celsius
Maximum Arctic sea ice extent
15.05m sq.km

Climate change

Which country recognizes climate change as a crisis?
In the long term, climate change is as serious a crisis as COVID-19?
In the long term, climate change is as serious a crisis as COVID-19?
Further details: Visit original statistic

Climate change is a major concern worldwide; while humans' collective effect has brought about various widespread, systematic changes, accelerated global warming caused by fossil fuel concerning climate change is indisputable.

Most of the global population acknowledges that “climate change is as serious a crisis as COVID-19”. More than 80 percent of adults in countries in the global south – China, Mexico, and India, either agreed or strongly agreed to the above statement.

Global climate change
Climate change and health
U.S. climate change opinions

Natural catastrophes

Economic costs of weather and climate disaster events have soared
Cost of billion-dollar natural disaster events in the United States between 1980 and 2021, by time period (in billion U.S. dollars)*
Cost of billion-dollar natural disaster events in the United States between 1980 and 2021, by time period (in billion U.S. dollars)*
Further details: Visit original statistic

Major disasters fueled by weather and climate extremes bring about catastrophic damages to property and lives alike. The total economic losses caused by natural disasters are increasing worldwide. This is evident in losses caused by climate-related disasters that have nearly tripled in the last two decades.

Natural disasters
Insured catastrophe losses
Extreme weather in the U.S.

Climate finance

Climate friendly investments on the rise
Value of venture capital investments in climate technology worldwide from 2009 to 2020 (in billion U.S. dollars)
Value of venture capital investments in climate technology worldwide from 2009 to 2020 (in billion U.S. dollars)
Further details: Visit original statistic

Financial support towards energy transitions to fight global warming has increased with the recognition of environmental degradation and climate change. Many countries support technologies that help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions to accomplish the long-term goals towards sustainable development.

Global clean technology investments
Green financing in France
Green bonds in Europe

Regional overview

Which countries have contributed the most to global warming?
Carbon dioxide emissions in 2010 and 2020, by select country (in million metric tons)
Carbon dioxide emissions in 2010 and 2020, by select country (in million metric tons)
Further details: Visit original statistic

As of 2019, China was the largest emitter of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, followed by the United States. It is not surprising that developed countries and emerging economies are the most significant contributors to climate change. Setting out visions of a carbon-free future, many governments have pledged to reach net-zero emissions in the second half of the 21st century, mainly by switching over to greener energies.

Decarbonization's economic effect in the UK
Global large-scale carbon sequestration projects
Carbon pricing policies

Industry Definition

The climate and weather category offers weather data both on a global and local scale along with data regarding climate change. Within this category Statista also provides information about natural catastrophes and the economic losses related to them. Additionally, survey data regarding global warming, sustainable living, and potential climate risks are covered.

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