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There were 90 declarations of "major disasters" in 2024. It was one of the worst years for disasters declarations in the last three decades (1995-2024), according to a new analysis from the International Institute for Environment and Development, or IIED, shared exclusively with CNN. Ninety major disaster declarations in a year is nearly double the annual average of 55 declarations, according to the London-based think tank.
It translates to a major disaster declaration every four days.
Researchers also found that 41% of the US population lived in a county where a major disaster or emergency was declared — about 137 million people.
"Our analysis of FEMA data shows the agency has been responding to a growing number of climate-driven disasters over the past few decades. This is in line with what scientists warned us would happen," said Sejal Patel, senior climate finance researcher at IIED, in a statement to CNN.
It comes as the Trump administration plans for deep staff cuts at FEMA.
"As global temperatures continue to rise, all levels of government will have no choice but to help people adapt to the realities of climate change," Patel said, adding political leaders should be focusing on how to adapt and build resilience against climate change threats, including solutions like stronger building codes, early warning systems, reenvisioning the homeowners insurance industry and infrastructure like flood barriers.
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