Balanced News: 2023 has already broken the US record for billion-dollar climate disasters

The United States has already broken its record for the number of weather and climate disasters with damages exceeding $1 billion in a calendar year. There have been 23 “billion-dollar disasters” in 2023, costing Americans nearly $58 billion and causing at least 253 deaths. These disasters include Hurricane Idalia, the strongest hurricane to hit Florida’s Big Bend region in 125 years, and the Lahaina firestorm, the deadliest wildfire in the US in over a century. The National Interagency Fire Center warns of an above-normal risk of significant wildfires in September. Experts emphasize the need for more funding and attention towards climate resilience and adaptation.