Masked people in a flooded city under a giant virus, with money falling and armed silhouettes in a fiery landscape, symbolizing global crises.

Key disasters and trends of the 2020s (so far) include: Compounding Crises A key characteristic of this decade has been multiple disasters occurring simultaneously or in quick succession, such as hurricanes and wildfires happening in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which complicated evacuation and recovery efforts. Record-Breaking Natural Disasters The United States has experienced a significant increase in costly weather and climate disasters. The 2020s have averaged 23.0 billion-dollar events annually, far exceeding the average of 13.1 in the 2010s. Hurricanes and Tropical Storms: The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season was the most active on record with 30 named storms, 12 of which made landfall in the U.S.. Wildfires: The U.S. West Coast and Australia experienced historic and devastating wildfire seasons. Flooding and Severe Weather: Significant flood events have impacted China, India, Bangladesh, and Central America, alongside destructive events like the 2020 Midwest derecho. Major Global Events Beyond natural hazards, the decade has been marked by major socio-political and economic disruptions: The COVID-19 Pandemic: This is often considered the defining disaster of the early 2020s, with massive human and economic losses globally. Geopolitical Conflicts: Wars and political unrest, such as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Gaza war, have caused immense human suffering and global instability. Economic Instability: Global inflation, supply chain See more