Oxfam: Over two decades, natural disasters quadrupled

The number of weather-related disasters has quadrupled in the past 20 years, according to the charity Oxfam (UK).

The organization said that an average of 500 weather-related disasters are occurring every year, which in the early 80s was 120 disasters. Meanwhile, the number of people affected by major natural disasters has increased by 68% from 174 million people / year in the period 1985 - 1994 to 254 million people / year between 1995 and 2004.

Floods in Mexico (Photo: Bernama)

"This year, we have seen flooding in South Asia, both in Africa and Mexico, causing more than 250 million people to be affected ," said Oxfam director Barbara Stocking. "This year is not a year. "Unusual years, it follows more frequent weather changes, more erratic, more unpredictable, more harsh and more influential people."

According to Oxfam, the increase in greenhouse gas emissions is the main cause of increased disasters and must be prevented. The organization also urged the UN conference on climate change in Bali in December to agree to implement negotiations on a global agreement to provide support for developing countries to deal with. impacts of climate change as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

"Actions are now necessary to promote humanitarian assistance and prepare for more catastrophes ," Stocking said. Oxfam stressed that rich countries should be at the forefront of every activity since they are mainly responsible for climate change.

United Mail