Majority of Americans affected by severe weather
A recent study finds that the overwhelming majority of Americans live in areas which have been affected by severe weather events in recent years.
Since 2006, Environment America says federal disaster declarations have covered 2,466 U.S. counties, accounting for 242 million people - or roughly 80 percent of the U.S. population.
The group also says these severe storms are increasing in frequency due to global warming, with a greater number of heat waves and severe rainstorms in recent years. Senators John Kerry and Bernie Sanders supported the report and urged action.
"Global warming is real and we are seeing significant impacts today. We must cut greenhouse gas emissions and move to energy efficiency and sustainable energy. If we move in that direction we can create, over a period of years, millions of good-paying jobs," said Senator Sanders.
Global warming may also cause larger homeowners insurance claims in the coming years. The Insurance Information Institute says a report from the hurricane modeling firm Karen Clark & Co. found that the trend could increase the maximum wind speeds of hurricanes by up to 5 percent.
Related Home Insurance Articles:
- Homes destroyed by Nevada wildfire May 23, 2012
- Researchers hope to better understand tornado damage May 22, 2012
- Total costs from Minneapolis tornado reach $80 million May 21, 2012
- Analysis shows more than $2B of insurance claims from Joplin tornado May 18, 2012
- Recovery continues for Michigan tornado victims May 17, 2012
