Swiss Re warns of mounting heatwave risks

Insurance giant reports heat-related deaths surpass combined toll of earthquakes, floods and hurricanes, highlighting growing climate threat.

Up to 500,000 people die annually worldwide due to extreme heat.
Heat-related deaths now surpass the combined toll of earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes.
July 2024 recorded the three hottest days since measurements began.
Heatwaves in the US are now three times more frequent than in the 1960s.
Modern US heatwaves are almost one degree hotter and last a full day longer compared to the 1960s.

500,000

Annual deaths

$78.5 billion

Insured losses

Frequency increase

"That is more than earthquakes, floods and hurricanes combined."
— Swiss Re Report

"Heat stress leads to exhaustion, heat stroke and organ failure or aggravates cardiovascular and respiratory diseases."
— Swiss Re Experts

The Silent Assassin: Heat Eclipses Natural Disasters