The storms, floods and droughts including killer hurricanes also cost thousands of lives, says a report by Christian Aid. Earlier this month the Met Office said this year’s heatwave was made 30 times more likely by climate change, which most scientists agree is caused by the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas.
Europe’s summer drought cost £6billion while Argentina, Australia and Cape Town, South Africa, also suffered.
Climate expert Dr Kat Kramer, of Christian Aid, said: “This report shows that for many people, climate change is having devastating impacts on their lives and livelihoods right now.
“We must respond to the warning these disasters are giving us and avert more and worse ones, by accelerating the transition to a zero-carbon economy.”
Dr Michael Mann, from Penn State University in the US, said: “The world’s weather is becoming more extreme before our eyes. The only thing that can stop this destructive trend from escalating is a rapid fall in carbon emissions.”
Hurricane Florence in the southern US cost around £13billion and Hurricane Michael £15billion to the US and parts of Central America and the Caribbean.
Japan suffered floods which killed at least 230 people and cost £5.5billion followed by a heatwave and Typhoon Jebi.
Typhoon Mangkhut hit the Philippines and China, while floods killed 500 and made a million homeless in Kerala, India, and California was hit by wildfires.