This year is almost certain to join 1998 as one of the two warmest years on record worldwide. Some experts believe this global warming is helping to cause weather extremes. The cost of weather extremes is clearly rising. But human behavior is the likely the main cause of this increase. The world has more people and things than it did in 1900.
Environmental degradation hurts, too.
The toll of Bangladesh's 1991 cyclone was increased by deforestation in coastal swamps, which had previously slowed storm surges. China's government has now ordered reforestation along parts of the Yangtze to help mitigate constant flooding problems.