Australia makes list of 2025’s costliest climate events
The destructive ex-tropical cyclone Alfred that smashed Brisbane, SEQ and northern NSW has been ranked among the world’s most costly disasters fuelled by climate change in 2025.
Australia makes list of 2025’s costliest climate events
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By Poppy Johnston
December 28, 2025 — 5.35pm
Australia’s destructive ex-tropical cyclone Alfred has been ranked among the world’s most costly disasters fuelled by climate change in 2025.
Economic losses caused by the fierce storm that ravaged south-east Queensland and northern NSW clocked in at roughly $US1.2 billion ($1.8 billion).
The 10 most economically catastrophic events listed by UK-based humanitarian relief charity Christian Aid totalled more than $US120 billion in losses, with each costing more than $US1 billion.
The costliest extreme event influenced by human-driven climate change was the Palisade and Eaton wildfires that ripped through suburban Los Angeles in January.
Economic losses from destroyed properties and other damage caused by the catastrophic blaze surpassed $US60 billion.
Other expensive disasters include cyclones in November that triggered destructive flooding and landslides in Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Malaysia.
The tropical storms and extreme monsoon system was thought to cost about $US25 billion, making it the second-most expensive event of 2025.
Alfred wreaked havoc on parts of Queensland and NSW in March 2025.Credit: AFR
The flooding disaster also claimed more than 1750 lives, making it among the year’s deadliest climate events.
Extreme rainfall and flooding in China in June and August was the third-most costly event.
