Fact Check: FEMA's spending on recovery efforts has increased significantly in recent years due to worsening natural disasters attributed to climate change.

Fact Check: FEMA's Spending on Recovery Efforts Has Increased Significantly Due to Climate Change

What We Know

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has seen a notable increase in its spending on disaster recovery efforts in recent years. This rise is attributed to the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, which many experts link to climate change. According to a report by the Brookings Institution, the average number of disaster declarations has increased by 61% over the last decade compared to the 1988-1997 average, indicating a trend of worsening natural disasters (Brookings).

FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) has been a primary source of financial assistance for disaster recovery, with total appropriations reaching approximately $381 billion from 1992 to 2021, with a significant portion provided through supplemental appropriations in response to major disasters (CBO). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that the U.S. sustained 403 weather and climate disasters from 1980 to 2024, with damages reaching or exceeding $1 billion for each event (NOAA).

Furthermore, FEMA's spending is projected to continue increasing as climate-related disasters become more common. A recent analysis indicated that the frequency of billion-dollar weather and climate disasters has increased by 130% in the last five years compared to previous periods (FEMA).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim that FEMA's spending has increased significantly due to worsening natural disasters attributed to climate change is robust. The data from NOAA and FEMA clearly illustrate a trend of increasing disaster declarations and associated costs. The Brookings report highlights a direct correlation between the rise in disaster declarations and the escalating costs of recovery efforts (Brookings).

Moreover, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) provides a comprehensive overview of FEMA's budgetary history, showing that the agency's expenditures have risen significantly in response to the growing impact of disasters (CBO). This aligns with findings from various climate studies that suggest climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of natural disasters, thereby necessitating greater federal spending on disaster relief (FEMA).

However, it is important to note that while the data is compelling, the sources vary in their potential biases. The Brookings Institution is generally regarded as a credible, non-partisan think tank, while NOAA is a government agency with a strong scientific foundation. The CBO is also a reliable source, as it provides non-partisan analysis of federal budgetary issues.

In contrast, some sources, such as news articles, may reflect a more subjective interpretation of the data. For instance, a New York Times article discussed FEMA's new policies aimed at addressing climate shocks, indicating an expected increase in federal disaster costs (NYT). While this provides context, it does not alter the fundamental data regarding spending trends.

Conclusion

The claim that FEMA's spending on recovery efforts has increased significantly in recent years due to worsening natural disasters attributed to climate change is True. The evidence from multiple reputable sources demonstrates a clear trend of rising disaster declarations and associated costs, strongly linked to the impacts of climate change. As natural disasters become more frequent and severe, FEMA's financial response has correspondingly escalated, confirming the validity of the claim.

Sources

1. What does the Federal Emergency Management Agency ...
2. Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters
3. A Transforming Field
4. Future Conditions
5. FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund: Budgetary History and ...
6. FEMA: Increased Demand and Capacity Strains
7. As Climate Shocks Worsen, FEMA Tries a New Approach ...
8. FEMA Is Under Fire