BBC World Service

BBC World Service Radio

World Service Radio

The Real Story

Discussion & Talk

Factual: Politics

Global experts and decision makers discuss, debate and analyse a key news story.

The Real Story: Extreme Weather: Who Foots the Bill?

Factual

Extreme Weather: Who Foot's the Bill?

15/09/2017 GMT

Extreme Weather: Who Foots the Bill?

BBC World Service - The Real Story, Extreme Weather: Who Foots the Bill?

Extreme weather events are becoming more common, more destructive, and much more costly

The trail of wrecked buildings, overturned cars, and broken boats in the wake of hurricanes Harvey and Irma have reminded the world of the ferocious power of nature. Extreme weather events are becoming more common, more destructive, and much more costly.  So who foots the bill to pick up the pieces? The global insurance industry is unable to cover the mounting losses. Meanwhile, governments hesitate to make taxpayers plug the growing gap between damage and the cost of repair. There is also hot debate over to what extent climate change is to blame and by extension what responsibility big industry and the developed world carry. This week on Newshour Extra Owen Bennett Jones and a panel of expert guests looks at how we are going to pay the price that comes with extreme weather.

(Photo:  A woman walks on a street on the French Caribbean island of Saint-Martin after it was hit by Hurricane Irma. Credit: Getty Images)

BBC World Service Online

BBC World Service schedule for American satellite radio and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Australasia

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa Schedule

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa

BBC World Service East Asia

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

BBC World Service South Asia

BBC World Service West and Central Africa Schedule

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Real Story

Extreme Weather: Who Foots the Bill?

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC World Service

About BBC World Service