Natural disasters including hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria followed by Western wildfires made 2017 the most expensive year recorded.
16 different events caused a total of $306 billion in damage, with the bulk of damage coming from the hurricanes.
2017 raised the concerns of many, including scientists that fear climate change could make natural disasters or weather related events even more damaging.
Roughly 710 natural catastrophes occurred around the world, which is up from the average 605, and those within the U.S. accounted for almost half of all insurance payouts.
