The Climate Risk Index 2025 reveals that India is among the top ten countries most severely affected by climate-related extreme weather events between 1993 and 2022. The report highlights the significant fatalities and economic losses incurred due to floods, cyclones, and heatwaves, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced climate finance and multilateral cooperation to address these challenges.
The Climate Risk Index 2025 published by Germanwatch highlights that between 1993 and 2022, India ranked among the ten most affected nations by climate-related extreme weather events. Dominica, China, and Honduras were the most impacted, but Myanmar, Italy, and India also faced severe consequences. India, particularly, suffered from floods, heatwaves, and cyclones, resulting in significant loss of life and economic damage, amounting to USD 180 billion and at least 80,000 fatalities during this period.
India experienced over 400 extreme weather events, with devastating incidents including the 1998 Gujarat cyclone and the 2013 Uttarakhand floods. Recurrent extreme heat in 1998, 2002, 2003, and 2015, with temperatures nearing 50 degrees Celsius, also contributed to substantial mortality. The report emphasizes that increasing temperatures and severe weather patterns threaten the livelihoods and safety of communities across the country.
Countries like China, India, the Philippines, and Pakistan face ongoing threats from climate crisis-induced extreme weather. The global toll of these weather events is staggering, with nearly 800,000 deaths and $4.2 trillion in damages recorded over the last three decades. The report underlines the vulnerability of the Global South, which suffers extensively from these climate impacts.
The index evaluates the economic and humanitarian impact of climate-related extreme weather and ranks countries accordingly. Despite being developed, countries like Italy and Spain also appear on the list of those severely affected. Laura Schaefer from Germanwatch stressed the need for robust multilateral action to tackle the climate crisis, as it increasingly poses a global security risk.
The report also calls attention to the inadequacy of available climate finance to manage extreme weather events. The recent COP29 in Baku failed to establish a robust Collective Quantified Goal for Climate Finance. The report asserts that the annual requirement of USD 300 billion by 2035 is merely a minimum response to the escalating climatic threats faced by developing countries, emphasizing the urgency for more comprehensive support.
In summary, the Climate Risk Index 2025 illustrates the significant impact of extreme weather events on countries globally, with India recognized as one of the most affected. Severe financial losses and fatalities underscore the critical need for enhanced climate finance and mitigation efforts. Addressing the climate crisis is essential for ensuring global security and preventing further humanitarian and economic costs in the years to come.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
