India and China Among Most Affected by Extreme Weather Events: Climate Risk Index 2025
The Climate Risk Index 2025 highlights that India is among the countries most affected by extreme weather, with significant economic losses and fatalities. The report underscores the urgent need for enhanced climate finance and action, particularly for vulnerable nations in the Global South, to address growing climate risks effectively.
The Climate Risk Index 2025 report by Germanwatch indicates that India ranked as the sixth most affected country by extreme weather events from 1993 to 2022. The report notes that globally, extreme weather events resulted in nearly 800,000 fatalities and inflicted damages amounting to approximately $4.2 trillion in this 30-year period.
Countries most impacted included Dominica, China, and Honduras. India experienced devastating floods, heatwaves, and cyclones, leading to USD 180 billion in economic losses and an estimated 80,000 deaths. Significant events included cyclones in Gujarat (1998) and Odisha (1999), along with severe floods and record heatwaves.
The report highlights the continuous threats faced by countries such as India, China, the Philippines, and Pakistan due to climate change-induced extreme weather. It emphasizes that nations in the Global South are especially vulnerable, with potential far-reaching impacts if data from these regions were as comprehensive as those from developed countries.
Laura Schaefer, Head of Division for International Climate Policy at Germanwatch, stated that “the climate crisis is increasingly becoming a global security risk” and called for decisive multilateral action to address climate change. She noted the inadequacy of climate finance, particularly following the recent COP29 failures to establish ambitious goals.
In summary, the Climate Risk Index underscores the urgent need for comprehensive climate action, especially towards assisting the Global South, which bears the brunt of extreme weather events. With significant economic losses and fatalities recorded in countries like India, it is vital for high-emission nations to increase their support for climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
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