India and China Among Most Affected by Extreme Weather Events:…

The Climate Risk Index 2025 reveals that India is among the top ten countries impacted by climate-related extreme weather events from 1993 to 2022, suffering significant economic losses and fatalities. Dominica, China, and Honduras are the most affected, while the report underscores a critical need for increased climate finance and international cooperation to address challenges faced by vulnerable nations. The cumulative global damage from extreme weather over the past 30 years has amounted to USD 4.2 trillion, emphasizing urgency for action.

According to the Climate Risk Index 2025 published by Germanwatch, India has ranked among the top ten countries severely affected by climate-related extreme weather events from 1993 to 2022. Dominica, China, and Honduras topped the list of most impacted nations, while India, Myanmar, and Italy also faced considerable challenges due to extreme weather phenomena. Specifically, India ranks sixth overall, facing significant events such as floods, heatwaves, and cyclones throughout this period.

India has endured notable extreme weather disasters, suffering from catastrophic floods in 1993, 1998, and 2013, as well as heatwaves in 2002, 2003, and 2015. During these three decades, the country has experienced over 400 extreme climate events resulting in substantial economic losses amounting to USD 180 billion and at least 80,000 fatalities. Significant events include the 1998 Gujarat cyclone and the 1999 Odisha cyclone, alongside severe cyclones like Hudhud and Amphan in 2014 and 2020.

The report highlights continuous threats to India and other nations like China, the Philippines, and Pakistan from climate-induced extreme weather. Over the past 30 years, global extreme weather events have reportedly caused approximately 800,000 deaths and damages totaling USD 4.2 trillion. Countries in the Global South have been disproportionately affected, facing significant human and economic repercussions.

The analysis utilized data from the International Disaster Database (Em-Dat) alongside socio-economic insights from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The assessment also included developed nations like Italy and Spain in the discussion about climate vulnerability. Laura Schaefer, Head of Division for International Climate Policy at Germanwatch, emphasized the critical nature of addressing climate challenges in global security discussions.

Furthermore, the report indicates that climate finance remains insufficient to tackle the ramifications of extreme weather events effectively. The recent COP29 in Baku failed to establish a comprehensive New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) to address climate financing needs, with USD 300 billion annually by 2035 deemed merely a minimal response to the climate crisis. The report stresses the urgent need for increased support from high-emission nations towards vulnerable countries.

The Climate Risk Index 2025 underscores the severe toll of climate-related extreme weather on countries like India and highlights the urgent need for enhanced climate financing and mitigation strategies. As global weather patterns become increasingly erratic, the international community must acknowledge and address the disparities affecting nations in the Global South. Continued efforts are essential to minimize future human and economic costs associated with the escalating climate crisis.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com