India ranks among the top 10 countries most affected by extreme weather events between 1993 and 2022, experiencing 10% of global fatalities and 4.3% of economic losses. The Climate Risk Index 2025 by Germanwatch ranks India sixth, emphasizing its vulnerability and the need for urgent climate action to mitigate economic and human losses.
India’s Climate Risk and Extreme Weather Events
India’s Ranking in Climate Risk Index 2025
- India was ranked sixth in the Climate Risk Index 2025 published by Germanwatch.
- It is among the top 10 countries most impacted by extreme weather events from 1993 to 2022.
- The report highlights India’s vulnerability, ranking behind Dominica, China, Honduras, Myanmar, and Italy.
Extent of Climate Disasters in India
- India experienced more than 400 extreme weather events over three decades.
- These events caused $180 billion in economic losses and at least 80,000 fatalities.
- India accounted for 10% of global climate-related deaths and 4.3% of global economic damages.
Major Extreme Weather Events (1993-2022)
- Floods: Devastating floods in 1993, 1998, and 2013 caused severe destruction.
- Heatwaves: Extreme heatwaves occurred in 1998, 2002, 2003, and 2015, with temperatures nearing 50°C.
- Cyclones: Some of the most severe cyclones include:
- Gujarat Cyclone (1998) and Odisha Cyclone (1999)
- Cyclone Hudhud (2014) and Cyclone Amphan (2020)
- Uttarakhand Floods (2013)
Understanding the Climate Risk Index (CRI)
- Established in 2006, the CRI is one of the longest-running climate impact indices.
- It assesses economic and human impacts of climate-related extreme weather events.
- The rankings are backward-looking, analyzing past data rather than predicting future risks.
- Data sources include the International Disaster Database (Em-DAT) and IMF socio-economic data.
- Germanwatch, an independent environmental organization, publishes the index.
Recommendations to Combat Climate Change
Enhanced Climate Finance
- Greater financial and technical assistance is required for vulnerable nations.
- Funding is crucial for adaptation and managing climate-induced damages.
Strengthening Mitigation Efforts
- Nations should enhance their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
- Efforts should focus on keeping global temperature rise within 1.5°C.
Accountability of High-Emission Nations
- Developed countries should take responsibility for their historical emissions.
- They must accelerate climate mitigation to reduce global economic and human losses.
Call for Urgent Climate Action
- Timely intervention in adaptation and mitigation is needed.
- Delayed action will increase future climate-related losses.
About Germanwatch
Founded in 1991, Germanwatch is a non-profit organization based in Bonn and Berlin, Germany.
It promotes climate action, sustainable development, and global equity.
It engages in policy advocacy, research, and public awareness campaigns.
Key Publications by Germanwatch
- Climate Risk Index (CRI) – Evaluates the impact of extreme weather events.
- Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) – Assesses countries’ progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.