The recently published Climate Risk Index 2025, compiled by Germanwatch, provides a stark reminder of the growing threat of climate change-induced extreme weather events worldwide. The report evaluates the impact of climate-related disasters over the past three decades, emphasising the countries most affected. India emerges as one of the most vulnerable nations, experiencing frequent and severe weather events that have devastating consequences for its population, economy, and environment.
India Among the Most Affected Countries
India ranks among the top ten most affected countries in the long-term Climate Risk Index (1993–2022), underscoring its susceptibility to recurring climate disasters such as floods, heatwaves, cyclones, and droughts. The report highlights that between 1993 and 2022, over 80,000 people lost their lives due to extreme weather events in India, with economic losses amounting to nearly $180 billion.
Among the most catastrophic events were the 1998 Gujarat cyclone, the 1999 Odisha super cyclone, the 2013 Uttarakhand floods, and the 2020 Cyclone Amphan. More recently, India has experienced record-breaking heatwaves, with temperatures exceeding 50°C, placing millions at risk of heat-related illnesses and exacerbating water shortages.
Heatwaves: A Growing Threat
One of the most alarming findings in the report is the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves in India. The 2022 heatwave, which affected large parts of northern and central India, was one of the most severe on record. Scientific studies indicate that climate change has made such extreme temperatures at least 30 times more likely.
The impact of heatwaves is not only limited to human health but also extends to agriculture, water security, and energy demand. Crop yields have been significantly reduced, with staple crops like wheat and rice suffering due to extreme heat and erratic rainfall patterns. In urban areas, increased demand for electricity due to air conditioning has put immense pressure on power grids, leading to frequent blackouts.
Monsoon Variability and Flooding
The report also highlights India’s vulnerability to erratic monsoon patterns and severe flooding. In 2022, unprecedented rainfall caused catastrophic floods in several states, including Assam, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. The floods affected millions of people, displacing entire communities, destroying infrastructure, and leading to significant economic losses.
Pakistan, India’s neighbour, faced one of the worst floods in its history in 2022, with over 1,700 fatalities and economic damages exceeding $15 billion. Scientists attribute these extreme monsoon events to climate change, with rising global temperatures increasing the likelihood of intense rainfall and prolonged wet spells.
Cyclones and Coastal Vulnerability
India’s extensive coastline is highly vulnerable to tropical cyclones, which have become more intense due to warming ocean temperatures. The Climate Risk Index underscores the recurring threats posed by cyclones such as Amphan (2020) and Yaas (2021), which caused widespread destruction in West Bengal and Odisha.
These cyclones not only result in immediate fatalities and economic losses but also have long-term socio-economic impacts. The destruction of coastal ecosystems, loss of livelihoods for fishing communities, and displacement of millions of people create a cycle of vulnerability that is difficult to break.
India’s Response and Policy Measures
Despite these challenges, India has made significant progress in disaster preparedness and climate adaptation. The implementation of early warning systems, improved cyclone shelters, and Heat Action Plans in cities like Ahmedabad have helped reduce fatalities from extreme weather events.
However, the Climate Risk Index stresses the need for greater investment in climate resilience and mitigation strategies. India must ramp up its renewable energy transition, strengthen infrastructure to withstand climate shocks, and enhance adaptive capacity in vulnerable regions.
The failure of COP29 to secure an ambitious climate finance target highlights the urgent need for developed nations to provide adequate support to countries like India, which bear the brunt of climate change despite contributing relatively little to global emissions.
Global Climate Trends: A Dire Outlook
The report paints a grim picture of the global climate crisis, noting that between 1993 and 2022, over 7,65,000 people died due to extreme weather events, with economic losses exceeding $4.2 trillion. The most affected countries include Dominica, Honduras, Myanmar, and the Philippines—nations that have faced either highly unusual extreme events or recurrent climate disasters.
In 2022, Europe experienced its worst heatwave on record, with Italy, Spain, Greece, and Portugal ranking among the ten most affected countries. The United States suffered from one of the costliest hurricanes in history, Hurricane Ian, which caused damages exceeding $104 billion.
The Road Ahead: Urgent Climate Action Needed
The Climate Risk Index 2025 serves as a stark warning that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present reality. Countries like India must intensify efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, build climate-resilient infrastructure, and secure international support for climate adaptation.
The global community must act collectively to address this crisis, as failure to do so will only exacerbate the frequency and severity of climate disasters, leading to irreversible damage to ecosystems and human societies. The time for action is now.
