India and China Facing Severe Impacts from Extreme Weather Events

The Climate Risk Index 2025 shows India among the top ten most affected by extreme weather between 1993 and 2022, with significant fatalities and economic losses. Globally, 800,000 deaths and USD 4.2 trillion in damages were reported. Notable officials from Germanwatch emphasize the urgency of addressing climate change and enhancing financial support for vulnerable nations facing severe impacts.

The Climate Risk Index 2025 report by Germanwatch highlights that India ranks among the top ten most affected nations due to extreme weather events from 1993 to 2022. Leading the list are Dominica, China, and Honduras, with India, Myanmar, and Italy also significantly impacted. The report indicates India faced over 400 extreme events, including floods, heatwaves, and cyclones, resulting in approximately 80,000 fatalities and USD 180 billion in economic losses.

Noteworthy extreme events in India include major cyclones like those in Gujarat (1998) and Odisha (1999), alongside catastrophic floods and severe heatwaves recorded between 1998 and 2015. The report underscores the continuing threat posed by climate change, stating that countries like China, the Philippines, and Pakistan also experience ongoing extreme weather challenges.

Globally, extreme weather has led to nearly 800,000 deaths and USD 4.2 trillion in damages over three decades. The report emphasizes that countries in the Global South are particularly vulnerable to these impacts, highlighting the need for comprehensive data to fully understand the extent of damages in less developed regions.

Laura Schaefer, Head of Division for International Climate Policy at Germanwatch, notes the climate crisis as a significant global security risk. She stresses the necessity for multilateral actions, indicating that the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events threaten societal stability and human security.

The report also addresses the inadequacies of climate finance, stating that COP29 in Baku did not achieve sufficient funding commitments. It calls for a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) that accommodates escalating climate challenges, emphasizing the urgent need for substantial financial support from high-emission countries to vulnerable populations.

David Eckstein, Senior Advisor for Climate Finance and Investments at Germanwatch, urges high-income nations to expedite mitigation actions. He warns that the economic losses incurred over the past 30 years are substantial, echoing that immediate investment in climate adaptation is critical to mitigate future human and economic costs.

The Climate Risk Index 2025 reveals the severe impacts of extreme weather on nations like India, China, and others, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced international finance and mitigation efforts. The alarming trends serve as a call to action for developed countries to support vulnerable regions facing the worst effects of climate change. The findings underline that timely adaptation strategies are imperative to minimize future risks to both human life and economic systems.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com