India and Global South Face Severe Impacts from Extreme Weather Events

The Climate Risk Index 2025 by Germanwatch highlights India as one of the ten most affected countries from climate-related extreme weather events from 1993 to 2022. The report cites considerable fatalities and economic losses, calling for enhanced climate finance and urgent international action. It underscores the security implications of climate change, particularly for nations in the Global South.

A recent report by Germanwatch’s Climate Risk Index 2025 indicates that India is among the ten most severely impacted nations by climate-related extreme weather events from 1993 to 2022. Dominica, China, and Honduras lead in the rankings, while India ranks sixth due to its significant experiences with floods, heatwaves, and cyclones during this period. The country faced over 400 extreme weather events, leading to approximately 80,000 fatalities and estimated economic losses of USD 180 billion.

Historically, India has been subjected to devastating weather events, including notable cyclones in Gujarat and Odisha, as well as recurrent intense heatwaves with temperatures nearing 50 degrees Celsius. The report highlights a concerning trend of ongoing extreme weather threats facing nations like China, the Philippines, and Pakistan. The broader global context reveals that extreme weather resulted in nearly 800,000 deaths and USD 4.2 trillion in damages over the past three decades, disproportionately affecting countries in the Global South.

Germanwatch underlines the inadequacy of climate finance in mitigating these extreme events and notes that the recent COP29 in Baku did not achieve ambitious climate finance goals. They argue that the USD 300 billion annual target by 2035 is merely a starting point in addressing critical climate challenges. Moreover, the gap in financing for loss and damage, as well as adaptation efforts, continues to be a significant concern for developing nations, which require more robust financial support from high-emission and high-income countries.

Furthermore, Laura Schaefer, Head of Division for International Climate Policy at Germanwatch, emphasized that the climate crisis poses a growing global security risk that necessitates immediate and collective action from international leaders. David Eckstein, Senior Advisor for Climate Finance at Germanwatch, also warned that the cumulative economic losses comparable to Germany’s GDP illustrate the urgent need for increased investment in climate mitigation and adaptation measures to avoid exacerbating future human and economic costs.

In conclusion, the Climate Risk Index 2025 reveals the profound impact of extreme weather events on India and other vulnerable countries. The report emphasizes the urgent need for robust climate financing, addressing significant gaps in support for adaptation and loss mitigation. The ongoing climate crisis necessitates concerted global efforts, with particular responsibility resting on high-emission nations to assist those most affected.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com