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Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2025: India Among the Most Affected Nations
Introduction to Climate Risk Index (CRI)
The Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2025 is a globally recognized measure that ranks countries based on their vulnerability to extreme weather events over a defined period. This index assesses the impact of climate-related disasters such as floods, storms, heatwaves, and droughts. It serves as a critical indicator of how climate change affects human lives and economies across different regions.
The CRI 2025, published by German-watch, highlights India's growing vulnerability to climate-related disasters. India has been ranked as the 6th most affected country during 1993-2022, highlighting the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events.
Key Findings of CRI 2025
India's Climate Vulnerability
- India faced over 400 extreme weather events between 1993 and 2022.
- The economic losses due to these disasters exceeded USD 180 billion.
- The death toll from climate-related disasters was at least 80,000 fatalities in the same period.
- Frequent natural disasters such as cyclones, floods, droughts, and heatwaves have caused widespread devastation.
Methodology of the Climate Risk Index (CRI)
The CRI is a backward-looking index that ranks countries based on the human and economic toll of extreme weather events. The most affected country receives the highest ranking.The CRI methodology considers:
- Three Hazard Categories:
- Hydrological events (floods, landslides)
- Meteorological events (storms, cyclones)
- Climatological events (heatwaves, droughts)
- Six Key Indicators:
- Economic loss in absolute terms (total financial losses)
- Economic loss in relative terms (loss as a percentage of GDP)
- Fatalities in absolute terms (total deaths caused by disasters)
- Fatalities in relative terms (deaths per million people)
- Number of affected people in absolute terms
- Number of affected people in relative terms
- Three Hazard Categories:
India's Climate Risks and Disasters
- Cyclones and Storms:
- India has experienced severe cyclones such as Cyclone Amphan (2020), Cyclone Tauktae (2021), and Cyclone Yaas (2021), leading to widespread destruction.
- Heatwaves:
- The intensity and frequency of heatwaves in northern and central India have increased, with temperatures exceeding 45°C in several regions.
- Floods and Heavy Rainfall:
- Indian states such as Assam, Bihar, Kerala, and Maharashtra have witnessed devastating floods, displacing millions of people.
- Droughts:
- Prolonged dry spells in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Rajasthan have affected agriculture, leading to severe water crises.
Impact of Climate Change on India
- Prolonged dry spells in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Rajasthan have affected agriculture, leading to severe water crises.
Economic Losses:
- Extreme weather events cause loss of infrastructure, homes, and businesses.
- Agriculture, which employs nearly 50% of India’s workforce, is severely affected.
- Coastal cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata are at risk due to rising sea levels.
Human Casualties and Displacement:
- Climate disasters displace millions of people each year.
- Vulnerable populations, such as farmers, fishermen, and urban poor, face the greatest risks.
Food and Water Security Challenges:
- Unpredictable monsoons lead to crop failures and food shortages.
- Water scarcity in regions like Bundelkhand and Marathwada is becoming more severe.
Public Health Concerns:
- Heatwaves increase the risk of heatstroke, dehydration, and respiratory diseases.
- Floods cause outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera and dengue.
India’s Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Efforts
- Cyclones and Storms:
Renewable Energy Initiatives:
- India aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
- Large-scale investments in solar, wind, and hydropower projects are being made.
Disaster Preparedness and Early Warning Systems:
- The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has improved cyclone tracking and early warning systems.
- Flood-prone cities are being equipped with better drainage and flood control measures.
Afforestation and Carbon Sequestration:
- Projects like the National Afforestation Programme (NAP) aim to restore degraded forests.
- Mangrove conservation programs protect coastal areas from storm surges.
International Climate Commitments:
- India has pledged to achieve Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2070.
- The country is an active participant in the Paris Agreement and COP summits.
Conclusion: The Need for Urgent Action
The Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2025 serves as a wake-up call for India and the global community. The increasing frequency of cyclones, heatwaves, floods, and droughts poses serious challenges to economic growth, public health, and national security.
India must continue its efforts in climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, and renewable energy development to mitigate the risks associated with climate change. Stronger policies, better infrastructure, and community resilience will be key to ensuring a safer and more sustainable future.