India Ranks Sixth in Vulnerability to Extreme Weather Events

India ranks sixth among countries most impacted by extreme weather events from 1993 to 2023, suffering losses of $180 billion and over 80,000 deaths. The Climate Risk Index highlights significant events such as floods and heatwaves. The report calls for increased financial support for vulnerable nations and stresses the need for effective climate mitigation strategies.

India has been identified as the sixth most affected country by extreme weather events over the past thirty years, according to the Climate Risk Index (CRI) released by Germanwatch. From 1993 to 2023, India faced over 400 severe events, including major floods and intense heatwaves, resulting in economic losses of approximately $180 billion and at least 80,000 fatalities. The data illustrates the significant impact of climate change on the nation.

Key disasters include the devastating Gujarat cyclone in 1998 and floods in northern India in 1993 and 2013. Additionally, heatwaves have led to alarming temperature peaks around 50°C, contributing to fatalities in several instances between 1998 and 2015. The frequency of such extreme events highlights the urgent need for intervention and support.

In global terms, extreme weather events have resulted in more than 765,000 fatalities and economic losses exceeding $4.2 trillion. Among the various natural disasters, storms caused the highest number of fatalities, followed by heatwaves and floods. This data underscores the severity of climatic challenges faced not only by India but by many nations worldwide.

The CRI’s 2022 analysis indicates that Pakistan, Belize, and Italy were among the countries most affected that year, with a significant toll taken by heatwaves in Europe. Countries in the lower middle-income group are disproportionately represented among the most affected, necessitating more robust support systems.

Lina Adil, a Policy Advisor at Germanwatch, emphasized the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable countries that lack sufficient resources to adapt. The report calls for increased financial support and enhanced mitigation efforts to combat the consequences of climate change and to strive for the target of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.

The report reveals India’s significant vulnerability to extreme weather, as reflected in economic losses and fatalities over the last three decades. The findings highlight the growing urgency for countries, particularly those with limited financial capabilities, to receive enhanced support and to ramp up mitigation efforts. A proactive approach is essential in addressing the impacts of climate change globally and in saving lives in affected regions.

Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in