India among top 10 countries most affected by extreme weather events, economic losses amount to $180 billion over last three decades: Report
Key Points
India ranks among the top 10 countries most affected by extreme weather events, with economic losses totaling $180 billion over the last three decades, according to the Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2025. This is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it relates to GS Paper 3, focusing on environmental issues and disaster management. Last Updated: 2025-02-22
Key Facts About India's Climate Vulnerability
- India ranks sixth in the Climate Risk Index from 1993-2022.
- Over 765,000 lives lost globally due to climate-related disasters.
- Economic losses amount to USD 4.2 trillion worldwide.
- Floods, droughts, and storms are major causes of displacement.
- Top affected countries include Dominica, China, Honduras.
- In 2022, Pakistan, Belize, Italy were most affected.
- India accounts for 80,000 fatalities (10% of global deaths).
- India's economic losses are about 4.3% of global losses.
India's Climate Challenge and Global Context
India's vulnerability to extreme weather events underscores the broader challenge of climate change impacting global economic and social stability. With significant economic losses and human casualties, India's situation highlights the urgent need for international cooperation on climate action. The breach of the 1.5°C temperature threshold in 2024 further emphasizes the critical nature of this issue, as it affects not only India but also global climate goals.
Related Government Schemes/Policies
- National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): Framework for addressing climate change through eight missions.
- National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP): Strategic plan for disaster risk reduction and management.
- Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): Crop insurance scheme to protect farmers from climate-induced losses.
UPSC Relevance
- GS Paper 1: Geography - Climate change impacts.
- GS Paper 2: International Relations - Global climate negotiations and responsibilities.
- GS Paper 3: Environment - Disaster management and climate change mitigation strategies.
- Prelims: Facts about India's ranking and economic losses.
- Mains: Analytical themes on climate action, international cooperation, and policy effectiveness.
FAQ Section
- What is the Climate Risk Index? The Climate Risk Index (CRI) is a tool that evaluates countries' vulnerability to climate-related events, ranking them based on economic losses and fatalities over a specific period.
- Why is India's ranking significant? India's ranking as the sixth most affected country highlights its vulnerability to climate change, necessitating urgent adaptation and mitigation measures to safeguard its population and economy.
- What are the key features of the CRI 2025 report? The CRI 2025 report highlights economic losses of $180 billion for India, the breach of the 1.5°C threshold, and the need for enhanced climate finance and accountability from developed nations.
Detailed Coverage
- India ranks sixth in the Climate Risk Index from 1993-2022.
- Over 765,000 lives lost globally due to climate-related disasters.
- Economic losses amount to USD 4.2 trillion worldwide.
- Floods, droughts, and storms are major causes of displacement.
- Top affected countries include Dominica, China, Honduras.
- In 2022, Pakistan, Belize, Italy were most affected.
- India accounts for 80,000 fatalities (10% of global deaths).
- India's economic losses are about 4.3% of global losses.
- Major climate events in India include severe floods and heat waves.
- High-income nations face criticism for not taking responsibility.
- The 1.5°C temperature threshold was breached in 2024.
- Insufficient climate finance hampers support for vulnerable countries.
- Urgent actions needed for both adaptation and mitigation.
- Enhanced climate finance and technical support are crucial.
- Accountability for developed nations is essential.
- This report calls for comprehensive climate action.