India Ranks Sixth in Extreme Weather Impact: $180 Billion Losses Recorded
India ranks sixth among the top 10 countries most affected by extreme weather events from 1993-2023, with economic losses reaching $180 billion and over 80,000 fatalities. The Climate Risk Index indicates that India has faced more than 400 extreme events, including floods and heatwaves. The report emphasizes the necessity for increased financial support and mitigation strategies to combat climate change effects.
India has been identified as the sixth most affected country by extreme weather events in the past three decades, according to a report by Germanwatch’s Climate Risk Index (CRI). Since 1993, India has faced over 400 extreme events, which include catastrophic floods and intense heatwaves, resulting in economic losses amounting to $180 billion and approximately 80,000 fatalities. Significant weather events have included the Gujarat cyclone in 1998, the Odisha cyclone in 1999, and severe floods in 2013 and 2019.
The report highlights India’s vulnerability alongside other nations such as China and the Philippines, which have also been significantly affected by extreme weather. In contrast, countries like Dominica, Honduras, Myanmar, and Vanuatu have faced exceptional extreme events. The global repercussions of these extreme weather occurrences have led to over 765,000 fatalities and economic losses surpassing $4.2 trillion, equating to Germany’s entire GDP.
The report reveals that among various natural hazards, storms have resulted in the highest fatalities, followed by heatwaves, floods, and droughts in the last 30 years. It examines the data from 2022, where countries including Pakistan, Belize, and Italy experienced considerable extreme weather impacts, particularly from heatwaves that claimed many lives across Europe.
Furthermore, the report indicates a correlation between economic status and vulnerability, noting that five of the ten most impacted countries, including India, belong to the lower middle-income group. In 2022, the majority of the most affected nations were high-income countries, underscoring global disparities in climate resilience.
In light of these findings, the report advocates for enhanced financial support for vulnerable countries facing the brunt of climate change impacts. Lina Adil, a Policy Advisor at Germanwatch, emphasized the need for nations to increase their mitigation efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The report calls for urgent action to manage losses and damages effectively.
In conclusion, India’s ranking as the sixth most affected country by extreme weather events highlights the urgent need for action and financial support for mitigation strategies. The significant economic losses and loss of life underscore the potential repercussions of climate change, particularly for lower-income nations. The findings advocate for a coordinated global effort to enhance climate resilience, ensuring that necessary resources are provided to vulnerable countries facing extreme weather challenges.
Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in
