Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2026

Why in News?

The Germanwatch Climate Risk Index 2026 ranked India 9th among countries worst affected by climate-related disasters over the last 30 years. India recorded 80,000 deaths, 430 extreme events, and USD 170 billion losses, reflecting high climate vulnerability despite improving resilience.

Description:

• Published by Germanwatch (annual since 2006).
• Measures human & economic impacts of extreme weather.
• Data sources: EM-DAT, World Bank, IMF.

India’s Position:

• Long-term (1995–2024): Rank 9 (improved from earlier Rank 8).
• Year 2024 Rank: 15.
• 3rd most affected population in 2024 (after Bangladesh, Philippines).
• 30-year impacts on India:
  • 430+ extreme events
  • 80,000 deaths
  • 1.3 billion people affected
  • Economic loss: USD 170 billion
  • Annual average loss: USD 5.6 billion

Global Findings (1995–2024):

• 9,700+ extreme weather events.
• 832,000+ deaths globally.
• Economic losses: USD 4.5 trillion.
• Most affected (long-term): Dominica, Myanmar, Honduras.

Why India Is Highly Vulnerable:

• High dependence on monsoon system.
• Large population → high exposure.
• Back-to-back extreme events → limited recovery time.
• Major drivers: floods, heatwaves, cyclones.

Science & Impacts:

• 600+ studies: Climate change worsened 74% of extreme events.
• Damage distribution:
  • Floods + storms → 58% monetary losses
  • Heatwaves + storms → 2/3 deaths
  • Floods → 50% of people affected

Adaptation & Mitigation Gaps:

• 62 countries submitted National Adaptation Plans (NAPs).
• Weak implementation due to poor financing.
• Developing countries need USD 130–415 bn/year by 2030.
• Adaptation Fund (2024): USD 130 mn (target: 300 mn).

Loss & Damage:

• Global need by 2050: USD 1.1–1.7 trillion/year.
• Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) launched at COP30 (2025).
• First call: USD 250 mn.
• Pledges: USD 788 mn.
• Actual transfers: < USD 400 mn.

Policy Imperatives (CRI Recommendations):

• Rapid emissions cuts to stay below 1.5°C.
• Reform NCQG → target USD 300 bn by 2035.
• Shift from planning → implementation of NAPs.
• Mobilise private sector financing: USD 50 bn/year.

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