Why in News? 

The international environmental think tank ‘Germanwatch’ has released the Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2025. 

What is the Climate Risk Index 2025? 

• About: Ranks countries based on their vulnerability to extreme weather events, considering human and economic losses. 
• Frequency: Published annually since 2006, analyzing data from the past 30 years. 
• Criteria: Evaluates six indicators, including fatalities, economic losses, and the number of people affected. 

Key Findings 

• Over 765,000 deaths and $4.2 trillion in losses (1993–2022). 
• Floods, droughts, and storms led global displacement. 
• Dominica, China, and Honduras were the most impacted (1993–2022). 
• In 2022, Pakistan, Belize, and Italy were the hardest hit. 
• 7 out of 10 worst-affected nations are low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). 

India’s Impact 

• Ranked 6th most affected (1993–2022), with 80,000 fatalities (10% of global deaths) and $180 billion in losses (4.3% globally). 
• Faced extreme floods (1993, 2013, 2019), heatwaves (~50°C in 1998, 2002, 2003, 2015), and cyclones like Gujarat (1998), Odisha (1999), Hudhud (2014), and Amphan (2020). 
• The APAC Climate Report 2024 warns India could lose 24.7% of its GDP by 2070 due to climate change. 

Challenges in Climate Change Mitigation 

• Historical Emissions vs. Current Responsibility: Developed countries push for more action from emerging economies like India and China. 
• Temperature Threshold Breached: The 1.5°C global warming limit was surpassed for an entire year in 2024. 
• Weak Commitments: Many nations haven’t updated their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), risking a 2.6–3.1°C rise by 2100. 
• Funding Gap: The annual $300 billion climate fund for developing countries falls short, and delays in the Loss and Damage Fund hinder support.