India Improves Rank in Global Climate Risk Index 2025

India has improved its position in the latest Global Climate Risk Index (CRI) released by Germanwatch, reflecting progress in climate resilience despite continuing exposure to extreme weather events. The country now ranks 9th in the long-term index (1995–2024) and 15th in the 2024 annual index, showing improvement from last year’s rankings of 8th and 10th respectively.

India’s Performance and Key Findings

According to the CRI 2025 report, India recorded over 80,000 fatalities and economic losses of nearly USD 170 billion due to 430 extreme weather events over the past three decades. The findings were presented during the UN Climate Summit (COP30) in Belem, Brazil. A lower rank indicates reduced risk, underscoring India’s gradual progress in disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and climate adaptation policies.

Global Impact of Extreme Weather Events

Between 1995 and 2024, more than 9,700 extreme weather events worldwide caused over 832,000 deaths and USD 4.5 trillion in losses. Dominica, Myanmar, and Honduras emerged as the most-affected countries over the long term, while St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and Chad topped the 2024 list. Nearly 40% of the global population—over three billion people—reside in the 11 nations most affected by climate-related disasters, including India and China.

India’s Climate Challenges and Response

The report cited India’s recurring climate disasters such as cyclones Hudhud (2014) and Amphan (2020), the Uttarakhand floods (2013), and deadly heatwaves in 1998, 2002, 2003, and 2015. However, India’s ranking improvement reflects enhanced risk management and better recovery mechanisms. Government initiatives such as the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) have strengthened the country’s capacity to manage climate impacts.

Exam Oriented Facts

• India ranked 9th in the long-term CRI (1995–2024) and 15th in 2024.
• Report released by Germanwatch at COP30 in Belem, Brazil.
• India lost over 80,000 lives and USD 170 billion in 30 years due to extreme weather.
• Dominica, Myanmar, and Honduras were the most-affected countries long-term.

Global Context and the Road Ahead

The CRI 2025 highlights that developing nations continue to bear the brunt of climate impacts, while industrialised countries like the US, France, and Italy also feature among the top 30 affected. Experts stress that nations such as India, Haiti, and the Philippines face repetitive climate shocks that hinder recovery. India’s upward movement in the rankings underscores its growing resilience but also reinforces the urgent need for sustained investment in mitigation, adaptation, and green infrastructure to safeguard vulnerable communities.