The Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2025 by Germanwatch details the severe impacts of climate change on countries, with particular focus on Pakistan. The report categorizes nations based on their exposure to extreme weather and emphasizes significant economic losses. It calls for urgent action and improved resilience measures to mitigate ongoing climate threats, underscoring the need for international collaboration and funding.
The Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2025, released by Germanwatch, highlights the growing consequences of climate change and the urgent necessity for advanced resilience strategies. Covering data from 1993 to 2022, the CRI ranks countries based on the impact of extreme weather events, underscoring the significant human and economic costs involved.
Countries are categorized into those hit by unusual extreme events and those facing continuous climate challenges. Pakistan, along with China and India, falls into the latter category. Inaction on climate change has led to severe repercussions, including over 765,000 lost lives and nearly $4.2 trillion in economic losses from 9,400 extreme weather events.
In the CRI rankings, Dominica, China, and Honduras are marked as the most impacted by extreme weather. However, the 2022 data reveals particularly distressing conditions for Pakistan, which suffered immense damages due to severe flooding, affecting 33 million people and causing an estimated $15 billion in destruction, not including reconstruction costs.
The report indicates that Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change is high, despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions. The World Bank has previously noted the potential reconstruction costs following the 2022 floods could exceed $16 billion, making it one of the costliest disasters in history.
Health disparities have also worsened due to climate change effects, particularly for women whose livelihoods in agriculture have been severely impacted, further exposing them to gender-based violence. The increasing occurrence of extreme heat events, now significantly more probable, exacerbates Pakistan’s challenges in building climate resilience.
The CRI report emphasizes the importance of revisiting international resilience-building strategies. It highlights that investment in comprehensive resilience is urgently required, especially as progress in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13, has stalled amid escalating extreme weather incidents that threaten food and water security.
Additionally, the report emphasizes the link between climate change, security, and social stability. Climate impacts considerably affect individual well-being and national unity, acting as a threat multiplier in regions with existing socio-economic strains and ethnic tensions due to climate-related events.
The report outlines that climate change can trigger conflict due to altered economic states and demographic shifts, with marginalized populations in agriculture being particularly vulnerable. Effective governance frameworks and the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction are essential for mitigating climate-related conflicts.
While climate financing remains dire, the need for increased financial assistance for vulnerable countries is more critical than ever. The recent COP29 decision to mobilize $300 billion annually by 2035 has faced criticism for its lack of ambition, failing to meet the actual adaptive finance needs of these nations.
Future human vulnerability is expected to grow in regions with limited infrastructure support. Historical data reveal that storms, heatwaves, and floods remain primary causes of fatalities, leading to substantial economic losses. Notably, the lack of ambition in mitigation efforts poses risks even to high-income nations, necessitating intensified actions to meet climate targets.
The findings from the CRI serve as a crucial reminder for actionable climate resilience strategies. They guide policymakers in prioritizing investments in resilient infrastructures and early warning systems to protect communities and ensure sustainable development amid climate change threats. The comprehensive analysis enables informed decision-making that can enhance disaster preparedness and community protection.
The writer is a climate governance expert. For further communication: razashafqat@yahoo.com
In summary, the Climate Risk Index 2025 highlights the pressing challenges posed by climate change, particularly for vulnerable nations like Pakistan. The assessment reveals significant human and economic costs associated with extreme weather events while calling for immediate action and enhanced resilience measures. The report emphasizes the need for international cooperation and substantial financial commitments to address the climate crisis effectively. Policymakers must leverage these insights to develop robust adaptation strategies and secure necessary resources for resilient infrastructure to safeguard vulnerable populations.
Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk