Germanwatch Report on Extreme Weather Events in India

February 13, 2025

India has faced severe consequences from extreme weather events over the past three decades. According to a report by Germanwatch, India ranks as the sixth-most affected country globally between 1993 and 2022. The report marks 80,000 fatalities and economic losses amounting to around USD 180 billion. This data reflects the growing urgency of addressing climate change and its impact on vulnerable regions.

Overview of Extreme Weather Events

India has experienced over 400 extreme weather events since 1993.
These include devastating floods, cyclones, and heat waves.
Notable incidents include the Gujarat cyclone in 1998 and the Odisha cyclone in 1999.
The report indicates that floods accounted for portion of the affected population, while storms led to the highest economic losses.

Global Context of Extreme Weather

Globally, more than 9,400 extreme weather events resulted in approximately 765,000 deaths and direct losses of nearly USD 4.2 trillion.
The countries most impacted include Dominica, China, and Honduras.
The report puts stress on the disproportionate effects on nations in the Global South, where data collection often lacks comprehensiveness.

Economic Implications for India

The Asian Development Bank projects that India could face a potential GDP loss of 24.7% by 2070 due to climate change. Factors such as rising sea levels and decreased labour productivity contribute to this forecast. The report reveals that storms caused 56% of the economic losses, while floods accounted for 32%.

Climate Risk Index Findings

The Climate Risk Index indicates that extreme weather events particularly affect lower-middle-income countries. These nations often have limited coping capacities. The report calls for increased adaptation finance to address the urgent needs of developing countries facing climate challenges.

Urgency for Global Action

The World Economic Forum classifies extreme weather events as the second most global risk after armed conflict. The recent COP29 discussions brought into light the need for more ambitious climate finance goals. The report suggests that high-emitting countries must increase support for vulnerable nations to effectively address climate impacts.

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