Key Findings and Global Implications
Climate disasters are wreaking havoc on countries around the world, as extreme weather events become more frequent and severe each year. The recently released Climate Risk Index 2025 highlights the extensive damage caused by heatwaves, rainfall, wildfires, floods, and storms.
The index, which analyzes data from 1993 to 2022, reveals that these climate disasters led to the deaths of 765,000 people and resulted in economic losses of $4.2 trillion. Dominica, China, and Honduras were among the most affected countries over the years, with Pakistan, Belize, and Italy facing significant impacts in 2022.
Floods, storms, heatwaves, and droughts have been the primary drivers of short-term and long-term impacts, causing fatalities and economic losses. The report identifies China, India, and the Philippines as countries suffering from recurrent extreme events, while Dominica, Honduras, Myanmar, and Vanuatu have been most affected by rare events.
In Asia, where $2 trillion in damages has been recorded since 1993, China stands out as one of the worst-hit countries with 42,000 deaths and $706 billion in economic losses due to climate change. Surprisingly, high-income countries also face vulnerability to climate disasters, as seven of the ten most affected countries in 2022 were classified as such.
While the report emphasizes the urgent need for stronger climate risk management efforts globally, it also highlights the lack of data in documenting the impacts of extreme weather events in developing countries. Human-induced climate change is exacerbating these disasters, underscoring the necessity for increased international cooperation and funding to combat the climate crisis.
Unfortunately, the COP29 summit in Azerbaijan in 2024 failed to reach an ambitious agreement on climate financing goals, leaving developing countries at risk. Calls are being made for high-emission countries and polluting companies to step up their support for those most affected by the consequences of climate change, as the need for action becomes more pressing than ever.
