India’s Vulnerability to Extreme Weather Events

India has been impacted by extreme weather events over the past three decades. The 2025 Climate Risk Index (CRI) marks this vulnerability. From 1993 to 2022, India faced over 400 extreme events. These include floods, heatwaves, and cyclones. The consequences have been severe, with approximately 80,000 fatalities and economic losses nearing $180 billion.

Climate Risk Index Overview

The Climate Risk Index measures the human and economic impacts of climate-related disasters. It ranks countries based on fatalities, damages, and the number of people affected. The 2025 report from Germanwatch reveals that India is among the most affected nations. Other countries like Dominica, China, and Honduras also face severe climate challenges.

Extreme Weather Events in India

Between 1993 and 2022, India experienced numerous catastrophic events. Major floods occurred in 1993, 1998, and 2013. Intense heatwaves were recorded in 2002, 2003, and 2015. These disasters often coincide with monsoon rains, leading to mass displacement and loss of life. The agricultural sector has been particularly hard hit. Soaring temperatures and repeated heatwaves threaten food security and livelihoods.

Global Context of Climate Change

India’s situation is not unique. Other nations also endure extreme weather. Dominica has faced hurricanes like Maria in 2017, resulting in damage exceeding 270% of its GDP. China has dealt with more than 600 extreme events, causing over $700 billion in losses. The Philippines and Myanmar have similarly suffered. Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 and Cyclone Nargis in 2008 led to casualties and economic devastation.

2022 – A Year of Severe Weather

The CRI report details extreme weather in 2022. Pakistan, Belize, and Italy were the most affected countries. In Pakistan, severe monsoon flooding impacted 33 million people, causing over 1,700 deaths and nearly $15 billion in damage. In Europe, countries like Italy, Spain, and Greece faced extreme heatwaves and wildfires, resulting in thousands of deaths and widespread destruction.

The Urgent Need for Action

The CRI report puts stress on the growing human and economic toll of climate change. Over 765,000 lives have been lost due to extreme weather from 1993 to 2022. The total direct economic losses have reached approximately $4.2 trillion, adjusted for inflation. The report calls for stronger climate resilience measures. Urgent action is needed to mitigate the impacts of global warming. Countries must enhance their efforts to combat climate change and prepare for future extreme weather events.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the impact of climate change on agriculture in India and its implications for food security.
2. Critically discuss the role of international cooperation in addressing global climate change challenges.
3. Analyse the socio-economic effects of extreme weather events on vulnerable populations in developing countries.
4. Discuss in the light of recent climate reports how urbanisation contributes to increased vulnerability to climate-related disasters.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the impact of climate change on agriculture in India and its implications for food security.

1. Climate change leads to erratic weather patterns, affecting crop yields and agricultural productivity.
2. Extreme heatwaves and unseasonal rainfall disrupt planting and harvesting cycles, causing crop failures.
3. Increased frequency of floods and droughts threatens irrigation systems and water availability for farming.
4. Vulnerable farmers face economic instability, leading to food insecurity and malnutrition in communities.
5. Adaptation strategies, such as climate-resilient crops and sustainable practices, are essential for safeguarding food security.

2. Critically discuss the role of international cooperation in addressing global climate change challenges.

1. Climate change is a global issue requiring collective action and shared responsibility among nations.
2. International agreements like the Paris Agreement aim to set targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Cooperation facilitates technology transfer and financial support for developing countries to combat climate change.
4. Global partnerships enhance research and data-sharing, leading to more effective climate adaptation strategies.
5. Failure to cooperate can exacerbate climate impacts, leading to conflict and instability across regions.

3. Analyse the socio-economic effects of extreme weather events on vulnerable populations in developing countries.

1. Extreme weather events disproportionately affect low-income communities, leading to loss of livelihoods and displacement.
2. Access to healthcare and essential services is often disrupted, exacerbating health crises in vulnerable populations.
3. Economic losses from disasters hinder development efforts and increase poverty rates in affected areas.
4. Social inequalities are magnified, with marginalized groups facing greater risks and fewer resources for recovery.
5. Building resilience through community-based initiatives is crucial for mitigating the socio-economic impacts of such events.

4. Discuss in the light of recent climate reports how urbanisation contributes to increased vulnerability to climate-related disasters.

1. Rapid urbanisation leads to increased population density, straining infrastructure and emergency response systems.
2. Urban areas often lack adequate drainage and green spaces, increasing flood risks during heavy rainfall.
3. Poor urban planning can exacerbate heat island effects, leading to higher temperatures and health risks.
4. Vulnerable urban populations, particularly in informal settlements, face greater exposure to climate hazards.
5. Integrating climate resilience into urban planning is essential to reduce vulnerability and enhance adaptive capacity.