India has made strides in improving its ranking in the Climate Risk Index (CRI), reflecting the nation's growing efforts to address the escalating challenges of climate change. The latest CRI report, released by the environmental think tank Germanwatch, indicates that India has improved its position in both the long-term and year-wise global rankings.

Key Findings of the Climate Risk Index

The CRI assesses the extent to which countries are affected by extreme weather events. It analyzes data on fatalities and economic losses resulting from these events. The index serves as a crucial tool for highlighting vulnerabilities and encouraging stronger climate action.

In the long-term ranking, which considers data from 1995 to 2024, India secured the 9th position among the most affected countries. This is an improvement from the 8th position in the 1994-2023 period. In the year-wise ranking for 2024, India was placed 15th, also indicating progress compared to the previous assessment where it was ranked 10th in 2023. Despite this progress, the report underscores that India continues to be among the nations most severely impacted by climate-related disasters.

Impact of Extreme Weather Events in India

The CRI report highlights the significant human and economic toll of extreme weather events in India. Over the past three decades (1995-2024), India has experienced more than 430 extreme weather events, leading to the loss of over 80,000 lives and economic losses of nearly $170 billion. These events include floods, heatwaves, cyclones, and droughts, which have had a devastating impact on communities and infrastructure.

Global Context

The report highlights that approximately 40% of the world's population, over three billion people, reside in the 11 countries most severely affected by extreme weather events. These nations include India, China, Libya, Haiti, and the Philippines. The report emphasizes that none of these countries are among the wealthy, industrialized nations, indicating a disproportionate burden on developing countries.

India's Climate Action Initiatives

The Indian government has launched several initiatives aimed at combating climate change and mitigating its impacts. These include:

• National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): Launched in 2008, the NAPCC outlines various goals, including increasing forest cover, expanding renewable energy, and enhancing disaster management.
• National Solar Mission: This aims to increase the share of solar energy in the country's energy mix. By 2030 India aims to reach 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity.
• National Water Mission: Focuses on improving water use efficiency, groundwater management, and water quality monitoring.
• National Mission for a Green India: Aims to increase forest cover and improve the quality of existing forests.
• International Solar Alliance (ISA): A joint initiative with France to promote solar energy solutions globally.
• Panchamrit: India's five nectar elements presented at COP26, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and meeting 50% of energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030.

Challenges and the Way Forward

Despite the progress in climate action and improved CRI ranking, India faces significant challenges. These include air pollution, increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, and the vulnerability of its large population and economy to climate impacts.

To further improve its climate resilience, India needs to strengthen disaster preparedness, invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable agriculture, and accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources. Additionally, continued international cooperation and financial support are crucial for achieving India's climate goals and ensuring a sustainable future.