The Climate Risk Index 2025 highlights the increasing impacts of climate change and the pressing need for improved resilience strategies, particularly in countries like Pakistan. Severe climate events have resulted in significant human and economic losses, stressing the urgency for global and national action to fortify climate adaptation. The report connected climate change to security challenges, advocating for governance frameworks and enhanced financial support for vulnerable regions.
The Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2025, published by Germanwatch, reveals increasing climate change impacts and stresses the need for greater resilience measures. This report evaluates data from 1993 to 2022, making it a significant tool in understanding the effects of extreme weather on countries. The CRI categorizes nations into two groups: those suffering from unique extreme weather events and those, like Pakistan, that confront ongoing climate hazards.
The report notes that inaction regarding climate change has had devastating consequences, including over 765,000 deaths globally and economic losses nearing $4.2 trillion from over 9,400 extreme weather events. Overall rankings from 1993 to 2022 identified Dominica, China, and Honduras as the hardest-hit countries, while Pakistan, Belize, and Italy showed acute recent vulnerabilities.
In 2022, Pakistan endured extensive damage from severe monsoon flooding affecting over 33 million people, leading to over 1,700 fatalities and approximately $15 billion in direct damages, excluding long-term adaptation costs. This highlights Pakistan’s vulnerability, given its minor contribution to global emissions, as noted, “The 2022 floods have shown Pakistan’s high vulnerability to climate change despite contributing less than one percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.”
Climate change-driven extreme weather events, such as intensified monsoon rainfall, have further marginalized vulnerable groups, especially women, who face economic and social challenges amid displacement. The CRI report underscores the urgency for revamped international resilience-building efforts and stresses that robust investments in resilience are critical now more than ever.
The implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is increasingly hindered by rising extreme weather events, posing threats to food and water security and overall goal attainment. The report also outlines the relationship between climate change and security, revealing how environmental conditions can exacerbate socio-economic tensions, leading to potential conflicts, especially in vulnerable communities.
Additionally, the report emphasizes effective governance frameworks for disaster risk management and the significance of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) for addressing specific country needs. Despite recognizing the role of Multihazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) in improving global resilience, it notes the stark lack of financial resources needed for adaptation efforts.
COP29’s call for $300 billion annually for developing countries faced criticism for its inadequacy to address losses and damages, raising alarms about the financial gaps relative to the needs. The findings indicate that without robust mitigation actions, even affluent nations remain at risk.
The CRI urges both high-income and major emitting countries to adopt more rigorous climate targets, aligning policies with scientific recommendations from the IPCC to limit global warming effectively. In summation, the report guides Pakistan in advancing its climate resilience strategies, emphasizing the need for targeted investments in infrastructure and disaster preparedness to safeguard communities.
The Climate Risk Index 2025 emphasizes the urgent need for countries like Pakistan to enhance their climate resilience amid escalating climate impacts. Ongoing vulnerabilities and economic losses from extreme weather reach alarming levels, necessitating immediate investment in adaptation strategies. Moreover, the report underscores that effective governance and international cooperation are essential to mitigate risks and prepare for future challenges posed by climate change. To avoid severe consequences, stakeholders must act decisively on climate mitigation and resilience-building.
Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk
