The ‘Climate Risk Index 2025’ by Germanwatch reveals that Bangladesh incurs US$300 million losses annually due to extreme weather, affecting over 6.3 million people. In 2022, the country faced losses exceeding US$299 million, with notable impacts from a severe heatwave. The report stresses the need for urgent climate action, particularly for Global South countries that are disproportionately affected by such events.
According to the ‘Climate Risk Index 2025’ released by Germanwatch, Bangladesh suffers annual losses of nearly US$300 million due to severe climate events, impacting over 6.3 million individuals. The report indicates that in 2022 alone, the country faced losses exceeding US$299 million related to natural disasters. Notable events included a disastrous heatwave that reached 49.5°C, claiming over 90 lives in Bangladesh and neighboring countries.
The report highlights the significant progress Bangladesh has made in reducing cyclone-related fatalities, decreasing from 500,000 deaths in 1970 to just 4,234 in 2007, thanks to effective disaster risk management and adaptive measures. Between 1993 and 2022, approximately 9,400 extreme weather events globally led to nearly 800,000 deaths and US$4.2 trillion in damages.
Countries such as China, India, and the Philippines have been severely affected by repeated climate events, while Dominica, Honduras, Myanmar, and Vanuatu faced extraordinary extreme events. In Europe, Italy, Spain, and Greece rank among the most impacted nations over the past three decades, illustrating that extreme weather has become increasingly prevalent and intense.
The ongoing rise in extreme weather phenomena is reshaping the climate landscape and could potentially escalate into severe geopolitical conflicts. Laura Schaefer, Head of Division for International Climate Policy at Germanwatch, emphasized that addressing climate change is vital for global security. Schaefer warned that countries in the Global South are disproportionately affected by extreme weather, and stressed the need for comprehensive data to fully understand the extent of the impacts.
Schaefer also noted, “The climate crisis is increasingly becoming a global security risk and must be addressed with bold multilateral actions.” The report urges world leaders to prioritize climate change in security discussions, given that extreme climate events exacerbate societal instability and human security issues globally.
The findings from the ‘Climate Risk Index 2025’ highlight not only the economic losses incurred by Bangladesh due to extreme weather but also the alarming trend of increasing climate-related events affecting Global South countries. The significant reduction in cyclone fatalities stands as a testament to improved risk management, yet the overarching risks loom as climate change continues to challenge global stability. Immediate and comprehensive actions are essential to address both climate impacts and their growing implications for human rights and security.
Original Source: www.bssnews.net
