Context:
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The Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2026, released by Germanwatch at COP30 in Belém, ranks India as the ninth most affected country globally by extreme weather events.
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The report assesses the human and economic costs of climate-induced disasters over a 30-year period (1995–2024), underlining growing climate vulnerability.
Key Highlights:
Global Impact of Extreme Weather (1995–2024)
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Over 9,700 extreme weather events analysed worldwide.
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More than 8.32 lakh deaths attributed to climate-related disasters.
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Nearly 5.7 billion people affected globally.
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Economic losses exceeded USD 4.5 trillion, reflecting massive damage to infrastructure, livelihoods, and ecosystems.
India’s Climate Risk Profile
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Rank: 9th globally among countries most affected.
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Key hazards impacting India:
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Floods
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Cyclones
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Droughts
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Heatwaves
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Recurrent disasters reduce recovery time, increasing long-term vulnerability.
Disproportionate Impact on Vulnerable Countries
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Nations such as Haiti, the Philippines, and India face:
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Limited adaptive capacity
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Repeated shocks without adequate recovery intervals
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Climate risks intersect with:
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High population density
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Poverty
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Infrastructure deficits
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Institutional & Policy Insights
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Germanwatch highlights the need for:
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Global equity in climate responsibility
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Enhanced climate finance for vulnerable nations
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The report stresses that:
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Adaptation gaps, not just mitigation failures, drive rising losses.
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Need for Climate Adaptation & Resilience
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Emphasis on:
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Early warning systems
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Climate-resilient infrastructure
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Disaster-preparedness planning
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Calls for developed countries to:
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Scale up adaptation finance
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Support loss and damage mechanisms
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Geographical & Environmental Dimensions (India)
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India’s diverse geography — coastal belts, floodplains, arid regions, and Himalayan ecosystems — increases exposure.
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Climate extremes exacerbate:
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Water stress
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Agricultural instability
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Urban flooding
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Key Concepts Involved:
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Climate Risk Index (CRI): Ranks countries based on exposure and vulnerability to extreme weather events.
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COP (Conference of the Parties): Decision-making body under the UNFCCC.
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Climate Change Adaptation: Measures to reduce vulnerability to current and future climate impacts.
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Disaster Resilience: Capacity to anticipate, absorb, and recover from climate shocks.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
GS 3 – Environment & Ecology
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Climate change impacts
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Global climate assessments
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Adaptation and resilience strategies
GS 1 – Indian Geography
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Regional climate vulnerability
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Physical geography and disaster exposure
GS 3 – Disaster Management
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Climate-induced disasters
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Risk reduction and preparedness
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Role of early warning systems
Prelims Focus:
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Climate Risk Index and its indicators
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Role of Germanwatch
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COP process under UNFCCC
Mains Enrichment:
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Analyse why India remains highly vulnerable to climate disasters despite mitigation efforts.
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Discuss the importance of adaptation finance and resilience-building for climate-exposed developing countries.