The Climate Risk Index (CRI) highlights the devastating impact of climate-related extreme weather events on countries, ranking them based on the economic and human toll experienced. Using data from the EM-DAT international disaster database, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund, the CRI measures fatalities, affected populations, injuries, and homelessness to assess countries’ vulnerability. The countries most affected by extreme weather rank highest on the CRI, serving as a stark warning of their exposure to frequent or severe climate disasters.
The CRI takes both absolute and relative impacts into account, creating a comprehensive ranking based on six indicators: economic losses and fatalities, along with absolute and relative numbers of affected people. It provides insight into the climate risks nations face and offers a snapshot of the consequences of extreme events over the past two years and the last 30 years.
The findings call for immediate action on climate mitigation, adaptation, and financial support for loss and damage. Without an increase in mitigation ambition, the human and economic losses linked to climate change will continue to escalate. The CRI’s goal is to contextualize global climate policy discussions and encourage countries to recognize their vulnerabilities and take action to reduce risks.
Nations ranking high on the CRI should interpret their placement as a warning of rising climate risks unless significant climate adaptation efforts and financial interventions are made. As the global climate crisis intensifies, the CRI underscores the urgency of protecting communities and mitigating the escalating consequences of extreme weather events.