India has emerged as one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, ranking sixth in the Climate Risk Index 2025 published by Germanwatch. Between 1993 and 2022, the country accounted for 10% of global fatalities caused by extreme weather events and 4.3% of total economic damages worldwide. These staggering figures highlight the urgent need for robust climate resilience strategies and policy interventions to mitigate future risks.
Decades of Devastation: Data and Trends
Over the past three decades, India has endured more than 400 extreme weather events, resulting in economic losses of approximately $180 billion and claiming over 80,000 lives. These disasters include catastrophic floods in 1993, 1998, and 2013, severe heatwaves in 2002, 2003, and 2015, and devastating cyclones like the 1998 Gujarat cyclone, the 1999 Odisha super cyclone, and Cyclone Amphan in 2020.
Globally, extreme weather events have caused nearly 800,000 deaths and $4.2 trillion in damages, according to the International Disaster Database (Em-DAT). India’s consistent ranking among the most affected nations underscores not only its geographical vulnerability but also systemic gaps in climate adaptation strategies. The Global Climate Risk Index further emphasizes how developing nations bear a disproportionate burden of climate disasters, exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure, economic constraints, and policy inertia.
Expert Insights: The Climate Crisis as a Security Threat
Laura Schaefer, Head of Division for International Climate Policy at Germanwatch, warns that the climate crisis is increasingly becoming a global security threat. “The climate crisis is no longer just an environmental issue—it’s a security risk that demands bold multilateral action. If data collection were more comprehensive in Global South countries, the scale of economic and human impacts would be even more alarming,” she states.
Rising temperatures, erratic monsoons, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events are exacerbating social and economic inequalities in India. Prolonged heatwaves have led to declining labor productivity and water shortages, while floods and cyclones disproportionately impact marginalized communities. Studies by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology reveal that the frequency of severe cyclones in the Bay of Bengal has increased by nearly 30% over the past 50 years, directly affecting millions of coastal inhabitants.
India recorded its hottest decade between 2011 and 2020, with 2021 witnessing extreme heatwaves in states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, where temperatures soared above 50°C in some areas. These trends highlight the urgent need for comprehensive climate action.
The Climate Finance Deficit and Global Responsibility
A critical takeaway from the Germanwatch report is the glaring inadequacy of climate finance. The recent COP29 summit in Baku failed to establish an ambitious New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on Climate Finance. While $300 billion annually has been promised by 2035, experts argue that this is merely the bare minimum. The Paris Agreement’s initial commitment of $100 billion per year by 2020 from developed nations remains largely unmet, leaving climate-vulnerable countries struggling to access essential funds.
David Eckstein, Senior Advisor for Climate Finance and Investments at Germanwatch, emphasizes the urgency of mitigation efforts. “High-income and high-emission countries must recognize the urgency of accelerating mitigation efforts. The less we invest in mitigation and adaptation today, the more staggering the human and economic costs will be in the future,” he warns.
A report by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) estimates that India may require over $10 trillion in investments by 2070 to achieve net-zero emissions. Currently, only 17% of total climate finance is directed toward adaptation measures, leaving rural and low-income communities to bear the brunt of erratic weather patterns, failing crops, and displacement caused by extreme floods and storms.
Strengthening Climate Resilience
To combat its growing climate vulnerability, India must take decisive action to bolster climate resilience. Strengthening early warning systems, improving urban planning, and investing in resilient infrastructure are critical steps. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has made significant advancements in forecasting technology, but localized early warning systems need further enhancement to better serve remote and disaster-prone regions.
Mobilizing both domestic and international funds to support vulnerable communities and mitigate economic losses is equally essential. The government’s Climate Resilient Agriculture Initiative is a step in the right direction, but its implementation at the grassroots level requires greater financial and logistical support. Scaling up sustainable farming practices, water conservation projects, and reforestation programs will strengthen climate adaptation in agriculture, a sector that employs nearly 42% of India’s workforce.
Reducing dependence on fossil fuels and accelerating renewable energy adoption must also be prioritized. India has committed to achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, but challenges such as inadequate grid infrastructure, financial constraints in renewable energy startups, and land acquisition hurdles remain significant barriers. Encouraging public-private partnerships and offering greater incentives for green technology investments can help fast-track India’s energy transition.
Leveraging Technology and Data for Climate Preparedness
Improving data collection and risk mapping through advanced climate modeling will help predict and respond effectively to extreme weather events. The integration of AI-driven climate analytics and satellite-based monitoring can significantly enhance India’s disaster preparedness. Academic institutions and think tanks, including the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), have been actively researching climate variability and mitigation strategies. However, their findings must be better incorporated into government policymaking to ensure effective implementation.
Grassroots Participation and Climate Education
Expanding climate education and awareness campaigns is crucial to ensuring grassroots participation in adaptation and mitigation efforts. Many vulnerable communities lack access to information about government relief programs, insurance schemes, and sustainable farming techniques that could help them cope with climate-induced economic hardships. Empowering these communities with knowledge and resources will be key to building long-term resilience.
An Immediate Action is required
The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat—it is a present reality demanding immediate and sustained action. As India moves forward, balancing economic growth with climate resilience will be crucial to safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and long-term development. The next decade will be critical in determining whether India can successfully transition toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient future while ensuring equitable growth for all its citizens.
By strengthening policy frameworks, mobilizing climate finance, leveraging technology, and fostering grassroots participation, India can rise to the challenge of climate vulnerability. The time to act is now—before the costs of inaction become insurmountable.