Bangladesh experiences an average annual disaster loss of approximately $3 billion, affecting more than 6.3 million people each year due to extreme weather. The Germanwatch “Climate Risk Index 2025” report reveals the vulnerabilities of countries in the Global South and underscores the need for increased climate finance. Bangladesh’s successful adaptation strategies serve as a global example, yet further action is necessary to mitigate future impacts.
Bangladesh endures an average annual disaster loss of nearly $3 billion, exacerbated by extreme floods, droughts, storms, and heatwaves, affecting over 6.3 million individuals each year. These conclusions are drawn from the Germanwatch report “Climate Risk Index 2025,” published on February 13. The report underscores the vulnerability of Global South countries to severe weather events, which have had significant economic and human tolls over the past 30 years.
From 1993 to 2022, the world experienced over 9,400 extreme weather events resulting in about 800,000 fatalities and monumental economic losses amounting to $4.2 trillion. Dominica, China, and Honduras rank among the hardest-hit countries, while Bangladesh stands 31st in a list of nations impacted by flooding, storms, and heatwaves. The Climate Risk Index evaluates the consequences of these events, ranking nations based on economic losses and human impacts such as fatalities and displacements.
The report highlights a troubling correlation between a record heatwave in Pakistan, which peaked at 49.5°C in March 2022, and subsequent devastating floods. This heatwave also affected India and Bangladesh, leading to over 90 deaths across the region. A real-time study indicated that climate change has markedly increased the likelihood of such extreme heat events, emphasizing the urgent need to address this mounting threat.
Despite its high vulnerability to climate change, Bangladesh has notably reduced disaster-related fatalities through effective climate adaptation and disaster risk management strategies. The country serves as a model for global initiatives, as cyclone-related deaths have decreased from 500,000 in the 1970 cyclone to 4,234 in 2007, demonstrating the value of proactive measures.
Moreover, the report notes that while multiple countries like China, India, and the Philippines frequently encounter extreme weather conditions, Dominica, Honduras, Myanmar, and Vanuatu face more exceptional weather disasters. Italy, Spain, and Greece also appear among the top 10 countries impacted by these extreme events over the past three decades.
Laura Schaefer, Head of International Climate Policy at Germanwatch, warns that the escalating climate crisis poses a significant risk to global security, highlighting the need for multilateral cooperation. Also, David Eckstein, Senior Advisor for Climate Finance at Germanwatch, emphasizes that insufficient climate action threatens not only less affluent nations but also more prosperous ones.
He warns that the substantial losses of $4.2 trillion over three decades equate to the entire GDP of Germany, signaling that delaying action will incur further human and economic costs. The forthcoming Brazil Climate Summit must focus on augmenting climate finance for vulnerable countries.
Additionally, Lina Adil, Policy Advisor for Adaptation and Loss & Damage at Germanwatch, asserts that resource limitations exacerbate challenges in affected regions, urging for intensified mitigation efforts to keep global warming within the 1.5°C target. Disconcertingly, some weather events inflict economic damage surpassing the GDP of entire nations.
Vera Kuenzel, Senior Advisor for Adaptation and Human Rights at Germanwatch, called for robust climate risk management and enhanced support for the most vulnerable countries to mitigate human and economic losses.
In summary, Bangladesh faces significant economic and humanitarian impacts due to extreme weather events, averaging losses of $3 billion annually and affecting over 6.3 million people. While the country demonstrates effective measures to reduce disaster-related deaths, global cooperation and increased climate finance for vulnerable nations are urgently needed to address the growing climate crisis.
Original Source: www.tbsnews.net
