Climate Risk Index
The Climate Risk Index (CRI), published annually by Germanwatch, assesses the tangible impacts of extreme weather events including fatalities, displacement, and economic losses using a dual-timeframe approach that considers both recent (2-year) and long-term (30-year) trends. By integrating absolute and relative indicators, the index offers a comprehensive view of a country’s vulnerability before and after disasters, without attempting to predict future events. This information can support effective adaptation strategies. Pakistan’s susceptibility to climate-related disasters remains significant. In 2022, the country was identified as one of the most impacted by floods and heatwaves in the CRI 2025 report. Senator Sherry Rehman emphasized this ongoing challenge, describing Pakistan as “the most climate-vulnerable nation” in 2025, and highlighted economic losses exceeding US$30 billion along with substantial human suffering.
The impact of recent events surpasses the rankings provided. In June 2024, a severe heatwave in Sindh recorded temperatures reaching up to 49°C, resulting in over 568 fatalities and numerous hospitalizations. During the winter of 2024, a smog episode in Punjab affected approximately 1.8 million individuals, causing respiratory and ocular health issues and placing significant strain on healthcare services. The situation intensified further in spring and summer of 2025. A record-breaking heatwave challenged local infrastructure and communities, while rapidly melting glaciers combined with unusually heavy monsoon rains led to dangerous flash floods and landslides in northern regions, causing more than 72 deaths and displacing residents. Between late June and early July 2025, climate-related disasters in areas such as Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa resulted in over 300 fatalities, approximately 700 injuries, and the destruction of over 1,600 homes. Additionally, a glacial lake outburst in Gilgit-Baltistan caused a mudslide that claimed seven lives, highlighting the increasing risks associated with climate change-induced phenomena.
What does this trajectory indicate? The increasing frequency and severity of heatwaves, smog events, flooding, and glacial occurrences highlight the growing urgency of the climate situation. The Climate Risk Index (CRI) and recent data serve not only as indicators but also as a clear call to action to invest in adaptation measures, early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, and inclusive climate finance. Without prompt and scalable interventions, these recurring events are indicative of systemic inaction rather than random weather variations.