November 2016: Germanwatch has published a briefing paper, titled ‘Global Climate Risk Index 2017,’ analyzing the extent to which countries have been affected by the impacts of extreme weather events. The analysis is based on data for 2015 and for the 1996-2015 period.

According to the report, in 2015, Dominica, Malawi and Mozambique were among the worst affected. Haiti, Honduras and Myanmar rank highest for the period from 1996-2015. ‘Global Climate Risk Index 2017’ estimates that the nearly 11,000 extreme weather events occurring between 1996 and 2015 caused over 528,000 deaths worldwide, resulting in around US$3.08 trillion in associated losses. In 2015, the main causes of damage were precipitation, floods and landslides.

‘Global Climate Risk Index 2017’ estimates that the nearly 11,000 extreme weather events occurring between 1996 and 2015 caused over 528,000 deaths worldwide, resulting in around US$3.08 trillion in associated losses.

The paper reports that of the ten most affected countries in 1996-2015, nine were low or lower-middle income developing States. Its findings confirm that developing countries are generally more affected by extreme weather events than their developed counterparts. Already existing vulnerabilities, the report warns, may further increase in regions where extreme weather events become more frequent or more severe due to climate change.

Launched on 8 November 2016 on the sidelines of the Marrakech Climate Change Conference, the twelfth edition of the report contributes to the development of a “rulebook” for the Paris Agreement on issues related to, inter alia, the global goal on adaptation, adaptation reporting and communications, and review of the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage associated with Climate Change Impacts (WIM). [Publication: Global Climate Risk Index 2017] [Publication Landing Page] [Report Launch Press Conference] [Decision 1/CP.21 Adopting Paris Agreement]