The Climate Risk Index (CRI), published since 2006, is one of the longest running annual climate impact-related indices. The CRI analyses climate-related extreme weather events’ degree of effect on countries. In doing so, it measures the consequences of realised risks on countries.
This retrospective index ranks countries by their economic and human impacts (fatalities as well as total affected) with the most affected country ranked highest.
Scorching heat, heavy rainfalls, raging wildfires, deadly floods, and devastating storms: The manifestations of extreme weather events have become too common in a new reality worldwide. The Climate Risk Index 2026 sheds light on inaction’s growing cost. It reveals the mounting human and economic toll.
From 1995 to 2024, more than 832,000 lives were lost and direct economic losses of nearly USD 4.5 trillion (inflation-adjusted) were recorded, driven by more than 9,700 extreme weather events. The frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters continue to rise, and these figures underscore the urgent need for climate action.
