Global Climate Risk Index 2010
Who is the most vulnerable? Weather-related loss events since 1990 and how Copenhagen needs to respond
Published on 9. December 2009
Book
Paperback/Softback
20 pages
978-3-939846-58-1 (ISBN)
Description
Extreme weather events are generally expected to increase in frequency and intensity due to
global climate change. They have the potential to significantly undermine progress towards the
achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The Global Climate Risk Index
2010 analyses to what extent countries have been affected by the impacts of weather-related
loss events (storms, floods, heatwaves etc.). These analyses are based on the well-known assessments
of the Munich Re database NatCatSERVICE®. The figures for the period 1990 to
2008 and for the year 2008 reveal that poorer countries dominate the ranking of the most affected
countries (the Down 10).
In various respects, inter alia regarding the losses in relation to GDP or deaths in relation to
population, less developed countries are more affected than industrialised countries. In terms of
adaptation to climate change, it is important to note that many synergies exist between disaster
risk reduction activities and adaptation. Through the establishment of an ambitious Adaptation
Action Framework, a Copenhagen agreement can make a real difference to developing countries
´ current and future efforts to cope with climate change. It is obvious that especially the
poorest countries need financial support for adaptation and domestic climate protection additional
to efforts to reach the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the 0.7 percent GNI
target of developed countries to deliver Official Development Assistance (ODA).
global climate change. They have the potential to significantly undermine progress towards the
achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The Global Climate Risk Index
2010 analyses to what extent countries have been affected by the impacts of weather-related
loss events (storms, floods, heatwaves etc.). These analyses are based on the well-known assessments
of the Munich Re database NatCatSERVICE®. The figures for the period 1990 to
2008 and for the year 2008 reveal that poorer countries dominate the ranking of the most affected
countries (the Down 10).
In various respects, inter alia regarding the losses in relation to GDP or deaths in relation to
population, less developed countries are more affected than industrialised countries. In terms of
adaptation to climate change, it is important to note that many synergies exist between disaster
risk reduction activities and adaptation. Through the establishment of an ambitious Adaptation
Action Framework, a Copenhagen agreement can make a real difference to developing countries
´ current and future efforts to cope with climate change. It is obvious that especially the
poorest countries need financial support for adaptation and domestic climate protection additional
to efforts to reach the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the 0.7 percent GNI
target of developed countries to deliver Official Development Assistance (ODA).