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Extreme weather events, including floods, droughts, storms, and heatwaves, cost Bangladesh nearly US$3.0 billion annually, affecting over 6.3 million people each year.
These findings are part of 'The Climate Risk Index 2025' report, released Thursday by the Germanwatch.
The report focused on the disproportionate impact of climate change on global south countries.
Between 1993 and 2022, more than 9,400 extreme weather events worldwide caused nearly 0.8 million deaths and $4.2 trillion in economic losses.
Dominica, China, and Honduras were the most affected countries, while Bangladesh ranked 31st.
The report said a devastating heatwave from March to May 2022, which reached 49.5°C in Pakistan and extended to India and Bangladesh, caused over 90 deaths.
A study by the World Weather Attribution project found that climate change made this heatwave 30 times more likely, underscoring the growing threat of compounding climate events.
Despite its vulnerability, Bangladesh has become a global leader in disaster risk reduction.
Cyclone-related deaths have dropped more than 100-fold over the past 40 years—from 0.5 million in 1970 to 4,234 in 2007—thanks to improved early warning systems and community preparedness.
The report also noted that China, India, and the Philippines face recurring extreme weather, while Dominica, Honduras, Myanmar, and Vanuatu are most affected by exceptional disasters.
Italy, Spain, and Greece were among the top 10 most affected countries globally, showing that even wealthy nations are not immune.
Laura Schaefer of Germanwatch warned that the climate crisis is becoming a global security risk, requiring urgent action. David Eckstein emphasized that $4.2 trillion in losses over 30 years equals Germany’s GDP, urging stronger mitigation efforts.
Lina Adil from the same organisation called for increased climate finance for vulnerable nations, particularly at the upcoming Brazil Climate Summit, to keep global warming near the 1.5°C target.