Global Threat Landscape
Extreme weather events have solidified their position as top global risks for the fourth consecutive year, ranking second overall in the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2025. These events are no longer isolated incidents but recurring crises reshaping economies, societies, and ecosystems. The report highlights five environmental risks among the top ten long-term threats, including extreme weather, biodiversity loss, and critical Earth system changes.
Human and Economic Toll
The consequences of inaction are stark:
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2024 saw record-breaking temperatures, displacing millions in South Asia and causing $320 billion in global economic losses—40% above the decade average.
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1993–2022: Over 765,000 deaths and $4.2 trillion in direct losses resulted from extreme weather events, with storms, heatwaves, and floods as the most lethal and costly.
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Vulnerable regions: Dominica, China, and Honduras ranked highest in cumulative impacts from 1993–2022, while Pakistan, Belize, and Italy faced severe effects in 2022.
Key Weather Risks in 2025
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Increased Storm Frequency: Severe storms have risen by 40% over the past decade, threatening construction projects and infrastructure.
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Extreme Temperature Fluctuations: Heatwaves and cold snaps disrupt material integrity, worker safety, and productivity, with concrete and equipment performance at risk.
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Food Price Spikes: Extreme weather is projected to damage harvests of commodities like coffee and cocoa, exacerbating global food insecurity.
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Critical Earth System Changes: The planet is approaching a “critical and unpredictable phase” as temperatures surpass 1.5°C, with irreversible impacts on ecosystems and societies.
Sectoral Impacts
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Construction: Unpredictable storms and temperature swings demand robust preparedness plans, including weather-resistant materials and adjusted work schedules.
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Agriculture: Supply chains face volatility as droughts, floods, and heatwaves disrupt crop yields, particularly in regions reliant on climate-sensitive commodities.
Call for Action
The Climate Risk Index 2025 and WEF report emphasize that climate adaptation must become central to global policy. Early warning systems and multilateral cooperation are critical to mitigating risks, though challenges like misinformation and geopolitical instability complicate progress
As the world enters a phase of heightened unpredictability, proactive measures to address extreme weather are no longer optional—they are essential for safeguarding lives, economies, and ecosystems
