Climate Risk Index 2025: A Wake-Up Call for Hong Kong and the World

Germanwatch, a German environmental think tank, released the "Climate Risk Index 2025" on February 12, 2025. This report, one of the longest-running annual climate impact-related indices, reveals the severe situation of global climate change.[1] The report shows that over the past thirty years (1993-2022), there have been more than 9,400 extreme weather events worldwide, resulting in over 765,000 deaths and causing approximately US$4.2 trillion (inflation-adjusted) in direct economic losses. The report particularly highlights the serious threats faced by developing countries and coastal regions, including Asian coastal city clusters such as Hong Kong.

Climate Risk Index 2025 (Image source: Germanwatch)

Long-term data (1993-2022) shows that Dominica, China, and Honduras ranked as the top three most affected countries. Regarding disaster types, storms caused the most severe economic losses, accounting for 56% of total losses (approximately US$2.33 trillion) and resulting in 35% of deaths. Heat waves caused 30% of casualties, while floods affected half of the global disaster-affected population and caused 32% of economic losses (approximately US$1.33 trillion).

Extreme weather events in early 2024 further confirmed the severity of climate change. In January 2024, a polar vortex disruption caused temperatures to plummet to -40°C in the United States. This extreme weather event resulted in nearly 90 deaths due to hypothermia and traffic accidents, while freezing and bursting Tennessee's water pipes, impacting 400,000 residents.[2]

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Winter Storm Warning as extreme cold hit the U.S. in January 2024 (Image source: AP News)

During the same period, Arctic cold air struck northern Europe, with Finland's Enontekiö Airport recording -44.3°C and Bjørnholt, Oslo in Norway measuring -31.1°C, both breaking historical records. Data analysis shows that such severe five-day cold spells occur approximately once every 15 years in the current climate, while Oslo's single-day extreme low temperature is a rare one-in-200 year event.[3]

Northern Europe struck by arctic cold front, severely impact transportation systems (Image source: AP News)

As an international financial centre and a densely populated coastal city, Hong Kong faces serious climate risks. In a report from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, banks estimate that extreme climate disasters will result in annual operational losses of HK$2.2 billion, with HK$0.5 billion attributed to business interruptions.[4]

In recent years, Hong Kong has experienced frequent extreme weather events in increased typhoons and thunderstorms with record-high numbers of Black Rainstorm Warnings. According to the Hong Kong Observatory, 2024 was the warmest year on record for the city, with an average temperature of 24.8°C, 1.3°C above the 1991-2020 normal value. There were also 54 days of thunderstorms, approximately 12 days more than before.[5] These extreme weather events continue to put enormous pressure on Hong Kong's transportation, power supply, and drainage systems.

Record black rainstorm led to road subsidence, causing a private car in fall into a sinkhole (Image source: Sing Tao Daily)

In response to the current situation, the Hong Kong Government should prioritise upgrading its warning mechanisms. This includes enhancing existing extreme weather warning systems, strengthening cross-departmental emergency coordination, and establishing community-level warning networks to ensure timely and effective communication. On the infrastructure front, efforts should focus on improving drainage systems, strengthening coastal flood protection facilities, promoting climate-adaptive building renovations, and bolstering the protection of critical infrastructure against extreme weather events.

Happy Valley Underground Stormwater Storage Scheme (Image source: Drainage Services Department)

To support green city development, the government should continue to expand urban green coverage, actively promote green building standards, accelerate the implementation of sponge city projects, and develop more heat insulation and cooling facilities. At the policy level, the government should advance towards the 2050 carbon neutrality goal, enhance support for green finance initiatives, promote corporate climate risk disclosures, and establish dedicated climate adaptation funds to drive long-term resilience and sustainability.

A conceptual drawing of a "Sponge City” (Image source: Drainage Services Department)

The Global Climate Risk Index Report highlights the severe challenges posed by climate change. As an international metropolis, Hong Kong must address these risks and take more proactive measures. Government, businesses, and citizens need to work together to enhance urban climate resilience and ensure Hong Kong's sustainable development.