HSBC: India most vulnerable to climate change

LONDON: HSBC issued a report on countries facing vulnerability to the physical impacts of climate change in which India is ranked on top, followed by Pakistan,the Philippines and Bangladesh.Finland, Sweden, Norway, Estonia and New Zealand are least vulnerable to climate change risk.

HSBC bank took survey in 67 developed countries on the basis of vulnerability to the physical impacts of climate change, exposure to energy transition risks, sensitivity to extreme weather events and ability to respond to climate change.

The selected 67 nations represents 80% of global population and 94% of global GDP.HSBC averaged the scores in each area for the countries in order to reach the overall ranking. Some countries were highly vulnerable in some areas but less so in others.

According to report, unirrigated lands would be highly damaged by rising temperature and decline in rainfall, in India. It can also cut agricultural incomes of farmers.

Countries which are at high risk of storms and floods are Pakistan, Bangladesh and Philippines, out of which Pakistan is least well equipped to face Climate change.

South and Southeast Asian countries accounted for half of the 10 most vulnerable countries. Oman, Sri Lanka, Colombia, Mexico, Kenya and South Africa are also in this group.