World Risk Index

An increase in greenhouse gasses due to increased human activities of burning fossil fuels, destruction of natural habitats, deforestation, and pollution has resulted in climate change. Climate change has further resulted in an increased risk of natural disasters.

To understand the risk and preparedness of 181 countries, Bundnis Entwicklung Hilft, Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict at Ruhr University published a report. The reports focus on the social protection system of different countries. The world risk index refers to the vulnerability of the people in a country that lacks a social protection system during natural disasters. This includes natural disasters like drought, floods, cyclones, and earthquakes.

The report gives a good insight to different countries on where they stand at the level of preparedness against natural disasters and how much more work they need to do for its improvement.

The countries are listed with their world risk index annually. The first edition of the report was published in 2011. The countries are rated on the specific indicators that are broadly divided into following

• Exposure of the country to natural disasters.
• Vulnerability of people of the country who are dependent on living conditions, infrastructure, and nutrition.
• The preparedness of the country to face natural disasters related to social security and healthcare.
• Capabilities of countries to adapt to different natural disasters and climate change.

World Risk Index Focus Topics [2011 - 2021]

World Risk Index 2021

The focus of the world risk index 2021 was on social protection in crisis and disaster. The key finding of the year are as follows

• Ten island states are at the highest risk of disasters.
• Vanuatu had the highest world risk index (WRI) with a score of 47.73, followed by the Solomon Islands (WRI 31.16) and Tonga (WRI 30.51).
• The continent of Africa was ranked highest in social vulnerability.
• Qatar was ranked as the country with the highest social security and lowest risk with a world risk index score of 0.31.
• India ranked on the 90th spot with the world risk index of 6.66, which falls in medium risk of the several indicators.

Range of Different Parameters For Risk Assessment

India’s Position in The Risk Assessment

India has maintained its world risk index score to medium from 2011 to 2021. As a developing country, the people and government of India are moving ahead towards a low world risk index score by developing capabilities to cope with natural disasters and by improving social security.

FAQs on World Risk Index

Q.1) What is the world risk index score and rank of India in 2021?

The world risk index of India is 6.65 with 90th rank in the list of countries in 2021.

Q.2) What is the world risk index score?

World risk index scores and ranks provide an understanding to countries where they stand with respect to preparedness to cope with natural disasters and social security.

Q.3) Which country was ranked to have the highest social security with the lowest world risk index in 2021?

Qatar was ranked at 1st position with the highest social security and world risk index of 0.31.