Bulgaria among the ten most affected by extreme weather conditions in 2022

According to the new report by Germanwatch, Bulgaria is ranked among the ten countries most affected by extreme weather events in 2022. The Climate Risk Index (CRI) for 2025 highlights the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related disasters, which have a serious impact on human life and the economy.

In 2022, Bulgaria experienced a series of extreme weather events, including severe storms, heavy rains, and destructive floods, which caused significant damage to infrastructure, homes, and agricultural lands. The economic losses are significant, and many local communities were severely affected. There is an urgent need for enhanced climate resilience and adaptation measures that the government and institutions must implement. Bulgaria was hit by severe storms and heavy rains, leading to widespread flooding and significant economic losses. The country had 0.5 deaths and 200 affected per 100,000 inhabitants. Economic losses amounting to 0.3% of GDP equal €258.3 million for the year.

The other 9 most affected countries

The report lists the ten most affected by extreme weather events in the period 1993-2022, reflecting the victims and affected per 100,000 inhabitants and the share of the economy due to climate change.

Pakistan suffered catastrophic floods that affected millions of people and caused huge economic losses. In 2022, the country recorded 4.5 deaths and 1,500 affected per 100,000 inhabitants. The total number of victims is 15,000, and economic losses amounting to 1.8% of GDP equal €6.4 billion.
Belize suffered hurricanes and storms that led to serious damage and economic challenges. In 2022, Belize had 2.0 deaths and 1,000 affected per 100,000 inhabitants, with a total of 500 victims. Economic losses amount to 2.5% of GDP or €67 million.

Italy in 2022 experienced extreme droughts and floods, which caused over 7,200 victims. Statistics show that due to climate events, the country suffers 1.5 deaths and 900 affected per 100,000 inhabitants. Economic losses are over €7.85 billion, which equals 0.4% of GDP.

Greece, like Bulgaria, faced severe droughts and wildfires, leading to significant damage and economic impacts. In 2022, Greece experienced 1.2 deaths and 800 affected per 100,000 inhabitants, with over 1,000 victims for the year. Economic losses amounting to 0.8% equal €1.66 billion.

Spain in 2022 suffered extreme heat waves and wildfires, leading to 4,500 victims. For the year, there are 1.0 deaths and 700 affected per 100,000 inhabitants. Economic losses are 0.3% of GDP and amount to €4.12 billion.

Puerto Rico struggled with hurricanes and storms, causing extensive damage and economic losses. There are 0.9 deaths and 600 affected per 100,000 inhabitants, leading to over 300 victims in the small country. Economic losses amount to 1.7% of GDP. The total number of victims was 300, and net losses were €1.67 billion.
The USA experienced extreme weather events, including hurricanes, wildfires, and floods in 2022. Those affected by climate change are 21,000 residents of the USA, which is 0.8 deaths and 500 affected per 100,000 inhabitants. Economic losses amounting to 0.2% of GDP are over €49.4 billion.

Nigeria suffered serious floods and storms in 2022, leading to widespread damage and economic challenges. Over 12,000 people were directly affected by climate change, not including climate refugees. This equals 0.7 deaths and 400 affected per 100,000 inhabitants. Losses for the developing economy amount to €2.7 billion, which is 0.6% of GDP.

Portugal suffered from extreme heat waves and wildfires, leading to significant economic losses. In 2022, Portugal had 0.6 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, 300 affected per 100,000 people, and economic losses amounting to 0.4% of GDP. The total number of victims was 500, and net losses were €1.03 billion.

Global context

The report presents a comprehensive analysis of the countries most affected by extreme weather events in the period 1993-2022. Over the past three decades, more than 9,400 extreme weather events have been recorded worldwide, leading to the deaths of nearly 800,000 people and economic losses amounting to approximately €4.2 trillion. The top 10 most affected countries during this period are Dominica, China, Honduras, Haiti, the Philippines, Pakistan, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Nepal.

Main causes of climate change

Climate change is mainly due to human activities that increase the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as burning coal, oil, and natural gas for energy production and transportation, deforestation, industrialized agriculture, industrial processes, and waste management.

Why European Countries Rank Alongside Developing Countries

For the most part, the affected countries have been developing nations over the past 30 years. Due to dynamic climate changes, the trend is now shifting to include more developed countries affected by climate change. This further underscores the rising cost of inaction on climate change and the importance of global efforts to address its consequences.

Some European countries are geographically susceptible to extreme weather events such as heatwaves, floods, and storms, and the high population density in urban areas amplifies the impact of extreme weather events. At the same time, developed countries have extensive infrastructure and economic activities that can be severely affected by climate-related disasters.

Although European countries are leaders in climate policies and the adoption of renewable energy sources, the transition is ongoing, and they still face challenges related to past emissions and current climate impacts.

Impact on Bulgaria

Climate change has a significant impact on Bulgaria, affecting various sectors and every aspect of our lives. Bulgaria's agricultural sector is highly vulnerable to climate change. Extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves are already visibly harming crops and reducing yields. At the same time, changes in rainfall patterns and increased temperatures lead to water shortages and affect water quality. This impacts both drinking water supply and irrigation in agriculture, which affected many settlements in Bulgaria during the summer of 2024.

Climate change, according to research, can alter ecosystems and habitats, affecting biodiversity. Forests face an increased risk of wildfires and pest invasions. The wildfires in 2024 are further evidence of this trend and a clearer sign of the need for serious measures to address climate change, which increasingly affects our country.
At the same time, climate change brings numerous health problems that increasingly affect Bulgaria. Extreme heat leads to illnesses and worsens existing ones. It can cause heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heatstroke. Additionally, high temperatures can exacerbate cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and negatively affect mental health. Floods can lead to serious health problems, such as the spread of diarrhea, cholera, typhoid fever, leptospirosis, malaria, and dengue fever, as well as injuries, hypothermia, and mental disorders.

At the same time, floods and extreme weather events cause serious damage to infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings, leading to significant economic losses.

Importance of the Climate Risk Index

The Climate Risk Index serves as an important tool for policymakers and stakeholders, providing valuable data to contextualize international climate policy debates. It not only highlights the need for stronger climate resilience strategies but also helps create policies for climate mitigation and adaptation to protect vulnerable communities and economies from the devastating impact of climate-related disasters.

Call for Global Action

The conclusions in the report are a stark reminder of the urgent need for coordinated global action to combat climate change. Specifically for Bulgaria, this means investing in infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather conditions, implementing effective early warning systems, and promoting sustainable practices to reduce overall risk. Adapting to climate change also involves decarbonization and implementing state policies that encourage climate-friendly practices in both the public and private sectors, as well as in the personal lives of each of us.

The world continues to grapple with the realities of climate change. Therefore, the importance of proactive measures should not be taken lightly but should be a primary task for every society. The report is a call to action for all nations to prioritize climate resilience and work together to build a safer and more sustainable future.