Rome: Extreme weather events linked to the climate crisis have resulted in significant loss of life and economic damage in Italy over the past 30 years.
According to Ansa News Agency, Germanwatch’s ‘Climate Risk Index 2025’ report revealed that between 1993 and 2022, climate-related incidents claimed approximately 38,000 lives in Italy, making it the fifth-worst-affected country globally.
The report highlights that over 765,000 deaths occurred worldwide due to extreme weather during this period, with Italy experiencing severe impacts from events such as heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, and flooding. The report indicates that Italy has faced numerous extreme heatwaves, particularly in the last two decades, which have resulted in significant human and economic losses. The years 2003 and 2022 were particularly devastating, with high numbers of fatalities linked to scorching temperatures and the resultant strain on agriculture, infrastructure, and health services.
In addition to heatwaves, Italy has been significantly affected by flooding, particularly along the Po River. Notable incidents include the Piedmont floods in 1994 and 2000, which caused extensive damage. Overall, Italy has suffered economic losses nearing USD 60 billion due to these climate events.
Scientists attribute the increase in frequency and intensity of extreme weather events to the climate crisis, driven by human greenhouse gas emissions. The primary contributors to these emissions are the burning of fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal, which continue to generate substantial profits for the world’s energy companies.
