The World Risk Index (WRI) is a statistical model used to assess the disaster risk of countries through the multiplication of exposure to natural hazards and societal vulnerability. It is part of the annual World Risk Report.
About World Risk Index
- Published by: Released by the United Nations University – Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS)
- WRI measure– World Risk = Exposure × Vulnerability
Key Findings (World Risk Report 2025-26)
- Global Hotspots: The Philippines, Indonesia, and India consistently rank as the top three countries with the highest disaster risk globally.
- Continental Trend: The Americas and Asia remain the most exposed continents.
- Special Focus (2025): The recent report highlighted Flood Risk, noting that climate change and land-use changes are making flooding the most frequent and costly disaster type.
Conceptual Framework (WRI Model)
The index calculates risk based on four core components:
- Exposure: Frequency and severity of natural hazards like earthquakes, cyclones, floods, droughts, and sea-level rise.
- Susceptibility: Dependent on public infrastructure, nutrition, and the general economic framework.
- Coping Capacities: Ability to minimize negative impacts through governance, medical services, and economic security.
- Adaptive Capacities: Long-term strategies to deal with future natural events and climate change.
India’s Ranking & Significance
- Rank: India typically ranks in the Top 3 (High Risk) in the World Risk Index.
- India loses 0.4% of its GDP every year to natural disasters.
- Reason for High Rank:High Exposure: Vulnerable to almost all major hazards (Himalayan earthquakes, 7,500km coastline for cyclones, and vast floodplains).
- Vulnerability Gap: Despite improved “Coping Capacity” (NDRF, early warnings), India’s “Susceptibility” remains high due to population density and uneven infrastructure.
Comparison with Related Indices
| Other Reports | Published by | About |
| Global Climate Risk Index | Germanwatch | Historical impact of extreme weather (Deaths & GDP loss). |
| Global Risks Report | World Economic Forum (WEF) | Perception-based survey of global experts on long-term threats. |
1. With reference to the World Risk Index (WRI), consider the following statements:
1. It measures disaster risk by combining exposure to natural hazards and societal vulnerability.
2. It is released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
3. Adaptive capacity is a component of vulnerability.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
Statement 1: Correct
The World Risk Index (WRI) measures disaster risk using the formula:
World Risk = Exposure × Vulnerability
Exposure refers to the extent to which people and assets are exposed to natural hazards (earthquakes, floods, cyclones, droughts, sea-level rise).
Vulnerability reflects how severely a society is affected when a disaster occurs.
Statement 2: Incorrect
The World Risk Index is released by United Nations University – Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS).
● It is published annually as part of the World Risk Report.
● UNDP releases other indices (e.g., Human Development Index), not the WRI.
Statement 3: Correct
● Vulnerability in WRI has three sub-components:
1. Susceptibility – likelihood of suffering harm (poverty, weak infrastructure, nutrition)
2. Coping Capacity – short-term ability to respond after a disaster
3. Adaptive Capacity – long-term ability to adjust, learn, and reduce future risk (education, governance, climate adaptation)
