New Zealand is one of five countries considered the least vulnerable to climate change, according to a study by HSBC.
The bank assessed 67 developed, emerging and frontier markets on vulnerability to the physical impacts of climate change, sensitivity to extreme weather events, exposure to energy transition risks and ability to respond to climate change.
The five considered least vulnerable are Finland, Sweden, Norway, Estonia and New Zealand.
The 67 nations represent almost a third of the world's nation states, 80 percent of the global population and 94 percent of global gross domestic product.
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.
Of the four nations assessed by HSBC to be most vulnerable, India has said climate change could cut agricultural incomes, particularly unirrigated areas that would be hit hardest by rising temperatures and declines in rainfall.
Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Philippines are also considered to be the most vulnerable with susceptibility to extreme weather events.
Pakistan was ranked by HSBC among nations least well-equipped to respond to climate risks.
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.
Newshub. / Reuters
