Although every country is exposed to climate hazards to a certain extent, the level of potential damage or loss from this varies among countries. Some countries such as India, China and Mexico are highly exposed to various climate hazards, while others such as Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Singapore and United Kingdom have a lower level of exposure to climate hazards.

Due to the differing levels of climate hazard, the urgency and necessity for climate resilience measures varies among countries. A country with a high level of climate hazard should consider prioritising climate resilience measures, while a country with a low level of climate hazard may pay less attention to the issue. 

The IEA Climate Resilience Policy Indicator is an initial effort to assess the level of climate resilience of each country by comparing the level of climate hazard that the country is facing against its policy preparedness. Although it may have limitations, it will be useful as a starting point to mainstream climate resilience in key policies and mobilise further action.

The IEA Climate Resilience Indicator shows that half of the IEA member and association countries are ranked excellent or good in terms of climate resilience policy. In particular, 13% of the IEA member and association countries including Ireland, Italy, Norway, Spain, and United Kingdom are estimated to be highly prepared in accordance with the level of climate risk they face.

However, there are still several countries where current plans are inadequate for coping with the estimated level of climate risks. Around 30% of IEA member and association countries are insufficiently prepared against climate risks and ranked weak or inadequate.

Countries that have yet to consider climate resilience in their national plans and are also faced with a significant level of climate hazards should act quickly. Having buy-in, consensus and support across government is important to ensure that effective policy measures are available to secure the energy system and minimise the socioeconomic cost of climate change.