By Alfina Jimmy George
Introduction
Climate change is profoundly impacting everyday life in India, with rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events transforming lives, livelihoods, and the fabric of Indian society.
Climate change is driving migration in India, with millions displaced due to rising sea levels, floods, droughts, and cyclones . The Sundarbans, a shared ecosystem between India and Bangladesh, is particularly vulnerable, with rising sea levels endangering biodiversity and human settlements.
- Causes of Climate Migration: Climate change is exacerbating existing social and economic vulnerabilities, leading to increased migration .
- Affected Regions: Coastal areas, such as Odisha and West Bengal, and states like Assam, Bihar, and Maharashtra, are experiencing significant climate-related displacement.
- Impact on Migrants: Climate migrants often face precarious living conditions, social isolation, and exploitation, with limited access to social protection and rehabilitation programs .
Policy Responses
- India has introduced policies like the National Adaptation Plan and the Climate Migrants (Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2022, but implementation remains inconsistent.
- There is a need for a holistic approach, integrating climate adaptation, migration governance, and urban planning efforts .
Impact on Health: Climate change is having a significant impact on human health in India, with increased frequency and severity of heatwaves, floods, and droughts leading to a rise in heat-related illnesses, water-borne diseases, and mental health issues . The spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue is also expected to increase with changing temperature and precipitation patterns.
Energy and Climate Change: India's energy sector is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. The country is transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, but faces challenges in scaling up deployment and ensuring energy access for all.
Climate Change and Gender: Climate change is disproportionately affecting women in India, with increased drudgery, health risks, and vulnerability to violence and exploitation. Women's roles in agriculture, water management, and disaster response make them critical stakeholders in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.
Urbanization and Climate Change: India's rapid urbanization is exacerbating climate change impacts, with increased energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and vulnerability to extreme weather events. Urban planning and infrastructure development need to prioritize climate resilience, green spaces, and sustainable transportation.
Climate Change and Agriculture: Climate change is affecting agricultural productivity, with changing temperature and precipitation patterns impacting crop yields, food security, and rural livelihoods. Farmers are adopting climate-resilient practices like conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and crop diversification to adapt to climate change.
Heatwaves: A Growing Concern
India is experiencing a significant increase in heatwaves, with 2025 being the eighth warmest year on record. The frequency and severity of heatwaves have risen 15-fold between 1993 and 2024, with the last decade seeing a 19-fold increase .
- Health Impacts: Heatwaves claim thousands of lives annually, with vulnerable populations like the elderly, children, and outdoor workers at highest risk .
- Economic Consequences: Heat stress is projected to lead to a 4.5% GDP loss by 2030, affecting labour productivity and economic growth.
Floods: A Recurring Calamity
Floods are another extreme weather event waving havoc on Indians. In 2025, extreme weather events, including floods, caused 2,760 deaths, with Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh being the hardest hit.
- Displacement and Damage: Floods displace millions, destroy homes, and damage infrastructure, affecting livelihoods and food security.
-Agricultural Impacts: Erratic rainfall and flooding disrupt agricultural cycles, threatening food security and rural incomes.
Rising Sea Levels and Coastal Erosion
Rising sea levels and coastal erosion are significant concerns for India's coastal communities, with cities like Mumbai and Kolkata facing high flood risks.
Impact on Agriculture and Food Security
Climate change is affecting agricultural productivity, with changing temperature and precipitation patterns impacting crop yields and food security .
Urbanization and Climate Change
Urbanization is exacerbating the urban heat island effect, making cities more vulnerable to heatwaves and other extreme weather events.
Climate change impacts in India:
- Lead Poisoning: Climate change is exacerbating lead poisoning in India, particularly in children, due to increased exposure to contaminated soil, water, and air .
- Water-Energy-Food Nexus: India's water, energy, and food systems are interconnected, and climate change is putting pressure on these resources, leading to water scarcity, energy insecurity, and food insecurity .
- Coastal Erosion and Flooding: Rising sea levels and extreme weather events are causing coastal erosion and flooding, affecting millions of people and threatening infrastructure, livelihoods, and ecosystems .
- Air Pollution: Climate change is worsening air pollution in India, leading to increased respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and other health issues .
- Biodiversity Loss: Climate change is altering ecosystems, leading to loss of biodiversity, and impacting plant and animal species, including iconic species like the mangroves and tigers.
- Human Migration: Climate change is forcing people to migrate, leading to increased competition for resources, social tensions, and urbanization challenges .
Climate change is having a profound impact on India, affecting various aspects of life, including health, agriculture, and economy.
Health Impacts
- Climate change is increasing the spread of vector-borne diseases like dengue, malaria, and chikungunya, with 2025 seeing longer dengue seasons and heat emergencies .
- Heatwaves are claiming thousands of lives annually, with vulnerable populations like the elderly, children, and outdoor workers at highest risk.
- Air pollution is worsening, with 90% of India's children breathing poisonous air, leading to respiratory diseases and cardiovascular problems .
Agricultural Impacts
- Climate change is affecting agricultural productivity, with changing temperature and precipitation patterns impacting crop yields and food security.
- India is experiencing more frequent droughts, floods, and heatwaves, threatening rural livelihoods and food security .
Economic Impacts
- Climate-related disasters are causing significant economic losses, with 2025 seeing over $120 billion in damage globally, and India being among the worst-affected countries .
- Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are projected to lead to a 3-10% GDP loss in India by 2100 .
Other Impacts
- Climate change is exacerbating lead poisoning in India, particularly affecting children and vulnerable populations .
- Rising sea levels and coastal erosion are threatening coastal communities and infrastructure .
Climate change is profoundly impacting India, with rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events transforming lives and livelihoods. Heatwaves are claiming thousands of lives annually, while floods and droughts are affecting agricultural productivity and food security. Rising sea levels and coastal erosion are threatening coastal communities and infrastructure. The country's energy sector, heavily reliant on fossil fuels, is contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating the climate crisis. Urgent action is needed to mitigate these effects, adapt to the changing climate, and build resilience, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Climate Change and Agriculture in India
Climate change is significantly impacting India's agriculture sector, with changing temperature and precipitation patterns affecting crop yields, food security, and rural livelihoods. Rising temperatures, droughts, and floods are threatening crop productivity, leading to economic losses and increased vulnerability for farmers. Adopting climate-resilient agricultural practices, improving irrigation systems, and promoting sustainable farming techniques can help mitigate these impacts and ensure food security for India's growing population.
Climate Change and Health in India
Climate change is having a profound impact on human health in India, with rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events. Heatwaves are claiming thousands of lives annually, while vector-borne diseases like dengue, malaria, and chikungunya are spreading rapidly. Air pollution is worsening, with 90% of India's children breathing poisonous air, leading to respiratory diseases and cardiovascular problems. Urgent action is needed to mitigate these health impacts and ensure a healthy future for all Indians..
Climate Change and Water Scarcity in India
India is facing a severe water crisis, exacerbated by climate change, with changing precipitation patterns and increased evaporation affecting water availability. Cities like Bengaluru and Chennai are facing acute water shortages, affecting millions of people, while agriculture and industry are also struggling to access water. Sustainable water management practices, conservation efforts, and climate-resilient infrastructure are essential to address this crisis and ensure water security for India's growing population.
Electric Vehicles and Climate Change in India
India's shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is gaining momentum, with potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. EVs can help mitigate climate change impacts, improve public health, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Government incentives, investments in charging infrastructure, and adoption of renewable energy can accelerate this transition and make India a global leader in sustainable transportation.
Renewable Energy and Climate Change in India
India is making strides in renewable energy, with solar and wind power capacity expanding rapidly. This shift can reduce dependence on fossil fuels, lower emissions, and mitigate climate change impacts. Investing in renewables, promoting energy efficiency, and adopting sustainable technologies can help India meet its climate goals and ensure a cleaner, greener future.
Climate Change and Food Security in India
Climate change is threatening India's food security, with changing temperature and precipitation patterns impacting crop yields and food availability. Droughts, floods, and heatwaves are affecting farmers' livelihoods, and food prices are rising. Sustainable agriculture practices, climate-resilient crops, and efficient food systems can help ensure food security for India's growing population.
Climate Change and Food Security in India
- Changing temperature and precipitation patterns are impacting crop yields and food availability
- Droughts, floods, and heatwaves are affecting farmers' livelihoods and food prices
- India is already experiencing a 10-40% decline in crop yields due to climate change
- Climate-resilient crops, sustainable agriculture practices, and efficient food systems can help ensure food security
- Investing in irrigation systems, soil conservation, and crop insurance can support farmers
- Reducing food waste and promoting climate-friendly diets can also help mitigate climate impacts
Climate Change and India's Forests: A Growing Concern
India's forests are a vital component of its ecosystem, covering around 24% of its geographical area . These forests provide numerous benefits, including:
- Carbon Sequestration: India's forests absorb approximately 2.5 billion tonnes of CO2 annually, playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change
- Biodiversity Hotspot: India's forests are home to a vast array of flora and fauna, including iconic species like tigers, elephants, and rhinos
- Livelihood Support: Forests support the livelihoods of millions of people, particularly indigenous communities, providing them with food, fuel, and income
Challenges Facing India's Forests
- Deforestation and Degradation: Agriculture, mining, and infrastructure development have led to widespread deforestation and degradation, resulting in loss of biodiversity and ecosystem disruption
- Climate Change Impacts: Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events are impacting forest ecosystems, leading to:
- Shifts in species composition and distribution
- Increased risk of forest fires
- Decreased forest productivity and resilience
- Human-Wildlife Conflict: Encroachment of forests and habitat fragmentation have led to increased human-wildlife conflict, threatening both human and animal lives
Opportunities for Forest Conservation
- Afforestation and Reforestation: Efforts to restore degraded forests and expand forest cover can enhance carbon sinks, improve biodiversity, and support livelihoods .
- Community-Led Forest Management: Community-led forest management initiatives have shown promise in improving forest conservation and livelihoods, empowering local communities to take charge of their forests .
- Sustainable Forest Products: Promoting sustainable forest products, such as bamboo and timber, can create new economic opportunities while reducing pressure on forests
Way Forward :
- Strengthen forest conservation efforts and enforcement
- Promote sustainable forest management and certification
- Support community-led forest management initiatives
- Integrate climate change considerations into forest policies and practices
- Invest in forest restoration and afforestation efforts
By working together, we can protect India's forests and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come .
Conclusion
Climate change is profoundly impacting everyday life in India, with heatwaves, floods, and rising sea levels being just a few examples. Urgent action is needed to mitigate these effects, adapt to the changing climate, and build resilience
References
- India Meteorological Department (IMD). (2025). Climate Summary 2025.
- Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). (2025). How Extreme Heat is Impacting India.
- The Times of India. (2025). 2025 was the eighth warmest year since 1901; extreme weather caused 2,760 deaths.
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