Climate Change in India – Impact and Urgent Reality

Climate Change in India 2024

Climate change in India is not just an environmental issue but a pressing challenge that affects communities across the country. Furthermore, with a population exceeding 1.4 billion and 16% of that living in poverty, India has a significant high-risk community.

Environmental and Economic Impacts

The impacts of climate change are already being felt. According to the Indian Meteorological Department, the average temperature in India has increased by 0.7°C between 1901 and 2018, and this rise is projected to continue. As a result, India lost 8% of its GDP from climate change in 2022, and if nothing changes, this may rise to 35% of its GDP by 2100.

India must improve its climate mitigation and adaptation strategies to counter these changes.

How Is India Affected by Climate Change?

Following are some of the prominent effects of climate change in India:

Sea Level Rise

Rising sea levels are a major concern for India’s coastline. The coastal regions are home to about 170 million people, and sea levels along the Indian coast are rising at an average rate of 1.3 millimetres per year.

For example, the Sundarbans are the world’s largest mangrove forest and have already lost 50 square kilometres of land due to sea level rise. Additionally, major cities like Mumbai and Chennai are at a heightened risk. A 1-metre rise in sea level will inundate over 18 square kilometres of Mumbai, displacing millions and causing economic losses in the billions.

Extreme Weather Events

Due to climate change, the frequency and severity of extreme weather events in India are escalating. Unusual and unprecedented spells of hot weather are expected, especially in North Western India. The country has witnessed a notable increase in extreme heat, cyclones, floods and droughts. For instance, Cyclone Amphan in 2020 caused over USD 13 billion in damage and displaced millions of people in West Bengal.

Similarly, severe floods in Kerala in 2018 resulted in the deaths of over 400 people and economic losses exceeding USD 3 billion. These events devastate lives and property, strain infrastructure and disrupt economic activities.

Impact on Agriculture in India

India depends on natural resources. Around 65% of India’s population is involved in agriculture, and it is particularly vulnerable to climate change. Altered weather patterns are affecting growing seasons and crop yields. For example, the 2022 heat wave led to a 10%-35% lower wheat yield across the country. Average wheat yields may further decline by up to 23% by 2050 due to rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns. Crop failures and reduced agricultural productivity threaten food security and the livelihoods of millions of farmers, pushing many into poverty.

Health Implications

The health impacts of climate change in India are also severe. Warming climate increases the incidence of heat-related illnesses and deaths, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and outdoor workers. With 49% of India’s workforce working outdoors, this is concerning.

Global warming in India also facilitates the spread of diseases like malaria and dengue by expanding the habitats of vectors like mosquitoes. Heat waves, like the one in 2015 that killed over 2,500 people, are becoming more frequent and intense, putting immense pressure on healthcare systems.

India’s Contribution to Global Warming

India is the world’s third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases and plays a significant role in climate change. India’s greenhouse gas emissions reached over 2.7 billion metric tonnes in 2021, accounting for 8% of global emissions. Key sectors such as energy production, transportation and industry are major contributors, with coal-fired power plants being the largest source of emissions. Addressing these emissions is crucial for mitigating climate change impacts both domestically and globally.

Renewable Energy Policy in India

Adopting renewable energy is a critical pathway for India to tackle its emissions. However,  just under 10% of the country’s energy currently comes from renewables.

As a result, India has made substantial strides in renewable energy policy. The government has set targets to increase renewable energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070. While this fails to align with the Paris Climate Agreement’s 2050 net-zero target, it is a step in the right direction.

Key initiatives include the National Solar Mission and the National Wind Energy Mission. Both strategies aim to promote their respective renewable energy sources through subsidies and incentives. The National Solar Mission has been highly successful, with India becoming the third-largest solar power producer globally, achieving over 85 GW of installed solar capacity in 2024. The country is also the fourth-largest wind power producer in the world.

Path Forward for a Sustainable India

Addressing climate change in India is imperative for the country’s future. The impacts of climate change are significant and far-reaching. However, by continuing to invest in and support renewable energy initiatives, India can reduce its carbon footprint, build a more sustainable future and slow future global warming.

Renewable energy is critical for decarbonisation, offering a pathway to mitigate climate change impacts while promoting economic growth and environmental sustainability. Policymakers, businesses and individuals must work together to support and expand these efforts, ensuring a resilient and sustainable India for generations to come.