Climate change is a global challenge, impacting environments and societies worldwide. India, with its substantial population and rapid economic development, is significant in these discussions. The nation’s growth and scale mean its approach to environmental sustainability significantly impacts global climate efforts. Understanding India’s relationship with climate change is crucial for the global response.
Climate Change Manifestations in India
India is already experiencing significant climate change impacts. Temperatures across the country have risen by approximately 0.7°C between 1901 and 2018. This warming trend contributes to an increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves, making such events 30 times more likely. For instance, temperatures in some areas reached 45°C in spring 2023, leading to fatalities.
Changes in monsoon patterns are evident, with a decline in overall monsoon rainfall observed since the 1950s. Despite this, the frequency of heavy rainfall events has increased, leading to erratic precipitation, causing both prolonged droughts and intense flooding. Projections suggest a 2°C global temperature rise could make India’s summer monsoon highly unpredictable, potentially increasing extremely wet monsoons.
Extreme weather events, including cyclones, are becoming more frequent and intense. India’s coasts have been hit by powerful cyclones like Vayu, Nisarga, Tauktae, Phailin, Hudhud, and Amphan, causing widespread disruption. Retreating Himalayan glaciers, driven by rising temperatures, threaten water security of major river systems like the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Indus. Sea-level rise threatens India’s extensive coastline, potentially causing saltwater intrusion, affecting agriculture and groundwater quality.
India’s Unique Climate Vulnerabilities
India’s susceptibility to climate change impacts is amplified by its socio-economic and geographical characteristics. The country’s high population density means a large number of people are exposed to climate hazards. A significant portion of the population, particularly in rural areas, relies on climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture, heavily dependent on monsoon rainfall. This makes livelihoods highly vulnerable to erratic monsoon patterns, droughts, and floods.
Extensive coastlines, with densely populated cities like Kolkata and Mumbai, face heightened risks from sea-level rise and storm surges. Saltwater intrusion in these areas can degrade agricultural land and contaminate freshwater sources, impacting both food security and public health. Many communities have limited adaptive capacity due to poverty, restricting their ability to cope with and recover from climate-related disasters.
Water scarcity is an existing challenge in many Indian regions, exacerbated by climate change. Increased variability in monsoon rainfall is expected to intensify water shortages, particularly in central India, the Western Ghats, and northeastern states. The over-exploitation of groundwater, a critical resource for agriculture, compounds this problem. Public health burdens, such as malnutrition and vector-borne diseases like malaria, are projected to worsen as climate change alters disease transmission patterns and impacts food systems.
India’s Climate Action Initiatives
India has undertaken various initiatives to address climate change, encompassing mitigation and adaptation. A primary focus is on transitioning to renewable energy. India has set ambitious targets, aiming for 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030 and ensuring 50% of its energy comes from renewable sources by the same year. The International Solar Alliance (ISA), co-founded by India, promotes solar energy globally, with 110 member countries.
The country has implemented national policies and missions to guide climate action. The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), launched in 2008, outlines key strategies through eight missions. These include the National Solar Mission to promote solar energy and the National Water Mission for water conservation and efficient use. Other missions address enhanced energy efficiency and sustainable agriculture.
Adaptation strategies are being developed and implemented. Efforts include improved water management systems, disaster preparedness measures, and the promotion of climate-resilient agriculture. India is working on increasing forest and tree cover through initiatives like the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) to enhance carbon sequestration.
Globally, India plays an active role in climate negotiations, making significant international commitments. Under the Paris Agreement, India updated its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in 2022, pledging to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 was announced at COP26. The nation advocates for climate justice, emphasizing developed countries’ responsibility for climate finance and technology transfer to developing nations.