Climate change is no longer a concern only for developed countries; it is affecting the daily lives of common people in India. According to the Yale-CVoter survey (December 2024-February 2025), 38% of Indians have faced food shortages in the past year.
The Impact of Climate Change
Heat Waves:
2024 was India's hottest year, with temperatures rising 0.65 degrees Celsius above normal. 71% of Indians experienced extreme heat last year.
Food Shortages:
38% of people experienced food shortages or famine. Three-fourths of Indians are very or moderately concerned about food shortages and attribute it to global warming.
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Source: aajtak
Other Issues...
60% faced pests and diseases in agriculture.
59% experienced power outages, 53% saw water pollution, 52% faced drought and water scarcity, and 52% encountered severe air pollution.
13 of the world's 20 most polluted cities are in India. In 2024's winter, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeded 1,000, a health emergency.
Why Food Shortages in India?
According to the World Bank, by 2023, India reduced extreme poverty (income of $2.15 per day) to 3.4%. The Yale-CVoter survey states that 38% of Indians faced food shortages due to...
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Climate Change:
Heat, drought, and floods are ruining crops.
Agricultural Issues:
Pests and diseases affect crops.
Economic Inequality:
Recently lifted out of poverty, people still face food insecurity. The government provides free rations to 800 million people, indicating the extent of the issue.
Source: aajtak
The Activism of Indians
Indians are ready to tackle climate change...
Policy Support:
According to the 2023 Yale-CVoter survey, 86% of Indians support the government's 2070 net-zero goal. 55% believe India should reduce emissions immediately.
Lifestyle Changes:
93% of Indians are willing to change their routines to save the environment. Bans on firecrackers, eco-friendly idol immersions, and distancing from plastic during festivals like Holi underscore this commitment.
Electric Vehicles (EV):
Indians are rapidly adopting electric vehicles. Sales are expected to reach 17 million units annually by 2030.
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Energy Efficiency:
66% support more fuel-efficient vehicles despite higher costs. 77% desire buildings to waste less energy and water. 73% support the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement.
Lack of Awareness
32% of Indians have never heard of global warming, indicating a need to raise awareness about climate change and its local impacts.
Source: aajtak
Survey Details
When and How: The Yale Program on Climate Change Communication and CVoter surveyed 10,751 adults from December 5, 2024, to February 18, 2025. Interviews were conducted via mobile phones in 12 languages (Hindi, Punjabi, Gujarati, Marathi, Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Odia, Bengali, Assamese, English).
Climate change is impacting food, water, and air in India. While 38% of Indians are concerned about food shortages with increasing heat, drought, and pollution, they are willing to protect the environment. The government and society must jointly raise awareness and take action against climate change.
