India Faces Rising Concerns Over Climate Change and Migration

A recent report by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication reveals that 85% of people in India have personally experienced global warming effects, an increase of 11 percentage points since 2021-2022. The survey of 2,178 adults, conducted between September and November last year, highlights that about one in three respondents have either moved or considered moving due to climate-related disasters like extreme heat, drought, sea-level rise, and flooding.
India is currently undergoing a sweltering summer with temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius in some areas. Human-induced global warming is increasing at 0.26 degrees Celsius per decade, the highest rate ever recorded.
Climate change-induced migration is a significant issue in South Asia, with 45 million people in India potentially displaced by 2050 if climate targets are not met. The Yale study found that majorities in India are worried about various environmental hazards, including agricultural pests, species extinction, severe heatwaves, droughts, water shortages, air pollution, famines, cyclones, and floods.
The survey also indicates that Indians believe transitioning from coal to renewable energy will reduce air pollution and global warming, but many fear it will lead to unemployment, electricity outages, and higher electricity prices. Nearly 80% of respondents think the government should do more to address global warming, up 15 percentage points from 2021-2022.
India has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2070 and has set ambitious climate pledges for 2030. Despite these commitments, India’s per capita coal emissions have risen by 29% over the past seven years. The government emphasizes balancing environment and development, promoting climate-positive behaviors through initiatives like Mission Lifestyle for Environment.
This article was originally published by IndiaSpend, a data-driven public-interest journalism non-profit.