The Economic Survey tabled on February 1, 2025, has revealed grim news for India, ranking the country as the seventh most vulnerable nation to climate change. This sobering ranking aligns with the declaration by global environmental agencies, marking 2024 as the hottest year ever recorded. With climate change leading to severe heatwaves, floods, and cyclones, India is increasingly grappling with extreme weather events.
The survey highlights the severe effects of climate change, particularly focusing on rising sea levels, biodiversity loss, and dwindling water resources. This precarious situation marks India as one of the countries disproportionately affected by climate change, bearing the burden of historical greenhouse gas emissions yet facing significant challenges with limited resources for proper adaptation.
According to the survey, 2024 witnessed 93% of days characterized by extreme climate phenomena, which has dire consequences on agricultural productivity. Farmers have struggled under these conditions, leading to lower crop yields and contributing to food inflation and potential social unrest—issues increasingly familiar to millions across the country.
The Economic Survey makes predictions, estimating climate change could reduce India's GDP by as much as 3% to 10% annually. This substantial economic impact looms over the nation, threatening livelihoods and destabilizing food supply chains. How will India weather this storm and safeguard its future economic stability?
The Indian government has recognized the urgent need for action, increasing its climate adaptation expenditures from 3.7% to 5.6% of GDP between fiscal years 2016 and 2022. This boost reflects growing awareness of the significance of climate resilience strategies amid changing climate conditions. Yet, experts warn the current target of $300 billion per year for climate adaptation by 2035 falls drastically short of the estimated $5.1 to $6.8 trillion needed by 2030.
These financial and infrastructural challenges evoke the question: Is India prepared to meet the growing demands posed by climate change? The vulnerabilities don't stop at economic indicators. The survey emphasizes how climate change disproportionately affects women, particularly those living in rural areas. Their livelihoods hang by a thread as agricultural disruptions compound their challenges, necessitating alternative support mechanisms.
The government is observing this trend and responding with initiatives focused on self-help groups (SHGs) to create alternative livelihoods for women engaged in agriculture and micro-enterprises. These groups become lifelines, creating buffers against the impacts of climate change on already vulnerable communities. This gender-focused approach is not only about empowerment but also about enhancing resilience against the backdrop of climate fluctuation.
Unfortunately, the issues facing India do not exist in isolation. The intense climate events affecting the country mirror global patterns, as climate change leads to unprecedented devastation worldwide. Global warming shows no signs of abatement, necessitating urgent and sustained action both locally and globally. India's experience reflects broader realities, highlighting the collective responsibility across nations to tackle the threat of climate change effectively.
With the stark realities quantified and laid bare within the Economic Survey, one must ponder the path forward: Will the increased commitment from the government and civil society be enough to fortify India’s defenses against climate change? The clock is ticking, and with every extreme weather event, the urgent need for comprehensive and immediate action grows more apparent.