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Differences in climate perspectives throughout India

“Uncovering the Truth: Global Warming Awareness in India”

India is among the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Despite this, many people in India have not yet heard about global warming. A recent national survey in India conducted by Yale University indicates that large majorities are worried about climate-related hazards, including severe heat waves, droughts, water shortages, severe cyclones, and floods. However, there is a significant variation in global warming knowledge, beliefs, risk perceptions, and policy preferences across different states and districts in India.

The survey found that while 41% of Indians nationally say they know a lot or something about global warming, there is substantial geographic variation across the country. For example, in Gujarat, 52% of Indians know about global warming, whereas in Maharashtra, only 33% report this level of knowledge. More people living in state capital cities say they know about global warming compared to other districts.

After being provided with a brief explanation of global warming, 82% of people in India believe it is happening, but only 54% think it is caused mostly by human activities. There is a large gap between public understanding of the causes of climate change in India and the international scientific consensus. However, there is variation within the country, with some districts having a majority who understand that global warming is human-caused.

The survey also found that 78% of Indians report that they have personally experienced the effects of global warming, with variations across states. Risk perceptions of the harms of global warming are relatively consistent from state to state, with 85% of Indians worried about global warming and 74% thinking it will worsen heat waves.

Climate change impacts vary across different parts of India, with drought being most common in the northwest and flooding posing a greater threat in the east. Large majorities in every Indian state think global warming will cause more severe cyclones, droughts, water shortages, plant and animal extinctions, and more famines and food shortages.

There is broad support for policies that transition India and the world toward clean, renewable energy. Nationally, 58% of Indians think India should use less fossil fuels in the future, and 59% believe India should use more renewable energy sources. Support for these policies varies across states and districts.

A better understanding of public climate change knowledge, beliefs, risk perceptions, and policy support can help decision-makers in India and beyond as they develop and implement climate solutions. The data from the survey are freely available to researchers and the public for further analysis and research.

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