“Survey Reveals 78% of Indians Directly Impacted by Global Warming: Urgent Need for Climate Action”

A new survey conducted by national and international researchers has shed light on the impact of global warming on the Indian population. The survey revealed that a staggering 78% of Indians have directly experienced the effects of global warming, with varying percentages across states, ranging from 90% in Haryana to 49% in Andhra Pradesh. This highlights the nation’s vulnerability and the urgent need for informed policy action.

The survey also found that while 82% of respondents at the national level believe that global warming is happening, only 54% attribute it primarily to human activities rather than natural changes. The majority of respondents expressed concerns about the potential for more severe cyclones, droughts, and water shortages due to global warming, emphasizing the need for effective climate strategies.

Under the guidelines of the Paris Agreement, countries are required to update or submit new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) every five years. This means that India and other nations are expected to revise their NDCs again by 2025 following the 2022 update. India is also in the process of revising its National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), while all 29 states are updating their State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs) to better integrate climate concerns into government planning.

Insights from the Yale Program on Climate Change Communications’ report, “Variations in Climate Opinions Across India,” offer a roadmap for aligning strategies with the public’s shifting concerns. The report emphasizes the importance of ensuring that policies resonate with the evolving priorities of citizens in the face of the devastating impacts of climate change.

According to the survey, there are notable regional differences in climate perceptions, with higher risk perceptions in states such as Kerala, Goa, and Punjab compared to states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The survey also highlighted disparities in awareness and concern about climate change based on socio-economic and educational differences, with individuals in urban areas and higher income brackets more likely to be engaged with the issue.

The survey also revealed that nearly 60% of Indians believe the country should reduce fossil fuel use, with majorities in all but 16 districts supporting this view. Additionally, 59% of respondents said India should increase its use of renewable energy. India has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 and aims to have 50% of its electricity generation capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.

The study underscores the importance of cultivating public acceptance and demand for climate policies, as public sentiment can shape the scope and ambition of government actions on climate issues. Effective communication and education strategies tailored to the beliefs and support of the Indian population are crucial for fostering acceptance and driving climate action at the grassroots level.

Public participation is key to India’s climate action strategy, with the Union environment ministry emphasizing the importance of engaging communities at every level to ensure inclusive and sustainable development. The ministry’s approach aligns with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, where a self-reliant India leads in sustainable development and empowers citizens to be active contributors to climate action.