Climate Change: Urgency,

Impact, Resilience
Climate change is an escalating global crisis, demanding immediate attention and
action. Global warming has already pushed temperatures to 1.1°C above pre-industrial
levels, as highlighted by the IPCC in 2023. India, with its diverse geography and large
population, finds itself particularly vulnerable, with 75% of its districts experiencing
extreme weather events, according to a 2021 CDRI report. This environmental crisis
also carries a significant economic burden, with projections indicating India could
face a 2.8% loss in its GDP by 2050, as estimated by the ADB. Understanding the
multifaceted challenges and devising comprehensive strategies for resilience and
mitigation are paramount.

AV by Arushi Verma
The Alarming Reality of Global Warming
Global warming is primarily driven by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, and
nitrous oxide (N2O). These gases trap heat, leading to a steady rise in global average temperatures. Recent data from NOAA (2024) indicates that
atmospheric CO2 levels have reached an alarming 420 parts per million (ppm), a concentration not seen in millions of years. This unprecedented
increase in greenhouse gas concentrations fuels the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events worldwide, from prolonged droughts to
destructive storms, underscoring the critical need for drastic emission reductions and a shift towards sustainable practices.

Greenhouse Gases Record CO2 Levels Extreme Events

CO2, Methane, and N2O are primary Atmospheric CO2 now at 420 ppm, Rising temperatures intensify heatwaves,
culprits, trapping heat and warming the accelerating global temperature rise. floods, and droughts globally.
planet.
Heatwaves: A Growing Threat to India
Heatwaves have become a severe and increasing threat across India, posing significant risks to public health and economic stability. In 2022 alone,
India experienced a staggering 295 heatwave days, leading to widespread discomfort and severe consequences. The International Labour
Organization (ILO) reports that heat stress impacts a colossal 75% of the Indian workforce, significantly reducing productivity and well-being. Since
2015, over 2,000 heatwave-related deaths have been recorded in the country, underscoring the deadly impact of rising temperatures. Alarmingly, in
May 2024, Delhi witnessed an unprecedented temperature of 52.9°C, as reported by the IMD, setting a new record and highlighting the urgent need
for robust heatwave preparedness and adaptation strategies.

Intense Heat Workforce Impact

295 heatwave days in India during 2022, causing widespread 75% of India's workforce affected by heat stress, impacting
distress. productivity.

Fatal Consequences Record Temperatures

Over 2,000 heatwave-related deaths in India since 2015. Delhi reached 52.9°C in May 2024, a critical new high.
Deforestation: Fueling the Crisis
Deforestation represents a critical factor exacerbating the climate crisis, contributing significantly to global warming and ecological degradation.
Forests are vital carbon sinks, absorbing an estimated 2.6 billion tonnes of CO2 annually, acting as natural regulators of the Earth's climate. However,
the relentless clearing of forests undermines this crucial function. Between 2002 and 2023, India alone lost a substantial 2.33 million hectares of
tree cover, according to Global Forest Watch (GFW) data. This extensive deforestation not only releases stored carbon into the atmosphere but also
leads to severe consequences such as biodiversity loss, accelerated soil erosion, and increased water scarcity. These impacts directly harm
indigenous communities reliant on forest ecosystems and devastate local flora and fauna, creating a cascade of environmental problems.

Carbon Sinks India's Loss

Forests absorb billions of tonnes of CO2, crucial for climate regulation. 2.33Mha tree cover lost in India (2002-2023), severely impacting
climate efforts.
Biodiversity Loss
Community Impact
Deforestation devastates ecosystems, leading to species extinction
and habitat destruction. Indigenous communities directly affected by loss of forests,
threatening livelihoods.
Broader Impacts: Beyond Heatwaves & Forests
The ramifications of climate change extend far beyond heatwaves and deforestation, presenting a complex web of interconnected challenges for India.
Rising sea levels pose an existential threat, with projections indicating that seven major Indian coastal cities could face inundation by 2050, impacting
millions and displacing communities. The country is also increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events, as evidenced by devastating floods in Kerala in
2018 and persistent droughts in regions like Maharashtra, which cripple livelihoods and infrastructure. This climatic instability has a profound impact on
agriculture, affecting 58% of India's population who depend on it for their sustenance. Moreover, widespread water scarcity, exacerbated by changing rainfall
patterns and glacial melt, intensifies existing socio-economic disparities, leading to food insecurity and heightened competition for diminishing resources
across various regions.

Sea-Level Rise Extreme Weather

Threatens 7 major Indian coastal cities by 2050, risking massive Increased frequency of floods and droughts, impacting infrastructure and
displacement. livelihoods.

Agricultural Decline Water Scarcity

Affects 58% of India's population, risking food security and rural Exacerbates socio-economic issues, increasing competition for
economies. resources.
The Path to Sustainability
Sustainability is the cornerstone of our future, embodying the principle of meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their
own. A key tenet of this approach is the adoption of a circular economy, which focuses on reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling resources to minimise
environmental impact. India has demonstrated strong commitment to this path, setting an ambitious renewable energy target of 500 GW by 2030, a monumental
step towards decarbonising its energy sector. Furthermore, Niti Aayog plays a crucial role in driving India's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030 Agenda,
fostering policies and initiatives that promote environmental protection, social equity, and economic growth in harmony with nature. Embracing sustainability means
rethinking consumption, production, and governance to build a resilient and equitable society.

1 Circular Economy

2 Renewable Energy

3 Policy & Governance

4 Future Generations
Building Climate Resilience
Building climate resilience involves proactive adaptation to the unavoidable impacts of climate change, ensuring communities and ecosystems can withstand and recover from environmental shocks. Implementing robust early
warning systems is crucial; these systems have been shown to reduce disaster fatalities by an impressive 80%, providing timely alerts for events like cyclones and floods. Climate-smart agriculture is another vital strategy,
protecting the livelihoods of over 140 million Indian farmers by adopting practices that enhance productivity, increase resilience to climate variability, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, developing resilient
infrastructure, particularly in vulnerable coastal cities such as Mumbai, is essential to safeguard urban populations and critical assets from the escalating threats of sea-level rise and extreme weather events. These integrated
approaches are vital for safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and economic stability in a changing climate.

150

100

50

0
Early Warning Systems Climate-Smart Agriculture Resilient Infrastructure

The chart above illustrates the significant impact of various climate resilience strategies. Early warning systems can reduce disaster fatalities by 80%, highlighting their effectiveness. Climate-smart agriculture protects over 140
million Indian farmers, ensuring food security. Lastly, resilient infrastructure is crucial for protecting coastal cities like Mumbai.
Mitigation Strategies: Reducing Emissions
Mitigation strategies are focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to slow down and eventually halt global warming. A significant step
involves the widespread transition to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, with India's current solar capacity already exceeding 100
GW. The promotion of electric vehicles (EVs) plays a crucial role in curbing urban air pollution, potentially reducing it by 25%, while also cutting down
on fossil fuel consumption. Innovations in carbon capture technologies are essential for industries to reduce their emissions, trapping CO2 before it
enters the atmosphere. Furthermore, implementing comprehensive energy efficiency measures across residential, commercial, and industrial
sectors can lead to substantial savings of 10-15% in overall energy consumption, contributing significantly to emission reduction goals. These
strategies collectively pave the way for a lower-carbon future.

1 Renewable Energy 2 Electric Vehicles

Transition to solar and wind power to decarbonise energy sector. Reduces urban air pollution and reliance on fossil fuels.

3 Carbon Capture 4 Energy Efficiency

Technologies to reduce industrial emissions and trap CO2. Measures to save 10-15% consumption across sectors.
Individual and Collective Action
Addressing climate change requires a concerted effort involving both individual responsibility and collective action. On an individual level, adopting
sustainable living choices, such as reducing consumption, conserving energy, and minimizing waste, can collectively lead to substantial
environmental benefits. It is also crucial to actively support green businesses and advocate for policies that promote environmental protection, such
as India's progressive EV policy, which incentivises cleaner transportation. Furthermore, educating communities on climate solutions and the
associated risks empowers individuals to make informed decisions and participate actively in local initiatives. Finally, advocating for stronger
environmental regulations and ensuring their strict enforcement is vital to hold industries and governments accountable, driving systemic change
towards a more sustainable and resilient future for all.

The images above depict various ways individuals and communities can take action against climate change. From adopting sustainable practices
like planting trees to advocating for policy changes, every effort contributes to a larger collective impact. Supporting green businesses and
embracing renewable energy solutions are also crucial steps towards building a sustainable future.
Conclusion: A Shared Future, A Collective Responsibility
Climate change stands as the defining challenge of our era, demanding urgent, concerted global action. India's leadership in this endeavour is
crucial, given its growing economy and vulnerability, and its commitment to global climate goals is exemplary. Building a sustainable, resilient future
for generations to come hinges on our collective ability to adapt, mitigate, and innovate. Every action, whether big or small, taken by individuals,
communities, governments, or industries, makes a significant difference in shaping the trajectory of our planet. It is a shared responsibility, requiring
collaboration, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to protecting our Earth for future generations. The time for decisive action is now.

Learn more about India's SDG Agenda Explore IPCC Reports