Climate change is one of the most important environmental and social challenges facing India today. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, heatwaves, floods, droughts, cyclones and water stress are increasingly affecting communities, agriculture, livelihoods, health and natural ecosystems. India's average surface temperature increased by about 0.7°C between 1901 and 2018, according to the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Climate change does not affect everyone equally. Poor and vulnerable communities are often the first to experience its consequences because they have fewer resources to recover from extreme weather events. Farmers face uncertain rainfall, droughts and crop losses, while coastal communities face increasing risks from cyclones and flooding. Water scarcity and extreme heat can also affect daily life, health and livelihoods.
Extreme heat is becoming a major public-health concern. Heatwaves can lead to heat exhaustion, heatstroke and other health risks, particularly for children, older people and vulnerable communities. India has established dedicated climate-and-health programmes to strengthen awareness, preparedness and climate-resilient healthcare systems.
Addressing climate change requires collective action. We can contribute by:
India has established the National Action Plan on Climate Change, which brings together national missions focused on areas such as solar energy, energy efficiency, sustainable habitats, water conservation, sustainable agriculture, forests, the Himalayan ecosystem and climate knowledge.
Climate action is not only about reducing emissions—it is also about protecting people, creating resilient communities and ensuring a healthier future for generations to come. Through tree plantation, water conservation, clean-energy awareness, sustainable living and community-based environmental programmes, we can turn climate concern into meaningful action.
Every tree we plant, every drop of water we save and every sustainable choice we make brings India one step closer to a greener, healthier and more resilient future.
Together, let us act today for a safer tomorrow.