Climate Change and India...

?? Understanding India’s Climate Vulnerability ??

As we enter October, newspapers fill with discussions on climate change—a harsh reality that we cannot ignore. India, like much of the Global South, faces extreme climate and environmental vulnerabilities. Here’s a glimpse:

- Earthquakes: 58% of India’s area is prone to seismic activity.

- Floods: 12% of the country is flood-prone, while our 7,516 km coastline is highly susceptible to cyclones, with a 52% increase in cyclone frequency in the Arabian Sea between 2001-2019.

- Landslides: 15% of mountainous regions are landslide-prone.

- Droughts: 68% of farming areas experience drought periodically.

- Heatwaves: These significantly reduce crop yields by 10-12 quintals per hectare, according to the Punjab Agriculture Department.

- Forest Fires: According to the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water, there has been a tenfold increase in forest fires, with 62% of states now vulnerable.

- Desertification: ISRO reports that 30% of India’s land is at risk of desertification.

Alarming statistics from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) show that 85% of districts experience varying degrees of aridity, with 69% of India classified as dry land. As per the latest data, 196 districts face severe dryness.

These issues are not limited to India—they resonate across the Global South. The urgency to act collectively has never been more pressing. As countries gather for the UNFCCC UN COP in Baku, Azerbaijan, let’s hope for decisive and collaborative steps to address this crisis. ??