India, home to over 1.4 billion people, faces a pressing climate crisis. It stands as the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases and is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. In 2024, extreme weather affected the nation for almost an entire year, with 322 out of 366 days experiencing severe events. The heavy monsoon led to floods and landslides, tragically claiming more than 1,500 lives.
We wanted to explore how different regions in India perceive climate change and extreme weather events. To do this, we conducted over 19,000 phone interviews from 2022 to 2025. We analyzed responses alongside demographic data from the 2011 Indian Census to understand public sentiment across 634 districts in 34 states and Union territories.
### Severe Weather Experiences
Many Indians have felt the impact of extreme weather. About 71% experienced severe heat waves, while over half faced issues like agricultural pests and power outages. Severe storms and food shortages affected 41% and 38% respectively.
Interestingly, experiences vary by region. In northern states like Rajasthan and Delhi, more than 75% of adults reported severe heat waves. In contrast, only about half did in southern states like Kerala. States like Odisha, often hit by severe cyclones, saw 64% reporting similar experiences. Meanwhile, people in coastal areas faced fewer droughts and water shortages, highlighting a significant geographic divide in vulnerability.
### Perceptions of Climate Change
A large portion of the population attributes these extreme events to global warming. For instance, 81% believe climate change is impacting species extinctions, while 78% hold this view for heat waves and pests. Remarkably, many Brazilians connected these issues even if they hadn’t personally experienced them. In Tamil Nadu, 74% linked severe storms to climate change, despite only 21% experiencing one.
Research suggests that education and political views also influence these beliefs. However, unlike in the U.S., climate change opinions in India are less politically divided. Around 96% of Indians believe global warming is real, compared to varying numbers of 45% to 89% in the U.S.
### Expert Insights
Experts emphasize that understanding public opinion is crucial for effective climate policies. Local concerns can inform strategies tailored to specific communities. Yashwant Deshmukh, a well-known expert in public opinion, notes that mapping beliefs can aid in addressing the unique challenges faced by different regions.
### The Bigger Picture
India’s rapid development must go hand in hand with climate adaptation strategies. As the nation creates state-specific action plans on climate change, insights from public opinion can help prioritize initiatives in vulnerable areas.
By blending local experiences with broader climate narratives, policymakers can foster resilient communities ready to face the changes ahead. Understanding regional differences will be key in shaping effective climate action across India.
For more insights on climate action and public opinion, check out resources from the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication.
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