Food Security at Stake: One-Third of Indians Fear Impacts of Climate Change

Climate change and global warming are hitting ordinary people hard, and the effects are becoming impossible to ignore. A recent survey in India by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication and CVoter highlighted some alarming trends. For instance, a staggering 71% of respondents had felt extreme heat waves in the past year. Predictions suggest that 2024 could be the hottest year since 1901, with temperatures set to rise by 0.65°C.

Equally concerning, 38% of Indians reported experiencing food shortages or famine-like conditions. This comes despite significant progress in reducing extreme poverty—down to just 3.4% by the end of 2023, as noted by the World Bank. It seems that even those who have recently escaped the grips of extreme poverty are still vulnerable, with nearly four out of ten fearing food scarcity in the near future.

Food Insecurity

The ongoing food assistance program for 800 million Indians has raised questions. Analysts wonder why the government continues this initiative post-pandemic, and the recent survey underscores the urgent need. A significant 75% of respondents expressed worry about potential famines, attributing their concerns to climate change.

Additionally, 60% reported issues with agricultural pests and diseases—factors closely linked to food supply. Other climate-induced challenges are widespread: 59% experienced power outages, 53% faced water pollution, and 52% dealt with droughts.

Air quality is a pressing concern as well, especially in urban areas. Reports suggest that India has some of the worst air in the world, with 13 of the 20 most polluted cities located there. In winter 2024, parts of Delhi recorded air quality indices above 1,000, a clear health emergency.

Growing Awareness and Action

Interestingly, many Indians are actively looking for changes. A 2023 Yale-CVoter survey found that 86% support India’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. Moreover, 64% believe the government should take stronger action on climate issues.

There’s also a significant willingness among the population to make personal sacrifices for the environment. For instance, 93% said they’re ready to change their daily habits. Actions like banning firecrackers, promoting eco-friendly festivals, and moving away from plastic showcase this trend.

The enthusiasm extends to electric vehicles, even in the face of challenges, such as slow battery charging infrastructure. The Indian Energy Storage Alliance estimates a 49% annual growth in electric vehicle sales, with figures potentially reaching 17 million units by 2030.

Support for stricter vehicle efficiency standards is evident as well, with two-thirds of Indians backing initiatives that may increase costs. An even larger majority, 77%, wishes to see buildings optimized for energy and water consumption. Participation in the 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change is supported by 73% of the population.

However, it’s worth noting that about 32% of people are still unaware of global warming. This indicates a crucial gap in public knowledge that needs addressing.

Conclusion

The complex interplay between climate change and the everyday lives of Indians is stark and multifaceted. This recent survey shines a light on the pressing issues of food scarcity, pollution, and the eagerness for meaningful action. The path forward involves not only government intervention but also a concerted effort to raise awareness and foster understanding across all demographics.

Whether through policy changes, personal choices, or community actions, it’s clear that many in India are ready to tackle these urgent challenges head-on.

For more insights and statistics related to climate change and its impact, you can refer to the World Bank and Yale Program on Climate Change Communication.

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