This September, heavy rains and floods in Maharashtra led to the tragic loss of at least 11 lives and disrupted many communities. This event highlights the increasing impact of climate change. Irregular monsoon patterns and changing rainfall are affecting crop cycles and straining urban areas from Mumbai to Marathwada.
A recent survey from the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication reveals that 87% of adults in Maharashtra have felt the effects of global warming. Shockingly, 91% are worried about global warming, yet only 55% believe it’s mostly caused by human actions.
The survey gathered responses from over 19,000 people across India from 2022 to 2025. It shows that many Indians have faced significant climate issues recently. Nationally, 71% reported experiencing extreme heat waves. Other concerns include agricultural pests (59%), electricity outages (59%), and water pollution (53%).
India, with its 1.4 billion people, stands as the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases and ranks among the countries most vulnerable to climate change. Surprisingly, in 2024, extreme weather impacted India for 322 days—nearly 90% of the year.
Dr. Jagadish Thaker from the University of Queensland notes, “As India develops, understanding how people perceive climate change is vital. These maps can guide leaders in creating effective climate action plans.”
Experiences vary across states. In Uttar Pradesh, 78% of adults have felt severe heat waves—among the highest in the country, compared to just over half in Kerala. While only 35% of Indians nationally report experiencing severe cyclones, that number is 64% in Odisha, which faces extreme weather most years.
Many Indians believe global warming is worsening severe weather: 78% say it affects heat waves, 77% droughts, and 70% floods. Interestingly, many people perceive these impacts even if they haven’t personally experienced them. For instance, 74% of adults in Tamil Nadu think global warming affects severe storms, even though only 21% have felt one in the past year.
Dr. Jennifer Marlon from the Yale program emphasizes the importance of communicating the link between fossil fuels and extreme weather. “Understanding public perceptions is crucial for crafting effective policies,” she said.
These insights reflect a growing awareness and concern about climate change across India, making it vital for leaders to address these worries effectively. The maps used for this research combined demographic data, revealing how climate vulnerabilities affect experiences differently across states.
This important topic continues to affect millions, showcasing the need for ongoing dialogue and action.
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Maharashtra climate opinion,Maharashtra global warming,Climate Opinion Maps for India,Yale Program on Climate Change Communication,Maharashtra crop cycles
