CHR News Desk | New Delhi
Ninety-one percent of people in India are concerned about global warming, though many remain uninformed about the issue, according to a new report from the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication.
The report, based on a nationally representative survey conducted from September to October 2023, , included 2,178 respondents, highlights significant awareness and concern about climate change among India’s population.
India, home to more than 1.4 billion people, is the world’s third-largest emitter of carbon dioxide. However, India’s per capita CO2 emissions in 2022 were only 1.91 metric tons annually, compared to 14.44 metric tons in the United States. As one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change impacts, which affect human health and key economic sectors like agriculture, India’s role in global climate negotiations is critical. The country has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
The report shows that 54% of respondents know “just a little” or have never heard of global warming, with only 10% claiming to know “a lot.” However, when provided with a brief explanation, 78% believe global warming is happening. Of these, 52% attribute it to human activities, while 38% believe it is caused by natural environmental changes. Additionally, 71% think global warming affects local weather, and 76% believe it impacts monsoons in India.
Regarding risk perceptions, 91% are worried about global warming, including 59% who are “very worried.” Over half, 53%, believe global warming is already harming people in India. Many anticipate severe impacts, such as increased heat waves (60%), species extinctions (57%), droughts and water shortages (56%), severe cyclones (54%), famines (50%), and floods (46%). Furthermore, 92% consider global warming personally important.
Support for climate and energy policies is strong among the Indian population. The survey found that 86% support India’s commitment to achieve “Net Zero” carbon emissions by 2070. A significant majority, 85%, believe transitioning to wind and solar energy will reduce air pollution, and 82% think it will mitigate global warming. However, there are concerns about increased unemployment (61%), electricity outages (58%), and higher electricity prices (57%). Additionally, 67% support leaving most of India’s coal reserves untapped, and 84% support banning new coal plants and replacing them with renewable energy sources.
The report highlights that majorities back various climate and energy policies, including training programs for renewable energy jobs (93%), national education programs on global warming (92%), and funding for women’s groups and Indigenous communities to protect the environment (91%). Notably, 74% believe action to reduce global warming will either improve economic growth and provide new jobs (51%) or have no effect on economic growth or jobs (23%).
In terms of willingness to act, 79% are willing to make significant lifestyle changes to protect the environment, 78% are willing to persuade family and friends to adopt environmentally friendly practices, and 71% are willing to publicly demonstrate environmentally friendly actions.
The survey also reveals insights into the vulnerabilities faced by the Indian population. In the past year, 38% experienced a lack of clean drinking water for at least one day, 72% face daily electricity disruptions, and only 13% have air conditioning at home. More than half report financial difficulties, with 27% facing “some difficulties” and 38% experiencing “great difficulties.” Furthermore, 70% have few or no reliable sources of help during emergencies, and 64% receive warnings before extreme weather events, while 34% do not.
India’s population demonstrates significant concern about climate change and a willingness to support and engage in mitigation efforts. However, the report underscores the need for enhanced public awareness and resilience measures to address the challenges posed by climate change effectively.
