Yashi Raj, IIMC Jammu
India’s climate reality is no longer distant or abstract. It is visible in rising temperatures, sudden floods, and long dry spells that are reshaping everyday life.
Data from the India Meteorological Department shows that the country’s average temperature has risen by about 0.7°C over the last century, with faster increases in recent years. Heatwaves are now more frequent and intense, with several regions crossing 45°C during recent summers. What was once rare has become routine.
Rainfall patterns are also changing. Instead of steady monsoons, India is witnessing short bursts of extreme rainfall. States like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have faced repeated floods and landslides, while cities such as Mumbai struggle with urban flooding. At the same time, drought conditions continue in other regions, creating a cycle of excess and scarcity.
This shift has serious consequences. Agriculture is under pressure due to irregular rainfall and heat stress. According to World Bank estimates, climate change could push millions into poverty due to crop losses and water shortages. Urban areas face rising energy demand, water stress, and infrastructure challenges.
Yet, there are efforts to respond. Renewable energy expansion and climate policies under the National Action Plan on Climate Change show progress. However, the scale of the crisis demands faster and stronger action.
Climate change in India is no longer a warning. It is a reality shaping the present and determining the future.
