Why is climate change missing from the Indian electoral debates?
Immediate concerns overshadow long-term environmental issues and poor awareness among voters means parties do not prioritise such matters in their agendas.
The global climate crisis has garnered substantial attention on international platforms. But despite its far-reaching consequences, climate change does not figure in the Indian elections. India’s general election campaigning has seen the complete absence of climate change as an issue.
India, among the most climate-vulnerable nations, confronts a plethora of climate change effects across its varied landscapes. Escalating temperatures intensify heatwaves, imposing pressure on vulnerable communities and agricultural sectors. Unpredictable monsoon patterns result in droughts in some parts and floods in others, disrupting food security, livelihoods and infrastructure.
The melting Himalayan glaciers threaten water availability for millions dependent on Indus and Ganga River systems originating from these mountains. Coastal regions, home to densely populated cities and vital economic hubs like Mumbai and Chennai, are increasingly vulnerable to sea-level rise, storm surges, and saltwater intrusion, posing risks to infrastructure, habitats, and livelihoods. Additionally, climate change amplifies the risks from extreme weather events such as super cyclones and hurricanes, with recent events causing widespread devastation and displacement.
These interconnected impacts underscore the urgent need for India to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen resilience measures and adapt to the changing climate to safeguard the well-being of its populace and ensure sustainable development. However, scant attention is being given to...
