Climate change has become an immediate and escalating crisis for Rajasthan, threatening public health, water security, education, nutrition, and livelihoods as rising temperatures, prolonged heatwaves, erratic rainfall, and groundwater depletion intensify across the state. Experts and senior officials sounded the alarm on Thursday, 5 June, at a workshop held at the Constitution Club, Jaipur, on the eve of World Environment Day.

Climate Crisis Is Now, Not Later

UNICEF Rajasthan Head Rushabh Hemani opened the discussion with a stark framing: climate change is no longer a future developmental challenge but a present-day emergency. “Its impact is felt most severely by children, pregnant women, the elderly, and vulnerable communities. Extreme heat and water scarcity place an additional burden on women and girls,” he said.

Hemani noted that Rajasthan organised its first state-level climate consultation in 2023, convening government departments, technical institutions, and development partners to assess emerging climate risks and strengthen inter-departmental coordination for adaptation planning.

Health Sector Response

UNICEF Chief K.L. Rao outlined concrete steps being taken in the health sector. In collaboration with the Department of Medical and Health, support has been extended for implementing the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health. “District-level programmes have now been established across Rajasthan to identify climate-induced health risks and improve disaster preparedness and response,” Rao said.

He stressed that climate-sensitive health systems are becoming increasingly critical as extreme weather events grow in both frequency and intensity. This is particularly relevant for Rajasthan, which recorded some of its highest-ever summer temperatures in recent years.

Schools and Heatwave Awareness

In the education sector, Rao said specialised heatwave awareness modules have been developed for government schools across the state. “Students and teachers are being sensitised about the causes of extreme heat, associated illnesses, preventive measures, water conservation, and environmental protection,” he added. The initiative reflects a broader push to embed climate literacy into school curricula before the problem worsens.

Water Security Under Pressure

Meteorological Centre Director Radheshyam Sharma described water security as the foundation of climate resilience and warned that Rajasthan’s water resources face growing strain. “Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and groundwater depletion are creating serious challenges. Efforts are underway with various departments to strengthen source conservation, groundwater recharge, rainwater harvesting, water budgeting, and monitoring systems,” Sharma said.

Work is also reportedly under way to define key indicators for achieving a water-secure Rajasthan under the state’s long-term development vision — a recognition that current frameworks are insufficient for the scale of the challenge.

Youth Leadership and What Comes Next

UNICEF Communication Specialist Ankush Singh announced a new youth-focused initiative at the workshop. Under the ‘Youth for Climate Action’ programme, young people will receive training in climate science, climate policy, green jobs, sustainable development, carbon markets, and community leadership. “The goal is to create a network of climate-aware youth leaders across Rajasthan,” Singh said.

Officials also emphasised strengthening environmental health through improved solid and liquid waste management, resource recovery centres, and community-based waste models. The workshop concluded with a consensus that climate-resilient health services, water security, climate-smart schools, and youth engagement will be critical to safeguarding communities in the years ahead.