Are Over 70% of Indians Facing Severe Heat Waves?
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Synopsis
A recent report unveils alarming statistics, revealing that over 70% of Indians are facing severe heat waves and water shortages as a direct consequence of climate change. Discover how these experiences vary across the nation and what this means for future climate policies.
Key Takeaways
- 71% of Indians experienced severe heat waves in the past year.
- Survey conducted by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication.
- Significant geographic variation in climate experiences across India.
- Over 78% of Uttar Pradesh residents reported severe heat waves.
- Odisha faces substantial drought challenges.
New Delhi, Nov 18 (NationPress) Due to the escalating global temperatures attributed to climate change, over 70% of individuals in India have reported directly experiencing intense heat waves, alongside issues like droughts and water shortages, according to a report released on Tuesday.
The findings from the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, based on survey data gathered from more than 19,000 participants between 2022 and 2025, have generated Climate Opinion Maps illustrating the varying perceptions of climate change's impacts across different states and districts in India.
On a national scale, a significant number of Indians indicated having faced severe heat waves (71%), agricultural pests and diseases (59%), electricity cuts (59%), water contamination (53%), droughts and water shortages (52%), and severe air pollution (51%) in the preceding year.
Dr. Jagadish Thaker, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Queensland and one of the leading authors, stated, “As India undergoes rapid development amid increasingly severe weather events, it is crucial to grasp how people in various states and districts perceive and experience climate change. These maps can assist local and state authorities in crafting climate action plans that resonate with public experiences and foster robust support for solutions.”
The report further highlighted geographic disparities in experiences with extreme weather and its related climate impacts.
In Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state, 78% of adults reported experiencing severe heat waves, ranking among the highest in the nation, alongside Rajasthan (80%), Haryana (80%), and Odisha (80%). In contrast, just over half of the adults in Kerala and Tamil Nadu reported similar experiences (55% and 52%, respectively).
While only 35% of Indians nationwide reported experiencing severe cyclones, this figure rises to 64% among residents of Odisha, which experienced the devastating Cyclone Dana in October 2024.
Odisha also stands out regarding droughts, with over two-thirds of its population reporting experiences of droughts and water shortages.
Lead researcher Dr. Jennifer Marlon from the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication remarked, “This data on how diverse populations across India are enduring the effects of climate change can guide decision-makers in understanding public risk perceptions and developing climate adaptation, communication, and sustainable development strategies that align with people's realities.”
Point of View
It is imperative to acknowledge the significant impact of climate change on the Indian populace. As the data illustrates, the experiences of extreme weather are not uniform across the country, necessitating tailored climate action. It is crucial for policymakers to integrate these insights into sustainable development strategies that address the realities faced by citizens.
NationPress
18/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of Indians are experiencing severe heat waves?
Over 70% of Indians reported personally experiencing severe heat waves according to a recent report.
Which states report the highest experiences of heat waves?
States like Rajasthan, Haryana, and Odisha reported 80% of adults experiencing severe heat waves.
What are some other climate-related issues faced by Indians?
In addition to heat waves, Indians are facing agricultural pests (59%), electricity outages (59%), water pollution (53%), and droughts (52%).
Who conducted the study on climate change experiences in India?
The study was conducted by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication.
How can these findings influence climate policies?
These findings can help local and state leaders design climate action plans that reflect the lived realities of the people affected.
