Findings of the study published in The Lancet Planetary Health journal
High Temperature Exposure
India will have the highest number of people exposed to mean annual temperatures above 29°C if global warming exceeds 1.5°C.
Historically, human populations thrived in cooler temperatures (11°C-15°C), but climate change is shifting this threshold.
Vulnerability to Sea-Level Rise
By 2100, with 2°C of global warming, India will be the third-most vulnerable country to sea-level rise.
Functional Integrity Loss
India is among the countries with the most people living in areas with less than 20% functional integrity of ecosystems.
The functional integrity of ecosystems, which maintains essential processes, has been significantly compromised globally.
Wet-Bulb Temperature Exposure
Over 200 million people in India will be exposed to high wet-bulb temperatures (a measure of combined heat and humidity) if global temperatures rise by 2°C, making it the second-largest affected population after China.
Phosphorus Pollution
India experiences high levels of phosphorus pollution, mainly from sewage, contributing to water quality issues.
Excess phosphorus affects freshwater ecosystems and agriculture, with significant concentrations in East and South Asia, Europe, and North America
Aerosol Impact
Aerosols, including sulphates, may have reduced summer monsoon rainfall in India since the 1950s, affecting regional climate patterns
PM2.5 Pollution
India has the highest number of people exposed to PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) levels above recommended environmental limits.
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