India’s Climate Risks Are Growing
Over 80% of India’s population lives in areas at high risk of climate-related disasters.
Events like floods, heatwaves, and droughts are becoming more frequent and severe.
These are no longer isolated events; they threaten the country’s economy, health, and security.
Current Challenges in Tackling Climate Risks
India lacks a unified system to assess long-term climate risks (called Climate Physical Risks or CPRs).
Existing studies and data are scattered across different organisations, using different methods.
This fragmented approach limits both the government and businesses from planning effectively.
Global models often don’t reflect India’s local climate accurately.
Why Adaptation Is Critical
While climate action often focuses on cutting emissions (mitigation), preparing for impacts (adaptation) is equally important.
Adaptation includes building flood-resilient infrastructure and improving farming practices.
Every $1 spent on adaptation can save $4 in disaster recovery and economic loss.
Climate risk involves three things: hazard (e.g., flood), exposure (what’s in harm’s way), and vulnerability (how easily it’s affected).
Steps India Is Taking
India submitted its first Adaptation Communication in 2023 as part of its National Adaptation Plan (NAP).
A detailed NAP report covering 9 sectors at the district level is being prepared.
The Reserve Bank of India is also starting to include climate risk in its regulations.
What More Needs to Be Done
India must create a single, reliable CPR assessment tool that:
Uses local climate data.
Helps both government and private sector plan better.
Provides clear, science-based information.
A central climate risk database is needed to support future-proof growth as India moves towards its development goals.
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