Climate Trends

India ranks as the 5th most susceptible nation to the repercussions of climate change, with escalating impacts observed in the past decade. Cyclones, floods, shifting weather patterns, droughts, heatwaves, cold spells, rising sea levels, and warming oceans have become prevalent realities. The organisation emphasises the correlation between these impacts and climate change through evidence-based science.

India has pledged to achieve a net zero target by 2070, yet our current policies and climate actions align only with a 2-degree temperature increase. There is a pressing need for India to strike a better balance between climate action and sustainable development. The efforts involve collaborating with both central and state governments to advocate for more ambitious commitments and policies that bolster climate action.

Climate Trends, in collaboration with EY, conducted a perception study involving 6,000 respondents. This comprehensive study encompassed 4,000 organized workers from the supply side (mining) and thermal power plants, along with 2,000 unorganized workers in 5 districts of Jharkhand. Additionally, insights were gathered from 26 policy and sectoral experts operating at the national and state levels. The surveyed districts include Bokaro, Dhanbad, Chatra, Ramgarh, and Ranchi. This study delves into perceptions concerning a 'just' transition from supply, demand, and policy perspectives. Its aim is to provide recommendations that facilitate inclusive and sustainable growth for individuals employed in the coal sector.

Yearly, the impacts of climate change are amplifying, displaying greater intensity and frequency. Urban regions in Asia are notably susceptible to projected climate change, unplanned urbanization, rapid alterations in land use, and extreme events. Instances of urban floods, in extreme scenarios, lead to calamities that significantly impede urban development, setting it back by several years, or even decades. These incidents vividly illustrate the exponential rise in extreme events across South Asia. Consequently, major cities and towns face escalated risks of flooding. The 2022 floods in Bengaluru serve as a poignant example of urban flooding, underscoring the urgent necessity for urban adaptation and a robust resilience plan.

Shifting from fossil fuels stands at the core of realizing a low-carbon economy and fulfilling India's net zero commitment. This transition necessitates embracing renewable sources in various sectors, including energy, transportation, industries, and businesses. The organisation’s efforts are focused on crafting compelling narratives that advocate for this crucial shift away from fossil fuels.

India hosts 14 of the globe's most polluted cities, and air pollution represents the most significant health risk factor for its populace. Formerly limited to the winter season in the northern regions, this concern has now expanded to persist throughout the year across the nation. The organisation’s efforts emphasize the criticality of air pollution in widespread conversations, fostering public awareness, and urging governments to take stronger action.

Climate Trends, in collaboration with Arthan Careers, is hosting a three-part online forum series focusing on exploring the connections between climate change and various social, political, economic, and governance aspects in India. Crafted as a catalyst for discussions, this series endeavours to involve the broader social sector, urging organizations, think tanks, NGOs, CSOs, and other entities to consider climate change within their work scope. The aim is to develop strategies that tackle its influence within their spheres of influence. This initiative seeks to promote collaboration for climate action and seeks to identify unified solutions addressing both climate and social concerns.

Powering the transportation sector with electricity addresses two key developmental challenges in India. It effectively lowers air pollution by curbing carbon emissions and other harmful pollutants, while also aiding India in reaching its net-zero target. The organisation creates compelling narratives to dispel misconceptions surrounding electric vehicles, promoting their adoption among consumers. Additionally, it collaborates with state governments to enhance the design and implementation of policies in this regard.