Nearly all Indians are aware of the effects of climate change, almost half believe it is avoidable: survey

In the bustling streets of India, from the towering skyscrapers of Mumbai to the rural villages of Rajasthan, a quiet awareness is brewing. The air, once thick with the promise of economic prosperity, now carries a faint echo of unease. The people, diverse and resilient, are slowly opening their eyes to the changing climate that surrounds them.

Heat waves, like fiery serpents, descend upon the land, sending temperatures soaring and leaving parched landscapes in their wake. Monsoon rains, once a blessing, now lash down with an unpredictable fury, wreaking havoc on crops and homes. These are the harbingers of a changing world, a world where the familiar patterns of weather have begun to unravel.

Yet, amidst the unease, there is a flicker of hope. Nearly all Indians acknowledge the changing climate, a testament to their keen observation and deep connection to the natural world.

The majority, 95% in fact, have witnessed the subtle shifts in weather patterns over the past two decades, according to a survey conducted by Mint and Development Intelligence Unit. For the 10,779 respondents surveyed across 25 states and Union Territories, the evidence is not in abstract scientific reports, but in the sweat-soaked brows during scorching summers and the anxieties that accompany erratic rainfall.

This awareness translates into action. In their daily lives, a growing number of Indians are embracing sustainable practices. From carrying reusable bags to using energy-efficient appliances, they are taking tangible steps to reduce their environmental footprint. The urban population, in particular, is leading the charge, with a staggering 91% striving to conserve water and 89% opting for reusable bags.

Despite their individual efforts, many Indians believe the government must take the lead in combating climate change. With a majority of 57% in rural areas and 54% in urban centres holding this view, the demand for leadership is clear.

This call to action extends beyond their borders, with over half believing that developed nations, which have historically emitted the bulk of greenhouse gases, bear the primary responsibility for addressing the issue. Incidentally enough, a climate fund to empower developing nations for this very purpose is in the works at the ongoing COP28 climate summit.

However, the path to a sustainable future is not without its challenges. Some believe that economic growth and environmental protection are incompatible, clinging to the notion that progress inevitably comes at the expense of the planet. Others, weighed down by the enormity of the crisis, succumb to a sense of helplessness, believing climate change is an unavoidable force.

Yet, despite these obstacles, there is an undeniable sense of optimism. A significant portion of the population, 44%, strongly disagrees with the idea that climate change is unavoidable. This defiance, coupled with the growing awareness and action, suggests that India is poised to play a crucial role in the global fight against climate change.

As the Sun sets over the Indian landscape, casting long shadows across the land, a sense of determination takes hold. The people, united by their awareness and desire for a better future, are ready to rise to the challenge. They understand that the fight against climate change is not a sprint, but a marathon, and they are prepared to run the distance. For in their hands lies the power to shape a future where clean air, fertile land and abundant water are not distant memories, but the birthright of every Indian.

For more statistics, find the original Mint article here.