Local Self-Governing Bodies Urged to Prioritize Climate and Health Issues in Tackling the Climate Emergency
Over half of India’s population, residing in 344 districts, confront significant health vulnerabilities due to climate change. The populace faces heightened exposure to various climate-related impacts like prolonged summers, erratic rainfall, floods, droughts, rising sea levels, and melting glaciers. Consequently, they experience increased illness rates, heightened susceptibility to future ailments, livelihood losses, poverty, and enforced migration. Individuals grapple with these changes, striving to adapt and better equip themselves for impending events. Vulnerability, arising from the interplay between exposure, sensitivity, and the capacity to adapt or confront these challenges, becomes apparent.
Nonetheless, the repercussions of the same exposure on health may differ among individuals. Those residing in areas with greater green cover, improved living conditions, access to education, stable employment, robust social safety nets, and resilient healthcare systems are better equipped to adapt and alleviate the impacts. Conversely, marginalized populations lacking secure livelihoods, facing financial burdens when family members fall ill, and dwelling in vulnerable conditions are more susceptible to these climate-induced changes.