Climate change isn’t just an environmental crisis; it’s also a public health emergency impacting millions worldwide. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and shifting ecosystems aren’t only affecting our planet but are having a direct and severe impact on human well-being. For a country like India, where climate and health are deeply intertwined, these effects are even more pronounced.
This blog unpacks the connections between climate change and global health, with a special emphasis on how these issues manifest in India. You’ll learn about direct and indirect health impacts, the unique risks faced by Indian communities, and what we can do to mitigate the looming crisis.
Direct Health Impacts of Climate Change
Heatwaves and Heat-Related Illnesses
India is no stranger to deadly heatwaves. Rising global temperatures have increased their frequency and intensity, with cities like Delhi recording highs exceeding 49°C (120°F). Prolonged exposure to extreme heat leads to heatstroke, dehydration, and cardiovascular stress. Vulnerable populations, such as outdoor laborers and the elderly, are particularly at risk.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department, heatwaves killed over 20,000 people in India between 1992 and 2015. With climate change, these numbers could climb unless immediate measures are taken.
Air Pollution and Respiratory Diseases
Climate change exacerbates air pollution, and air pollution, in turn, worsens climate change. This deadly feedback loop contributes to respiratory issues such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer.
India’s cities often rank among the most polluted in the world. Increased levels of particulate matter (PM 2.5) and ozone are known to cause 1.67 million deaths annually in India, according to a 2020 report by The Lancet. Rising temperatures also trigger chemical reactions in the atmosphere that make polluted air even more toxic.
Vector-Borne Diseases
Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns are expanding the habitats of mosquitoes and other vectors that spread diseases. Outbreaks of malaria, dengue, and chikungunya have surged in India due to longer monsoon seasons and warming climates.
For example, cases of dengue increased from 20,474 in 2001 to over 188,401 in 2022, according to India’s National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme. The expanding range of vectors is threatening new regions that previously had minimal exposure to these diseases.
Water Scarcity and Waterborne Diseases
Climate change has disrupted precipitation patterns, leading to prolonged droughts and severe water shortages in many parts of India. Lack of access to clean water facilitates the spread of waterborne diseases like diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid.
The rural Indian population, reliant on unreliable monsoons for agriculture and drinking water, is particularly vulnerable. Over 54% of India faces high water-stress levels, which could make millions susceptible to these illnesses.
Malnutrition and Food Insecurity
India, a country where agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for over 50% of the population, is already grappling with food security challenges. Rising temperatures, floods, and shifting seasons are disrupting crop yields. Essential staples like rice, wheat, and pulses are at risk.
Malnutrition, particularly among children, is a growing concern. According to UNICEF, 33% of Indian children are malnourished, and climate-induced food shortages threaten to worsen this crisis.
Indirect Health Impacts of Climate Change
Displacement and Mental Health Issues
Climate change is forcing many to migrate, whether due to rising sea levels, droughts, or floods. Displacement creates a ripple effect on mental health, exposing people to anxiety, depression, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
India, with its vast coastline and flood-prone regions, has one of the world’s largest populations at risk of climate displacement. Migrants often face poor living conditions and limited access to healthcare, further deteriorating their physical and mental well-being.
Economic Impacts on Healthcare Systems
The growing burden of climate-related illnesses is straining India’s healthcare infrastructure. More resources are being poured into treating conditions caused by climatic shifts, leaving less funding for preventive and routine care.
For example, the economic cost of treating vector-borne diseases like dengue is escalating. A study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases estimated the per capita cost of direct dengue treatment to range from INR 300 to 17,000. These costs disproportionately impact low-income families.
Specific Risks for India
Geographic Vulnerabilities
India’s geography makes it particularly susceptible to climate change. Its expansive coastline is vulnerable to rising sea levels and cyclones, while its northern regions face melting glaciers and flash floods.
Additionally, extreme weather patterns like erratic monsoons threaten agricultural productivity, intensifying food and livelihood insecurity.
Socioeconomic Factors
India’s socio-economic fabric adds layers of complexity. A large portion of the population lives in poverty, with limited access to healthcare, nutrition, and clean water. These challenges exacerbate climate change’s impact, as marginalized communities shoulder the heaviest burden.
Gender inequality adds another layer, with women in rural India often disproportionately affected due to societal expectations, limited mobility, and a heavier reliance on natural resources.
Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies
Individual Actions
- Conserve water by fixing leaks, harvesting rainwater, and adopting efficient irrigation practices.
- Reduce carbon footprints by using public transport, switching to renewable energy, and practicing energy conservation at home.
- Advocate for sustainable practices, such as reducing waste, using fewer plastic products, and supporting eco-conscious brands.
Community Initiatives
- Educate communities on the importance of sustainability and climate resilience.
- Promote afforestation and soil conservation drives to mitigate erosion and flood risks.
- Establish local-level healthcare camps to offer timely healthcare screenings and vaccinations.
Government Policies
India has initiated several programs to combat climate change, such as the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and the Renewable Energy Mission. The Indian government is also investing in disaster preparedness, early-warning systems, and international collaborations.
However, more robust measures are needed at the grassroots level, including climate-resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies to assist climate-displaced populations.
Addressing Climate Change Is Key to a Healthier Future
Climate change is reshaping the global health landscape in ways we can no longer ignore. Its consequences are visible, far-reaching, and disproportionately impacting countries like India. From heatwaves to malnutrition, every facet of life is under strain.
Yet, all is not grim. By taking individual action, fostering community resilience, and pushing for effective government policies, we can mitigate these effects. The time to act is now before the effects of climate change on health spiral further out of control.
Together, we can ensure a healthier, safer future—for India, and for the world