What India Really Thinks About Climate Change

India is among the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change. Yet, it also leads in climate negotiations and actions through diverse policies to bolster its energy efficiency, develop clean power sources, and build climate resilience.

During the United Nations COP26 conference in Glasgow, India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, surprised many with his country’s bold climate pledge. He announced that by 2030, half of India’s energy would come from renewable sources. Additionally, by 2070, India aims to stop adding greenhouse gases to the atmosphere and achieve carbon neutrality.

India’s Opinion on Climate Change

To get a clear understanding of the opinions of Indians on climate change, a survey was conducted by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication (YPCCC) and the Centre for Voting Opinion & Trends in Election Research (CVoter) between September 5, 2023, and November 1, 2023.

The survey involved 2,178 respondents aged 18 and older. The survey of 2,178 respondents ages 18 and above revealed that large majorities are worried about climate-related hazards, including severe heat waves (85%), droughts and water shortages (85%), and severe cyclones and floods (76% and 71%, respectively). 

The authors have also developed an online interactive tool called the Yale Climate Opinion Maps for India, which offers insights into the diverse opinions on climate change across the country. Before the release of the survey results, this information was not widely known.

The interactive map presents estimated public responses to climate change in 34 of India’s 36 states and union territories, as well as in 604 districts. It illustrates variations in knowledge about global warming, beliefs, risk perceptions, and policy preferences at both state and local levels throughout India.

Increasing Awareness of Climate Change in Various Regions in India

The authors find that although India is incredibly diverse, its views about climate change are relatively stable, particularly regarding the role of fossil fuels in global warming. However, urban residents are more aware of climate change than those living in less urban areas. 

The survey’s authors suggest that achieving a uniform awareness of climate change throughout the country requires the development of regionally tailored educational resources.

A study, “A 27-country test of communicating the scientific consensus on climate change” published in August 2024, finds that communicating to the public the overwhelming universal scientific consensus – that 97% to 99.9% of climate scientists agree on climate change’s reality and that human activities cause it significantly reduces misperceptions and slightly increases belief in its existence and causes. The team surveyed over 10,000 people from 27 countries on six continents.

Before reading about climate scientists’ consensus, respondents thought there was a much lower consensus than there is. But when given the new information, respondents adjusted their perceptions, believing and being more concerned about climate change.

The study further notes that the change in perception is more recognisable among those with a lower level of awareness and trust among scientists and with right-leaning views.

The study findings suggest that it is vital to continue to inform the public through all types of media about the consensus among climate scientists. This can increase awareness about climate change, which can drive action, whether through climate adaptation, mitigation, or both.