Extreme Weather in India Sparks Urgent Migration Concerns

Extreme Weather in India Sparks Urgent Migration Concerns

Post by : Dr. Amrinder Singh

July 12, 2024 12:50 p.m. 1464

Photo: Reuters

In India, extreme weather events such as intense heatwaves, droughts, and devastating floods are occurring with increasing frequency and severity. These environmental disasters are not only causing immense suffering but also exacerbating migration challenges, particularly for vulnerable and impoverished communities.

According to a study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), India experienced 314 days of extreme weather events out of 365 days last year. These events resulted in the loss of 2,923 lives, destruction of nearly two million hectares of crops, damage to 80,000 homes, and the death of over 92,000 animals. The actual figures could be higher due to incomplete data collection.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

Sunita Narain, head of CSE, emphasized that climate change is impoverishing farmers and agricultural workers, making it increasingly difficult for them to cope with extreme weather impacts. "With the growing frequency of these events, people are losing their ability to adapt and are left with no choice but to migrate," Narain explained. She stressed the urgent need for all nations, especially wealthier ones, to take serious climate action to mitigate these impacts.

India already faces one of the highest rates of internal displacement due to disasters globally. The "State of India's Environment-2022" report ranked India fourth globally for climate-induced migration, with over three million people displaced in 2020-2021 alone. The Internal Displacement Monitoring Center estimates that about 14 million people in India are currently displaced due to climate change impacts.

The summer of 2024 has seen devastating floods following extreme heatwaves across parts of India. Temperatures soared to record levels, reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius in cities like New Delhi and states such as Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. These extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense, affecting approximately 80% of India's population living in disaster-prone areas.

Climate scientists warn that as global temperatures continue to rise due to greenhouse gas emissions, these extreme weather events will only worsen. India, currently the third-highest emitter of greenhouse gases, has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 as part of its climate action plan.

Roxy Mathew Koll, a climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, emphasized the need for a comprehensive long-term strategy to address climate-induced migration. "We are witnessing a rapid migration from agricultural areas hit by drought and declining rainfall to densely populated megacities like Mumbai," Koll stated. These migrants often settle in low-lying areas vulnerable to floods and other climate risks, lacking adequate housing and resilience measures.

Experts like Abinash Mohanty from IPE Global stress the importance of "climate-proofing" rural economies and agriculture to mitigate climate impacts and reduce forced migration. They argue for comprehensive policies that address the intertwined challenges of climate change and economic vulnerability, ensuring sustainable livelihoods and resilience for affected communities.

In conclusion, the escalating climate crises in India underscore the critical need for immediate and concerted action to protect vulnerable populations, build climate resilience, and mitigate the drivers of climate-induced migration.

WestJet Implements Temporary Fuel Surcharge on Companion Bookings

WestJet announces a $60 surcharge on companion bookings amid rising fuel prices impacting travel cos

April 6, 2026 1:28 p.m. 1

Al Hudayriyat Island Becomes Key Abu Dhabi Landmark

Al Hudayriyat Island is transforming Abu Dhabi with luxury living, sports, and tourism projects, boo

April 6, 2026 1:21 p.m. 117

Travel Advisors Recommend Insurance as Conflicts Drive Prices Up

With escalating tensions affecting air travel, experts urge passengers to insure their bookings to s

April 6, 2026 1:14 p.m. 32

Russia Drone Strike Hits Odesa, Three Killed Overnight

Russian drones struck Ukraine’s Odesa overnight, killing three, injuring ten, and damaging homes, in

April 6, 2026 1:09 p.m. 138

Vietnam's Prime Minister Engages with Chinese Envoy in Hanoi

PM Chinh and China's Ambassador He Wei discuss enhancing Vietnam-China trade and strategic ties in H

April 6, 2026 1:07 p.m. 130

Abu Dhabi Sees Record 26.6M Visitors in 2025 Growth

Abu Dhabi records 26.6M visitors in 2025, driven by culture, events, and tourism growth, boosting ho

April 6, 2026 1:02 p.m. 136

Artemis II Prepares for Historic Lunar Flyby on April 6

On April 6, 2026, Artemis II embarks on a historic lunar flyby, with astronaut Jeremy Hansen and cre

April 6, 2026 1 p.m. 32

Dubai South Boosts SMEs with Flexible Support Package

Dubai South introduces flexible incentives for SMEs, including rent relief, payment support, and fee

April 6, 2026 12:58 p.m. 134

Historic Voter Turnout in Vietnam's 2026 Elections

Vietnam achieves an exceptional 99.7% voter turnout in the 2026 elections, underscoring public confi

April 6, 2026 12:48 p.m. 133
Sponsored
https://markaziasolutions.com/
Trending News

UAE Art Show in Seoul Challenges Stereotypes

Exhibition in Seoul highlights diverse UAE art, moving beyond luxury stereotypes to explore identity

April 3, 2026 3:21 p.m. 245

Starbucks Strikes Major Partnership for China Growth

Starbucks teams with Boyu Capital, selling a majority stake in China unit to ramp up store growth an

April 3, 2026 1:01 p.m. 246

Couple Among Three Charged in Massive Meth Trafficking Case in Malaysia

Three charged in Malaysia for trafficking 510kg of meth; if convicted, they could face severe penalt

April 3, 2026 11:39 a.m. 239

Murder Suspect Returns to Geylang Crime Scene for Investigation

Singapore police revisit Geylang as a 48-year-old suspect faces charges in the fatal stabbing of a 7

April 3, 2026 10:47 a.m. 257

NASA Launches Artemis II Crew for 10-Day Lunar Mission

NASA launches Artemis II with four astronauts for a 10-day Moon mission, marking the first crewed lu

April 2, 2026 11:03 a.m. 269

Dubai RTA, Ministry Partner for Family First Programme

Dubai RTA and Ministry of Family partner to enhance transport, urban spaces, and services under Fami

April 2, 2026 10:35 a.m. 279

Bank of Baroda Faces Abu Dhabi Legal Battle over NMC Collapse

Bank of Baroda’s involvement in Abu Dhabi litigation tied to the NMC Healthcare collapse raises repu

Feb. 23, 2026 6:01 p.m. 1201

Top Museum Openings of 2026 Set to Transform Global Tourism

From Los Angeles to Abu Dhabi and Brussels, 2026 brings major museum launches—Lucas Museum, Guggenhe

Feb. 23, 2026 5:36 p.m. 1136