Extreme Weather in India Sparks Urgent Migration Concerns

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.

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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.