New Delhi, Nov 18 – A fresh study shows that the climate crisis is hitting India hard. More than 70 % of people across the country say they’ve felt a severe heat wave in the last year, and many also report droughts, water shortages and heavy air pollution.
The Yale Program on Climate Change Communication ran a big survey from 2022 to 2025 with over 19,000 Indian respondents. The data were turned into what the researchers call Climate Opinion Maps, which show how weather extremes and their perceived causes differ in every state and district.
What Indians are facing
- Heat waves – 71 % nationwide say they’ve had a severe heat wave.
- Pests and farm disease – 59 % report problems with crops.
- Power cuts – 59 % have missed electricity.
- Water pollution – 53 % see polluted water.
- Droughts & shortages – 52 % feel water shortages.
- Air pollution – 51 % suffer from bad air quality.
The number of people who notice these problems varies widely by region. Uttar Pradesh, the most populated state, tops the list with 78 % who’ve felt a heat wave, followed by Rajasthan, Haryana and Odisha at 80 %. In contrast, in Kerala and Tamil Nadu a little over half the respondents report heat waves.
When it comes to cyclones, India’s overall figure is 35 %. In Odisha, however, 64 % have been hit by severe cyclones, a country‑wide spike after Cyclone Dana struck the state in October 2024.
Odisha also leads on drought. Over two‑thirds of its people say they’re dealing with drought and water shortages.
Why the maps matter
“It’s crucial for leaders to understand how weather is affecting people in every corner of India,” says Dr. Jagadish Thaker, a senior lecturer at the University of Queensland and a main author of the report. “The maps let state and local governments design climate actions that match what people are actually experiencing, so they build real support.”
Lead researcher Dr. Jennifer Marlon from Yale adds that “these insights help decision makers shape adaptation plans, communication strategies and sustainable development policies that resonate with Indians on the ground.”
The survey underscores that while India ramps up growth, the heat, storm, and drought toll are unevenly spread – a clear call for region‑specific climate solutions.
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