Based on analysis of 593 districts across 21 states, the study shows poverty in India is increasingly climate-linked, requiring urgent policy response.
- The National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) is an autonomous research institute under the Department of Atomic Energy.
Relationship between Climate Change and Poverty
- Climate Induced Economic Stress:
- Recurring floods: They damage crops, infrastructure, and homes, pushing vulnerable populations into cycles of loss and recovery.
- Drought Trap: Agriculture dependent drought prone regions face higher poverty due to crop failures and debt cycles.
- Economic diversification as a buffer: Service-oriented economies are less directly exposed to weather disruptions and offer more stable income opportunities.
- 1 unit increase of service sector in its GSDP lowers poverty probability by ~1.9%.
- Tribal Vulnerability: ST populations are more vulnerable to climate shocks, due to dependence on natural resources, and show a greater likelihood of poverty.
Way Forward
- Region-Specific Policies: Move beyond one size fits all to district-level targeted strategies based on local vulnerabilities.
- Strengthen Implementation: Improve execution of National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), State Action Plans (SAPCC) and SDG India Index.
- Climate Resilient Agriculture: Promote drought-resistant crops, efficient irrigation systems etc.
- Others: Expanding non-farm employments, Integrated policymaking, investments in disaster resilient infrastructures etc.
