Levels of knowledge and perceptions vary significantly by region. Nationally, about 85 per cent of respondents are worried about severe heat waves and droughts, while 76 per cent are concerned about cyclones and 71 per cent about floods.
A groundbreaking national survey has shed light on the varied opinions and levels of awareness regarding climate change across India. The study highlights significant geographic disparities in climate knowledge, perceptions, and policy preferences, offering a new tool for policymakers to tailor climate action more effectively.
India, a nation acutely vulnerable to climate change impacts, has long been a crucial participant in global climate negotiations. The country has rolled out numerous national and state-level policies aimed at enhancing energy efficiency, developing clean energy sources, and preparing for climate-related impacts. Currently, 33 States and Union Territories have implemented state-level action plans to combat climate change. Despite these efforts, the survey reveals that public understanding and concerns about climate change are far from uniform across the country.
The survey, titled ‘Variations in climate opinions across India’ carried out by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communications introduces the Yale Climate Opinion Maps for India that provides detailed insights into public responses to climate change across 34 of India’s 36 states and union territories. This pioneering tool offers a granular view of climate change knowledge, beliefs, risk perceptions, and policy preferences.
Key Findings
The survey shows that while a large majority of Indians are concerned about climate-related hazards, their level of knowledge and perceptions vary significantly by region. Nationally, about 85 per cent of respondents are worried about severe heat waves and droughts, while 76 per cent are concerned about cyclones and 71 per cent about floods.
However, there is notable geographic variation in climate awareness. For instance, 52 per cent of people in Gujarat report knowing a lot or something about global warming, compared to just 33 per cent in Maharashtra. Additionally, people living in state capitals generally have a higher level of climate change knowledge compared to those in rural districts.
When respondents were provided with a brief definition of global warming, 82 per cent acknowledged that it is happening. Yet, only 54 per cent attributed global warming to human activities, revealing a significant gap between public understanding and the scientific consensus, which attributes global warming primarily to human actions. For example, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 68 per cent of respondents recognize human activities as the primary cause of global warming, whereas only 43 per cent do so in Kheri, Uttar Pradesh.
Risk Perceptions
The survey also highlights the high prevalence of personal experience with climate change among Indians. A striking 78 per cent of respondents reported having personally felt the effects of global warming, a figure significantly higher than the 44 per cent reported in the United States. However, this experience varies widely, from 90 per cent in Haryana to just 49 per cent in Andhra Pradesh. Generally, northern states report more personal experiences with climate change compared to their southern counterparts.
Despite varying personal experiences, risk perceptions about climate change impacts are more consistent. Nationally, 85 per cent of Indians are worried about global warming, and 74 per cent believe it will worsen heat waves. Concerns about climate change impacts are notably high in states like Kerala, Goa, and Punjab, while states such as Karnataka and Tamil Nadu exhibit relatively lower risk perceptions.
The survey also underscores the regional differences in perceived climate risks. For example, drought is a major concern in the northwest, while flooding is more pressing in the east. The southern states face a mix of cyclone, drought, and flooding risks. Furthermore, plant and animal extinctions and food shortages are widely acknowledged as potential consequences of global warming, with 70 per cent and 64 per cent of respondents respectively, foreseeing these risks.
Policy Preferences
In terms of policy preferences, there is broad support for transitioning to clean and renewable energy sources. Nationally, 58 per cent of Indians advocate for reduced fossil fuel use, with majorities in all but 16 districts supporting this stance. Similarly, 59 per cent favour increased use of renewable energy. Support for these policies varies by region: Andhra Pradesh shows the lowest support for reducing fossil fuels (37 per cent), while Haryana demonstrates the highest support (70 per cent). Support for renewable energy is strongest in Goa and Kerala (72 per cent) but weakest in Assam (41 per cent).
Implications for Policymaking
Understanding these regional variations in climate change knowledge and opinions is crucial for effective policymaking. As India continues to develop and refine its State Action Plans on Climate Change and Net Zero targets, engaging with the public and addressing these regional disparities will be essential for the successful implementation of climate solutions.
This survey provides a valuable resource for Indian policymakers and climate advocates, offering detailed insights into public perceptions that can inform more targeted and effective climate strategies across the country.
