As India gears up for general elections with almost 970 million voters taking part, the impact of climate change looms large. Extreme weather events like heatwaves, droughts, cyclones, floods, and melting glaciers are wreaking havoc across the country, affecting millions of lives. Despite this, climate change has not been a major focus in the political campaigns.
Farmers in drought-prone regions like Marathwada are struggling to cope with water scarcity, while coastal areas are bracing for stronger cyclones. In Assam, residents on floating river islands fear the worsening floods, and in the Himalayas, melting glaciers are posing a threat to the local ecosystem.
While some regional leaders have addressed climate concerns in their campaigns, national parties have largely ignored the issue. Voters like Vaibhav Maske, Subhashini Ravi, Yaad Ali, and Sanjay Chauhan are urging politicians to prioritize long-term strategies to combat climate change and protect vulnerable communities.
As Indians cast their votes, the need for sustainable policies to mitigate the effects of climate change remains crucial for the country’s future.