The 2024 Economic Survey has identified India as the seventh most vulnerable nation to climate change, underscoring the country’s heightened susceptibility to extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and growing water insecurity. The survey highlights significant challenges India faces in mitigating climate change and adapting to its impacts.

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• India ranks as the 7th most vulnerable country to climate change, as per the Economic Survey.
• Extreme weather events like heatwaves, floods, and cyclones have affected 93% of days in 2024.
• The climate crisis threatens agricultural productivity, leading to food inflation and social unrest.
• India’s GDP could be reduced by 3% to 10% annually due to the economic impacts of climate change.
• Vulnerable developing nations like India face disproportionate climate challenges despite being less responsible for emissions.
• India struggles with renewable energy deployment, especially due to lack of storage technology and access to minerals.
• The government has increased adaptation expenditures from 3.7% to 5.6% of GDP between FY16 and FY22.
• Climate adaptation finance targets set at $300 billion annually by 2035 fall short of the estimated $5.1 to $6.8 trillion needed by 2030.
• India aims for net-zero emissions by 2070 but requires substantial investment and innovative strategies to achieve this.
• Women, particularly in rural areas, face disproportionate climate change impacts, with a growing focus on self-help groups to offer alternative livelihoods.