Climate change alone could affect the health of over 50 per cent of India's population, especially the underprivileged, without access to healthcare, sanitation, or employment, according to a recent study
Climate change affects everyone, but its impacts are far from uniform. Individuals with better living conditions, education, stable employment, and access to social safety nets possess the privilege of adapting and mitigating consequences more effectively. However, the risks are significantly amplified for those residing on the margins, with precarious livelihoods and limited healthcare access.
India grapples with a critical challenge: climate change-induced health vulnerability. Prolonged summers, erratic rainfall, floods, droughts, and rising sea levels are harsh realities exacerbating the frequency and severity of illnesses, pushing people into poverty, and triggering migration.
A ground-breaking study published in Climatic Change unveils the alarming future Indians face. By analysing 50 indicators across 640 Indian districts, researchers comprehensively mapped exposure, sensitivity to hot weather, and adaptive capacities (ACs) to assess health vulnerability. The findings are stark:
1. 298 districts, housing 52 percent of the population, face high or very high exposure.
2. 184 districts, home to 30 percent of the people, are highly or very sensitive.
3. 153 districts, where 20 percent of the population lives, have moderate or low ACs.
Additionally, the study identifies 38 districts with very high vulnerability, 306 with increased vulnerability, 278 with moderate vulnerability, and 18 with low vulnerability. States with the highest number of vulnerable districts include Uttar Pradesh (37), Rajasthan (15), and Madhya Pradesh (3).
India's climate crisis demands a radical shift in development thinking. Traditional models cannot safeguard millions facing unprecedented health risks. This study serves as a wake-up call and a pivotal step in comprehending and addressing India's intricate challenges of climate change and health.
The time has come to transition from awareness to action, constructing a more equitable and resilient future for all.
The researchers propose multi-sectoral policy responses to tackle the root causes of vulnerability:
1. Investing in Health: Increased public spending on health could significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenditure and enhance access to primary healthcare, especially in vulnerable districts with high infant mortality and poor child health.
2. Addressing Social Determinants of Health: Offering sustainable livelihoods, improving working conditions, expanding social safety nets, and enhancing education can reduce sensitivity and bolster adaptive capacity.
3. Strengthening Data Systems: Robust, dynamic data systems are vital for effective policymaking. Improved data sharing, collaboration, and trust within the healthcare system are essential.
4. Empowering Local Communities: Involving institutions of local self-governance in the climate and health agenda is crucial for effective adaptation and mitigation strategies.
5. Holding the System Accountable: Increased health system accountability to the people is vital for ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare.