Re-Elected PM Modi Faces The Heat. Literally

India, with its massive population of 1.4 billion, is among the most susceptible nations to climate hazards. This is because many of its citizens lack a safety net, exacerbating their vulnerability to the ravages of heat waves, droughts and floods that are becoming increasingly frequent and severe owing to climate change.  

 

The recent elections took place during a brutal heat wave, with some northern states reporting record high temperatures exceeding 49 degrees Celsius. At least 33 people, including poll workers, are reported to have died from heatstrokes, prompting experts to call for rescheduling future elections to avoid peak summer months.

 

Agriculture, the backbone of India's rapidly growing economy, is also the sole source of livelihood for over half its population. The sector is now under immense strain as it grapples with water scarcity, extreme weather events, and erratic rainfall. Devastated harvests and the looming threat of extreme weather events, all exacerbated by climate change, have sparked widespread discontent among farmers and led to protests against government policies perceived as detrimental to their welfare. The pressure on Modi as he begins his third term is unlikely to ease. 

 

While promoting renewable energy at international summits, the Modi government has also continued to expand coal production. This is driven by a combination of factors: the dominance of coal in the current energy mix, the compelling need to fuel its fast-growing economy, powerful political and economic interests tied to coal, and the need to keep electricity prices low. Despite ambitious renewable energy targets, coal is, therefore, set to retain its position the dominant source of electricity in India for the foreseeable future.

 

Climate change presents a complex challenge for PM Modi. He must address the immediate concerns of extreme weather events impacting millions while also working towards a long-term solution that balances energy security with environmental sustainability. Transforming the agricultural sector to be more resilient in the face of climate change will