As India strides toward becoming a global superpower, it faces a critical and often overlooked challenge—the profound impact of climate change on public health. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation are not just ecological or economic issues; they are driving a silent health crisis that threatens millions of lives and the nation’s economic future.
How Climate Change Is Affecting Health in India
India is uniquely vulnerable due to its large population, rapid urbanization, and diverse climate zones. The health impacts of climate change manifest in multiple ways:
1. Heat Stress and Heat-Related Illnesses
India has experienced record-breaking heatwaves in recent years, with summers growing longer and hotter. Heatwaves increase cases of heat exhaustion, heatstroke, dehydration, and exacerbate cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, especially among the elderly, children, and outdoor workers.
- In 2021, India lost an estimated 160 billion labor hours due to heat exposure, causing a productivity loss of around 5.4% of GDP.
- By 2030, heat stress could lead to the loss of 34 million full-time jobs annually, primarily in agriculture and construction sectors, which employ over half the workforce[1].
2. Air Pollution and Respiratory Diseases
Rising temperatures worsen air quality by increasing ozone and particulate matter levels. This leads to higher rates of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory illnesses.
- Air pollution contributes to approximately 1.67 million deaths annually in India and costs the economy about $36 billion in healthcare and lost labor[1][6].
3. Vector-Borne and Waterborne Diseases
Changing rainfall patterns and flooding expand the habitats of disease vectors like mosquitoes, increasing the spread of malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and other infections.
- By 2050, climate change could put an additional 500 million people at risk of vector-borne diseases[4].
- Floods and poor sanitation exacerbate waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid, costing India around $600 million annually in treatment and lost productivity[1].
4. Malnutrition and Child Health
Climate-induced crop failures and food insecurity contribute to malnutrition, especially affecting children.
- Child stunting is projected to increase by 35% by 2050 due to climate change impacts on food systems[5].
5. Mental Health and Social Displacement
Extreme weather events, displacement, and economic stress increase mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Untreated mental health conditions linked to climate stressors may cost India over $90 billion annually in indirect costs[1].
Economic and Social Consequences
The health impacts of climate change impose a heavy economic burden:
| Impact Area | Estimated Cost/Impact |
|---|---|
| Labor productivity loss | 5.4% of GDP due to heat exposure (2021) |
| Healthcare costs | $36 billion annually due to air pollution |
| Waterborne disease burden | $600 million in treatment and lost productivity |
| Vector-borne disease costs | Over $1 billion annually |
| Mental health indirect costs | $90 billion annually |
These figures highlight the urgent need to integrate health considerations into climate policies to safeguard India’s human capital and economic growth[1][4].
Building Climate-Resilient Health Systems
India’s healthcare infrastructure faces significant climate risks:
- Over 40% of Indian districts have healthcare systems exposed to high climate risk.
- Only 20% of health facilities meet climate resilience benchmarks, limiting their ability to respond to climate-induced health emergencies[7].
To address this, experts recommend:
- Strengthening health infrastructure to withstand floods, heatwaves, and other climate events.
- Enhancing disease surveillance and early warning systems for climate-sensitive illnesses.
- Training healthcare workers on climate-related health risks.
- Promoting urban cooling solutions and climate-resilient housing.
- Increasing collaboration between health and environment ministries for integrated policy-making[1][4][7].
The Way Forward: Integrating Climate and Health Policies
India must prioritize climate-health nexus in its development agenda by:
- Quantifying and incorporating climate-related health costs into economic planning.
- Expanding public awareness about climate risks and preventive health measures.
- Leveraging private sector innovation for climate-resilient health interventions.
- Advocating for increased global climate funding focused on health adaptation.
- Aligning national climate goals with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health and well-being[1][6].
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Climate change is the single biggest health threat facing India today. Its impacts ripple through every aspect of life—from labor productivity and economic growth to the well-being of the most vulnerable populations. Addressing this crisis requires urgent, coordinated efforts to build resilient health systems, protect communities, and integrate climate considerations into all levels of policy and planning.
India’s future as a global superpower depends not only on economic and technological progress but also on safeguarding the health of its people against the mounting challenges of climate change.
References
- Times of India, “The unseen health impact of climate on India’s superpower aspirations,” April 2025
- Environmental Health Perspectives, “Impacts of Climate Change on Public Health in India”
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, National Programme on Climate Change & Human Health
- Centre for Energy Environment and Water (CEEW), “How can India Build Climate-Resilient Health Systems?”
- World Bank, “India: Climate Change Impacts”
- WHO India, “Climate Change and Health”
- CEEW Report, “How can India Make its Health Sector Climate Resilient?” February 2025
This article highlights the urgent intersection of climate change and health in India, emphasizing the need for integrated action to protect lives and livelihoods.
Citations:
[1] The unseen health impact of climate on India’s superpower aspirations https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/the-unseen-health-impact-of-climate-on-indias-superpower-aspirations/
[2] Impacts of Climate Change on Public Health in India – EHP Publishing https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/1003000
[3] National Programme on Climate Change & Human Health (NPCCHH) https://ncdc.mohfw.gov.in/national-programme-on-climate-change-human-health/
[4] How can India Build Climate-Resilient Health Systems? – CEEW https://www.ceew.in/publications/how-can-india-build-healthcare-resilience-with-climate-resilient-health-systems
[5] India: Climate Change Impacts – World Bank https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2013/06/19/india-climate-change-impacts
[6] Building climate-resilient health systems in India https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/building-climate-resilient-health-systems-in-india
[7] How can India Make its Health https://www.ceew.in/sites/default/files/ceew-unicefbuilding-climate-resilient-health-report.pdf
[8] Climate change – India – World Health Organization (WHO) https://www.who.int/india/health-topics/climate-change
