Delhi : As the climate crisis intensifies, 2025 has emerged as a pivotal year, with India experiencing unprecedented weather extremes that underscore the urgent need for adaptive strategies.
India faced an early and intense heatwave in April 2025, with temperatures soaring above 40°C in Delhi and reaching a staggering 46.4°C in Barmer, Rajasthan. Such extremes are becoming increasingly common, attributed largely to human-driven climate change. Meanwhile, the Himalayas recorded their lowest snowfall in 23 years, threatening the freshwater supply for nearly two billion people across Asia. This decline jeopardizes agriculture, hydropower, and drinking water resources in the region.
Globally, abrupt temperature shifts rapid transitions between extreme heat and cold have increased, affecting over 60% of the planet. These fluctuations, driven by jet stream changes and soil moisture variations, pose significant challenges to agriculture and infrastructure. Climate change also poses a substantial economic threat to India, with projections indicating a potential GDP loss of up to 25% by 2070 due to rising sea levels and decreased productivity.
In response, India has increased its adaptation expenditures from 3.7% to 5.6% of GDP between FY16 and FY22. Initiatives like Ahmedabad’s use of smartwatches to monitor worker health and implementation of cool roof technology aim to mitigate heat stress in vulnerable communities.
There are both positive and negative implications. On the positive side, there is heightened awareness leading to increased investment in renewable energy and sustainable practices, along with the development of innovative technologies for climate adaptation and resilience. However, the cons are severe: increased frequency of extreme weather events continues to cause loss of life and property, while economic disruptions affect agriculture and labor productivity.
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*Preety Chaudhary is a freelancer and scholar-author with a keen focus on environmental issues. A member of the Delhi Journalist Association, she actively writes on climate change, sustainability, ecosystem services, and occupational health.*
