New nationwide study reveals deep public concern over extreme weather and global warming effects
As climate-related disasters intensify across India, a new nationwide survey by Yale Program on Climate Change Communication (YPCCC) and CVoter has revealed that over half of Indians are “very worried” about the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events. Conducted between December 5, 2024, and February 18, 2025, the survey captured responses from 10,751 adults across the country, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Majorities reported experiencing extreme heat, drought, power cuts, and pollution in the past year, linking these events directly to global warming.
The data shows that 71% of respondents endured severe heatwaves, 60% faced agricultural pests and diseases, 59% dealt with power outages, and over half experienced droughts, water pollution, and air pollution. Most people associated these events with the effects of global warming, citing it as a significant factor driving local environmental disruptions.
According to the findings, 61% are “very worried” about plant and animal extinctions, 62% about agricultural pests, and 58% about droughts and water shortages. Other significant concerns include heatwaves (56%), air and water pollution (both over 50%), and food shortages (51%).
Climate change is no longer seen as a distant threat — for many Indians, it is a lived reality.
The survey also revealed that a majority believe global warming is intensifying extreme weather events such as heatwaves (62%), floods (53%), cyclones (54%), and erratic monsoon patterns (52%). Even impacts like power outages (43%) were attributed to climate disruptions by a considerable portion of respondents.
Despite this awareness, 32% of Indians admitted they had never heard of global warming before the survey — a figure that underscores the urgent need for public education campaigns. The report highlights a critical gap between the daily lived experience of climate impacts and broader scientific understanding among the population.
These findings serve as a clarion call for policymakers to prioritize climate education, resilience-building, and emissions reduction.
The survey methodology included mobile phone interviews across 12 Indian languages, with weighting to reflect national demographics such as age, gender, education, income, and urban-rural divide. By reflecting diverse voices across the country, the results offer a clear picture of India’s mounting climate anxiety.