Majority Of Indians Face Risk of Climate-Related Disease
India-West News Desk
NEW DELHI – Former WHO Chief Scientist Dr. Soumya Swaminathan has emphasized that nearly everyone in India is now vulnerable to climate change, citing its impacts on health, gender, and economic stability. She highlighted that women and children are particularly at risk, especially in rural areas where reliance on solid fuels for cooking exacerbates health issues. Swaminathan stressed the urgent need for cross-ministerial and international collaboration to address these challenges.
Swaminathan noted that over 80% of India’s population faces climate-related health risks, ranging from respiratory diseases to malnutrition caused by disrupted agriculture. She pointed out the specific challenges faced by urban migrants, who often live in poorly equipped areas vulnerable to extreme weather events like floods.
Promoting green public transportation, Swaminathan said, could be a “win-win solution” by reducing air pollution and encouraging physical activity, improving public health. She emphasized the need for policies that integrate climate and health objectives, such as promoting clean cooking fuels and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure.
Swaminathan also advocated for a gendered approach to climate policy, highlighting the importance of addressing the needs of women and marginalized communities to ensure more inclusive and effective climate action. She called for more research on climate impacts specific to gender to support targeted interventions.
In addressing the economic costs, Swaminathan referenced studies showing that climate-driven air pollution costs the global economy trillions of dollars annually, making climate action a pressing economic necessity. She also stressed the need for cross-border collaboration to tackle air pollution, noting that it is a global issue that cannot be solved by any single country alone. Swaminathan concluded that India, through innovation and global cooperation, can lead in climate adaptation and sustainable urban development.
