“Climate change has transformed from an environmental issue into a long-term development challenge.” Discuss.

Climate change, once viewed purely as an environmental issue, has evolved into a structural development challenge that affects economic planning, infrastructure decisions, agriculture, public health, and national security.

Why It Is More Than an Environmental Issue

• Rising temperatures impact agriculture, livelihoods, food security, and water availability.
• Floods, cyclones, heatwaves, and droughts are becoming more common, stalling growth and putting a strain on public finances.
• Climate modeling is currently being used to evaluate urban resilience, infrastructure durability, and energy systems.
• Air pollution, vector-borne infections, and heat stress have an immediate impact on human capital.

Developmental Consequences

• Climate risk jeopardizes poverty reduction by disproportionately affecting disadvantaged groups.
• Coastal communities and economic corridors incur enormous adaptation costs.
• The energy transition has ramifications for budgeting, employment patterns, and industrial strategy.
• Climate-related migration has emerged as a social and governance concern.

India’s Response

• Climate issues are addressed via the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and state action plans.
• Push for sustainable energy (Green Hydrogen Mission, Solar Parks, and PM-KUSUM).
• Disaster risk reduction is accomplished by NDMA, early warning systems, and resilient infrastructure (CRIS, CDRI).
• International leadership via ISA, LiFE, and climate finance diplomacy.

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About the Author: Jyoti Verma