As temperatures soar and extreme weather events become more frequent, India finds itself grappling with a harsh reality: its infrastructure is woefully unprepared to cope with the impacts of climate change. The consequences are dire, particularly for the majority of Indian households, both rural and urban, which lack access to essential cooling systems.
A staggering 90 percent of Indian homes lack air conditioning or cooling systems, leaving millions vulnerable to the scorching heatwaves that are becoming increasingly common. Instead, reliance is placed on electric fans, which only serve to circulate hot air, exacerbating the discomfort during heatwaves.
Compounding this issue is the unreliable power supply, especially in rural areas. Frequent power cuts and poor-quality transmission wires strain the already fragile infrastructure, leading to breakdowns and outages, particularly during peak summer months. The overloading of power supply further stresses the grid, highlighting the urgent need for substantial upgrades.
India’s Infrastructure: Failing to Beat the Heat of Climate Change
But it’s not just households that are suffering. The lack of a full air conditioning transport system, including in government and private buses, as well as local and long-distance trains, leaves commuters exposed to extreme temperatures during their journeys. Schools, too, lack adequate cooling systems, putting the health and well-being of students at risk.
Moreover, the availability of cool drinking water in public places across India remains a major concern, particularly in cities and rural areas where access to fresh water is limited. The absence of shelters from the hot sun further exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals trying to escape the heat.
Despite these glaring deficiencies, the Indian government has yet to implement a comprehensive strategy to address the country’s evolving climate reality. Both at the federal and state levels, there is a notable absence of cohesive plans to mitigate the impacts of climate change on infrastructure and ensure the resilience of communities.
The lack of action is particularly concerning given the scale of the challenge ahead. According to recent studies, India is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, with rising temperatures posing significant risks to public health, agriculture, and economic stability. Without adequate infrastructure in place, the consequences could be catastrophic.
To confront this crisis, urgent measures are needed. Investments in resilient infrastructure, including improved cooling systems and upgraded power grids, must be prioritized. Additionally, efforts to enhance energy efficiency and promote renewable energy sources can help mitigate the strain on existing infrastructure while reducing carbon emissions.
Furthermore, robust policy frameworks are essential to guide adaptation and resilience-building efforts at all levels of government. This includes measures to integrate climate considerations into infrastructure planning and development, as well as initiatives to ensure equitable access to cooling technologies, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Addressing the challenges posed by climate change requires decisive action and coordinated efforts from all stakeholders. It is time for the Indian government to acknowledge the urgency of the situation and take meaningful steps to bolster the country’s infrastructure against the escalating impacts of climate change. Failure to do so risks leaving millions of Indians exposed to the ravages of an increasingly unforgiving climate. The time to act is now.
