Asia emerged as the second warmest region in 2023, with a mean temperature 0.91°C higher than the 1991-2020 reference period, as per the World Meteorological Organisation’s (WMO) State of the Climate in Asia report. Despite this, climate change has been conspicuously absent from the discourse surrounding India’s upcoming general elections.
The report highlighted extreme weather events faced by India last year, including heatwaves, floods, and a GLOF. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo emphasized the critical juncture where climate change intersects with societal inequalities, underscoring its relevance amid the upcoming elections. However, the climate crisis has yet to gain traction as a key election issue.
Political manifestos have generally remained muted on climate change, mentioning forest and indigenous rights and renewable energy expansion. However, ecological disasters need to be viewed through a political lens, addressing issues of justice and equity. The report noted below-normal winter precipitation in the Hindu Kush region, leading to diminished water levels in key reservoirs.
In light of these weather extremes, political parties’ promises to reduce economic losses in the hills and improve irrigation systems in the plains appear insufficient without a broader, nationwide, and even global perspective. Disasters like the GLOF in Sikkim’s South Lhonak Lake serve as case studies for decision-makers. The WMO report itself could aid regional decision-making, but only if these disasters shape election campaigns.
Thus far, extreme weather has received only cursory attention in party plans. The BJP aims to launch a mission for weather preparedness and climate resilience, while the Congress plans to study landslides and protect coastal zones. The CPI(M) promises measures to prevent riverbed degradation in urban areas. Yet, no party has presented a comprehensive climate vision.
The onus also falls on voters to hold candidates accountable for their climate preparedness plans. It is crucial to elect a government that prioritizes long-term climate resilience and implements policies beyond immediate populist measures.
