A new study has found that children living in India’s districts most vulnerable to climate change are 25% more likely to be underweight than those in less vulnerable regions, highlighting the deep impact of climate risks on public health.
According to the research published in PLOS One, districts facing high climate vulnerability consistently lag behind on key health indicators, including stunting and access to healthcare services.
The study, conducted by researchers at Delhi’s Institute of Economic Growth, also noted that nearly 80% of India’s population resides in areas prone to extreme weather events—such as cyclones, floods, and heatwaves. These escalating climate risks, the researchers warned, could threaten India’s progress toward achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
