<p>Mumbai: Majority Indians have knowledge about global warming and are worried about climate change, according to a survey report released in the United States by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication and CVoter International.</p><p>“India is already experiencing climate impacts, from record heat waves to severe floods to stronger storms,” said Dr Anthony Leiserowitz of Yale University. </p><p>“While many in India still do not know much about global warming, they overwhelmingly think the climate is changing and are worried about it,” he added. </p>.Himalayan mountains vulnerable because of climate change: experts .<p>“Indians strongly support ambitious and credible climate policies, despite being aware of the challenges in shifting to a clean energy powered-economy that is just and equitable,” said Dr Jagadish Thaker of the University of Queensland. “Despite high levels of worry and vulnerability, Indians see climate action as a way to secure a bright future for the country,” he added. </p><p>The report, titled “Climate Change in the Indian Mind, Spring 2025,” finds that more than half people in India (53 per cent) say they know at least “something” about global warming. However, 27 per cent say they have “never heard of” global warming.</p><p>When given a short definition of global warming and how it affects weather patterns, 96 per cent of people in India say they think global warming is happening.</p><p>Around 90 per cent of people in India are worried about global warming, including 58 per cent who are “very worried.” Majorities think global warming affects weather in their local area (79 per cent) and monsoons in India (83 per cent) either “a lot” or “some.”</p><p>Indians experienced the hottest year on record in 2024, with temperatures over 1°C above normal in several Indian states. More than 450 heatwave deaths were officially reported, including government officials who died conducting elections in the world’s largest democracy.</p><p>When asked about specific causes of global warming, 82 per cent understand that vehicles that use petrol or diesel cause global warming “a lot” or “some.” Additionally, 61 per cent understand that electricity power plants that use coal or propane cause global warming. However, only 26% think that raising animals for food causes global warming. Meanwhile, 84% think that plastic pollution (which is not a major source of greenhouse gas emissions) causes global warming, while 37% attribute global warming to God’s will.</p><p>“Climate change communicators in India need to urgently address public misconceptions about the causes and effects of climate change,” said Dr Leiserowitz.</p><p>“As extreme weather harms people across the country, Indians want to learn more about climate change, support government action, and are willing to get personally involved in reducing emissions and preparing for the impacts,” said Yashwant Deshmukh, founder and director of CVoter International.</p>
<p>Mumbai: Majority Indians have knowledge about global warming and are worried about climate change, according to a survey report released in the United States by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication and CVoter International.</p><p>“India is already experiencing climate impacts, from record heat waves to severe floods to stronger storms,” said Dr Anthony Leiserowitz of Yale University. </p><p>“While many in India still do not know much about global warming, they overwhelmingly think the climate is changing and are worried about it,” he added. </p>.Himalayan mountains vulnerable because of climate change: experts .<p>“Indians strongly support ambitious and credible climate policies, despite being aware of the challenges in shifting to a clean energy powered-economy that is just and equitable,” said Dr Jagadish Thaker of the University of Queensland. “Despite high levels of worry and vulnerability, Indians see climate action as a way to secure a bright future for the country,” he added. </p><p>The report, titled “Climate Change in the Indian Mind, Spring 2025,” finds that more than half people in India (53 per cent) say they know at least “something” about global warming. However, 27 per cent say they have “never heard of” global warming.</p><p>When given a short definition of global warming and how it affects weather patterns, 96 per cent of people in India say they think global warming is happening.</p><p>Around 90 per cent of people in India are worried about global warming, including 58 per cent who are “very worried.” Majorities think global warming affects weather in their local area (79 per cent) and monsoons in India (83 per cent) either “a lot” or “some.”</p><p>Indians experienced the hottest year on record in 2024, with temperatures over 1°C above normal in several Indian states. More than 450 heatwave deaths were officially reported, including government officials who died conducting elections in the world’s largest democracy.</p><p>When asked about specific causes of global warming, 82 per cent understand that vehicles that use petrol or diesel cause global warming “a lot” or “some.” Additionally, 61 per cent understand that electricity power plants that use coal or propane cause global warming. However, only 26% think that raising animals for food causes global warming. Meanwhile, 84% think that plastic pollution (which is not a major source of greenhouse gas emissions) causes global warming, while 37% attribute global warming to God’s will.</p><p>“Climate change communicators in India need to urgently address public misconceptions about the causes and effects of climate change,” said Dr Leiserowitz.</p><p>“As extreme weather harms people across the country, Indians want to learn more about climate change, support government action, and are willing to get personally involved in reducing emissions and preparing for the impacts,” said Yashwant Deshmukh, founder and director of CVoter International.</p>