Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, former chief scientist of the World Health Organization, has said that almost everyone in India is now vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and has called for inter-ministerial and international efforts to address its impacts on health, gender and economic stability. The urgent need for cooperation has been underlined. In the country.
Swaminathan described women and children as particularly vulnerable to these climate-driven health risks.
In an interview with PTI on the sidelines of COP29, the global climate talks in the Azerbaijan capital here, Swaminathan called for a concerted approach, saying, “Practically everyone in India is now vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, extreme heat to vector-borne diseases.” This requires close cooperation.”
“We know that climate change has a disproportionate impact on women and children,” she explained, noting how women, especially in rural areas, are at increased risk of health risks due to continued reliance on solid fuels for cooking. Have to face.
He stressed that “access to clean energy for everyone is a priority.”
He argued that this would not only reduce health risks associated with indoor air pollution, but would also reduce India’s carbon footprint, an important step towards sustainable development.
Climate-related health risks in India are diverse, ranging from immediate impacts such as respiratory illnesses due to air pollution to long-term issues such as malnutrition resulting from disrupted agricultural cycles.
Swaminathan said more than 80 percent of India’s population is now exposed to these risks, stressing that “everyone is now vulnerable” from rural farmers to urban migrants.
He highlighted the specific challenges faced by the urban poor, particularly those migrants who live in suburban areas with inadequate housing and sanitation, which puts them at greater risk during floods and extreme weather events.
With health as a central theme, Swaminathan emphasized the benefits of green public transport, an initiative he described as a “win-win solution”.
“Carbon-neutral public transport will not only reduce air pollution but also promote physical activity and thereby improve health,” he said. He said reducing pollution will have a positive impact on public health by curbing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
He also highlighted that India’s urban centers are hotspots for these health issues due to dense population and high pollution levels.
Swaminathan called for policies that integrate both health and climate objectives, stressing that this approach can accelerate development while building resilience against climate risks.
“If we do that kind of analysis, we can invest in actions that promote growth and reduce our carbon footprint,” he said, advocating for policies that have a “climate-resilient focus.” Gives priority to “Development with”.
Examples of such integrated actions include promoting clean cooking fuels, improving access to safe drinking water, and investing in infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather.
Dr. Swaminathan advocated for a gender perspective in climate policy, urging policymakers to “pay attention to women as well as the poorest communities.”
She argued that gender equality and social equity are essential for effective climate policy, stating that “by adopting a gender perspective in all policies, we can ensure more inclusive and effective climate action.”
Swaminathan called for more research on gender-specific climate impacts, noting that this data would help policymakers create more targeted, meaningful interventions.
The economic costs of climate-driven health impacts are also severe.
Swaminathan pointed to recent studies showing that climate-related air pollution alone costs the global economy trillions of dollars annually, affecting productivity, agriculture and even tourism.
“If you look at the GDP loss and workplace productivity lost due to air pollution, it’s huge – in the trillions,” he said. This, he argued, makes climate action not only a moral imperative but an economic necessity.
Addressing air pollution as a transboundary issue, Swaminathan said pollution does not recognize borders, making it important for India and other countries to engage in global cooperation.
“Air pollution is the biggest risk factor for health today,” he said, adding, “It is not a problem that any country can solve on its own.”
He referred to the Our Common Air (OCA) Commission, a global effort of which he is part, which is working with international bodies such as WHO and UNEP to promote global standards and monitoring mechanisms for air quality.
“We need a system where every country can monitor air quality and update its data, including super pollutants like methane and black carbon,” Swaminathan said. He said these pollutants are extremely dangerous, yet they are often ignored.
Swaminathan further explained the importance of local data, arguing that it would give a more accurate picture of the impact of pollution on different regions of India.
“Policymakers want to see data from their own areas; it makes the issue real for them and helps create local solutions,” he said.
Reflecting on the invisible nature of the health effects of pollution, Swaminathan commented, “When air pollution is visible, people recognize it as a problem, but often it is invisible, and people become accustomed to it. “
He emphasized that while mortality from pollution-related diseases is often discussed, policymakers should focus on the widespread chronic diseases caused by poor air quality.
“It’s not just about death – it’s about long-term ill health that impacts quality of life and productivity,” he said. Young children and the elderly are especially vulnerable, he said.
For Swaminathan, tackling climate change is fundamentally linked to India’s development goals.
“For us, growth is still a key priority,” he said. While India has made progress in expanding access to electricity and clean water, he stressed that much work still remains, especially in rural areas where communities lack basic infrastructure.
His vision for India’s climate adaptation includes not only reducing health risks but also ensuring that development initiatives from housing to sanitation are climate-resilient.
Swaminathan expressed optimism about India’s ability to lead in climate adaptation through innovation, global cooperation and commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.
He pointed to Indian cities as potential leaders in air quality initiatives and green infrastructure, saying that “India can become a model for sustainable urbanization if we prioritize both development and environmental health.”
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
