Climate Crisis Jeopardizes Health in India
Why Are Rural Women So Vulnerable?
Introduction
The climate crisis is having a profound and disproportionate impact on rural women in India.
Droughts, heat waves, and other disasters fueled by climate change are having severe health impacts on these women. Women in these areas, who are often responsible for household tasks, face heightened vulnerability to these environmental conditions. The current infrastructure in rural India has often restricted access to healthcare, education, and financial resources, exacerbating these challenges.
Understanding the intersection of climate change and gender in these underserved regions is crucial for developing effective policies and interventions that can alleviate health impacts among rural Indian women.
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Water Security
Central India and the Western Ghats and the Northeastern states face severe threats to water security.
163 Million Indians lack access to safe drinking water.
210 Million Indians lack access to improved sanitation. 21% of communicable diseases are linked to unsafe water
Rainfall Patterns
Monsoons could cause crises with droughts and flooding in India.
In the Post Monsoon Rainfall of 2023 (October to December), India received 110.7 mm of rainfall, which was 9% below normal (121 mm). This was categorized as "Normal" by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Droughts
In September 2023, 30% of India's land area experienced drought, worsening crop failures and food security concerns.
By 2027, annual rainfall is projected to be 1,224.56 mm and the maximum amount of rainfall is project to be 324.22 mm. Rainfall peaks at 300 MM annually from 2023 to 2027.
Extreme Heat
An increase of 4 degrees Celsius, Western and Southern India are expected to transition into new climatic patterns, characterized by higher temperatures.
IMD records show 10,000 deaths due to extreme heat from 2003 to 2022. Deaths rose by 34% from 2003-2012 to 2013-2022, likely underestimating actual counts.
Heat Waves & Droughts
India is experiencing an alarming increase in heatwaves and droughts, with the country repeatedly breaking heat records year after year for the past decade. This surge can largely be attributed to anthropogenic climate change, responsible for 37 percent of warm-season heat-related deaths globally.
Women wait for fresh water at a water distribution point in Sanjay camp in New Delhi, India. | Dominque Faget/AFP via Getty Images
Women wait for fresh water at a water distribution point in Sanjay camp in New Delhi, India. | Dominque Faget/AFP via Getty Images
The consequences are particularly severe in rural India, where socioeconomic factors exacerbate the impact. For example, many rural families lack access to air conditioning, making it difficult to cope with the heat. But other factors contribute to particularly difficult situations for rural Indian women.
Women Suffering in the Shadows
Women in rural India are disproportionately affected by heat waves and droughts for several reasons. Women are primarily responsible for fetching water, cooking, and caring for their families. Water scarcity forces them to make more frequent and longer trips to distant water sources, increasing their exposure to extreme heat.
About 80 percent of rural women are engaged in agriculture, where heatwaves and droughts reduce productivity and compel them to work longer hours under harsh conditions to support their families. When heat waves strike, crop yields decline due to reduced soil moisture and increased evapotranspiration. This forces women to work extended hours in the fields, often from early morning until late evening, to ensure their crops survive.
Life-Threatening Health Risks
As a result of facing increased workloads in unsafe conditions, women in these communities are experiencing severe and multifaceted health impacts. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which are life-threatening conditions if not treated promptly. Intense heat increases the risk of dehydration, which can cause severe health problems, including kidney failure, seizures, and hypovolemic shock.
Heatwaves often intensify air pollution, leading to respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Women, who spend significant time outdoors and indoors cooking with biomass fuels, are particularly vulnerable.
Heatwaves and droughts lead to crop failures, reducing food availability and increasing malnutrition rates. Women, who often eat last and least in resource-constrained households, are at higher risk of nutritional deficiencies. The lack of refrigeration and adequate storage facilities in rural areas aggravates this problem.
The stress of dealing with continuous heatwaves and droughts, coupled with economic hardships and increased workload, can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Women, who are often the primary caregivers and providers in rural households, are particularly affected.
While heatwaves and droughts are often highlighted as significant climate disasters impacting rural Indian women, water-related disasters like floods and monsoons also have profound and devastating effects.
Women wait in the water queue for more than two and half hours in the outskirts of Chennai, India. | Atul Loke/Getty Images
Women wait in the water queue for more than two and half hours in the outskirts of Chennai, India. | Atul Loke/Getty Images
Women carry cotton bundles at the end of their work day in the village of Sunna, India in 2008. | Uriel Sinai/Getty Images
Women carry cotton bundles at the end of their work day in the village of Sunna, India in 2008. | Uriel Sinai/Getty Images
Women carry water in jars on their heads in Thar Desert, Rajasthan, India | Franz Aberham / Photodisc
Women carry water in jars on their heads in Thar Desert, Rajasthan, India | Franz Aberham / Photodisc
Water Disasters
While parts of India have long been subject to severe floods, climate change has been driving an increase in the frequency and severity of these events in recent years. These natural disasters can cause extensive damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and homes, disrupting the lives of millions of people and requiring substantial resources for recovery and rebuilding efforts.
In the rural communities most at risk from these disasters, economic precarity and lack of health facilities can turn these disasters into long-term health crises. Women in these communities face some specific and understudied health risks in the aftermath of these disasters.
Health Effects After Disasters
One of the most prominent health effects due to water disasters is vector-borne diseases.
Vector-borne diseases are infections caused by parasites, viruses, and bacteria that are transmitted by vectors, typically insects. These insects thrive in wet environments, meaning that increased moisture can lead to a surge in transmission. Once a vector becomes infectious, it remains so for life, spreading the infection with every bite or blood meal. Mosquitoes are the most common type of vector.
Floods create conditions for other forms of disease transmission as well. For instance, if flood waters are contaminated with human or animal waste, the likelihood of fecal-oral disease transmission may rise, leading to the spread of diarrheal diseases and other bacterial and viral infections. This mode of disease transmission is especially concerning in regions like South Asia, where access to clean water and sanitation is limited. The health issues that rural women are facing often go untreated for a number of reasons, including lack of shelter, washrooms, sanitary products, and proper disposal of feminine care products.
“Women suffer a lot during these times. There are urinary tract infections that are very prevalent in floods,” said Mamta Borgoyary.
Mamta leads an organization called She Changes Climate, which is committed to promoting gender equality and addressing the needs of women affected by these measures. Women, especially in low- and middle-income countries like India, face higher risks due to these water disasters. According to the Global Gender and Climate Alliance, 89 studies found women were more affected by disaster effects of climate change than men.
“Women suffer a lot during these times. There are urinary tract infections that are very prevalent in floods,” said Mamta Borgoyary.
Mamta leads an organization called She Changes Climate, which is committed to promoting gender equality and addressing the needs of women affected by these measures. Women, especially in low- and middle-income countries like India, face higher risks due to these water disasters. According to the Global Gender and Climate Alliance, 89 studies found women were more affected by disaster effects of climate change than men.
A crowd listens to speeches at a rally organized by the Adim Adhikar Surakshya Manch, a group to protect tribal groups in Bijepur, India. | In Pictures Ltd./Corbis via Getty Images
A crowd listens to speeches at a rally organized by the Adim Adhikar Surakshya Manch, a group to protect tribal groups in Bijepur, India. | In Pictures Ltd./Corbis via Getty Images
Socio-Economic Effects
Dalits, the most marginalized group under India’s caste system, also face unique vulnerabilities to climate disasters. This is especially true for Dalit women, who experience the intersections of gender- and caste-based discrimination. They often own or work on land in areas prone to floods, cyclones, and monsoons, making them more susceptible to climate-related hazards. Furthermore, the socio-economic status of Dalit women limits their access to resources and support systems that could help mitigate the impacts of these environmental challenges. Their lack of financial resources, limited educational opportunities, and inadequate healthcare services all contribute to their heightened vulnerability.
Ultimately, a holistic approach that combats challenges from public health, gender equality, and disaster preparedness is essential for building resilient communities capable of withstanding and recovering from natural disasters in the Dalit community.
Courses of Action
Existing Government Initiatives
Addressing the intersection of climate, gender, and health requires a multifaceted approach that intertwines policy, practice, and targeted support.
The Indian government’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), launched in June 2008, laid the groundwork for embedding climate considerations into national and state policies. Its primary goals included promoting renewable energy and sustainable agricultural practices, which provided a foundation for addressing ecological challenges and setting the stage for further adaptation efforts. However, while the NAPCC made significant contributions, it did not adequately address the health consequences of climate change, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Recognizing this gap, the National Action Plan on Climate and Health was subsequently developed to focus on climate-related health issues. This plan introduced specific objectives to monitor health impacts, develop targeted prevention strategies, and enhance educational awareness. Programs like the National Rural Drinking Water Program and the National Health Mission are instrumental in reaching those objectives. These initiatives work to improve access to clean drinking water and healthcare services, directly addressing the health risks associated with climate-induced changes in water availability and quality.
In addition to these health-focused initiatives, other complementary initiatives contribute to addressing the broader environmental and health challenges faced by rural communities. The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), is a notable example. Launched in 2016, the PMUY aims to provide clean cooking fuel to households, particularly benefitting women and vulnerable populations in rural areas. The program distributes liquefied petroleum gas connections to households that primarily rely on traditional biomass fuels such as wood, coal, and crop residues. This transition is crucial not only for improving indoor air quality and reducing health risks like respiratory diseases and infections but also for mitigating environmental degradation caused by pollution.
By integrating these various frameworks, India is making significant strides in addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change, gender inequality, and public health. Each initiative helps work toward a more comprehensive approach to both the environment and health of vulnerable communities.
Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, speaks during the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP28. | Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, speaks during the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP28. | Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images
A protestor holds a sign at a climate strike against governmental inaction towards climate breakdown and environmental pollution in Hyderabad, India, in September 2019. | Noah Seelam/AFP via Getty Images
A protestor holds a sign at a climate strike against governmental inaction towards climate breakdown and environmental pollution in Hyderabad, India, in September 2019. | Noah Seelam/AFP via Getty Images
Critiques
One significant critique of the existing frameworks is the challenge of integrating national plans with state governments, which are responsible for implementing these strategies. Many state governments in India struggle with limited capacity to coordinate effectively between the public health, environmental, and agricultural sectors. This lack of coordination can impede the progress of national policies and hinder their impact at the local level. Research indicates that disparities in resources, administrative capabilities, and policy alignment between national and state levels often lead to inconsistent implementation and varying outcomes. Challenges like these highlight the need for improved mechanisms to bridge the gap between national directives and local execution.
In addition to these integration challenges, there is a notable gap in community input within the existing plans. Katherine Hadda, a visiting fellow with CSIS’s Chair on India Policy Studies, highlights the importance of a community-centered approach that responds to local voices. She states, “The most important thing is to listen to what the communities are telling you and design programs to meet their needs.” This perspective shows the necessity of tailoring intervention strategies to specific community needs.
Furthermore, the National Action Plan on Climate and Health was implemented prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, which has intensified existing vulnerabilities and presented additional challenges, particularly health concerns for rural women. Therefore, revising the plan to incorporate lessons learned from the pandemic and to develop new solutions could enhance its effectiveness and relevance in addressing the climate-health crisis.
Assessing Effectiveness
Assessing the effectiveness of climate adaptation strategies, such as rural heat action plans (RHAPs), requires strong data collection and analysis. Without sustained and comprehensive data, evaluating the true impact of these plans on mitigating climate-related risks and improving public health becomes challenging. Effective data collection is essential for understanding the efficacy of these strategies, identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring that interventions are both targeted and effective.
RHAPs are designed for specific regions based on their infrastructure, socioeconomic environment, and climate risks. These plans focus on localized strategies for state governments to help their communities prepare for extreme heat and respond effectively. Key objectives of RHAP’s include education and public safety, focusing on reducing heat-related health risks and saving lives.
The RHAP in the district of Bundelkhand, Uttar Pradesh, a region known for its extreme head and rural communities, implemented a localized heat action plan to address the specific needs of its population. The plan includes measures such as community cooling centers, heat health education programs, and early warning systems. Initial evaluations suggest that the plan has been effective in reducing heat-related health issues and improving community resilience to extreme heat. However, there is still limited data on its long-term impact and effectiveness across different areas within the district.
The evaluation of RHAPs should also consider their adaptability to various regions and their capacity to address diverse community needs. For example, integrating feedback from local communities and adapting strategies based on their experiences can lead to more effective and inclusive interventions. in the district of Bundelkhand, Uttar Pradesh, a region known for its extreme head and rural communities, implemented a localized heat action plan to address the specific needs of its population. The plan includes measures such as community cooling centers, heat health education programs, and early warning systems. Initial evaluations suggest that the plan has been effective in reducing heat-related health issues and improving community resilience to extreme heat. However, there is still limited data on its long-term impact and effectiveness across different areas within the district.
The evaluation of RHAPs should also consider their adaptability to various regions and their capacity to address diverse community needs. For example, integrating feedback from local communities and adapting strategies based on their experiences can lead to more effective and inclusive interventions.
Conclusion
The climate crisis in India disproportionately affects rural women, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and often neglecting critical health concerns. This disparity underscores the urgent need for targeted policy interventions that address both the environmental and health dimensions of the climate crisis. Effective policies must not only combat the immediate effects of climate change but also consider the broader socioeconomic impacts on vulnerable populations, particularly rural women.
To achieve meaningful progress, it is essential to incorporate the voices of rural women into the planning and implementation of climate adaptation strategies. Gender-sensitive approaches are crucial for addressing the unique challenges faced by these women, including their specific health needs and socioeconomic barriers. By integrating gender considerations into climate adaptation plans, policymakers can develop more effective strategies that mitigate health disparities.
Incorporating community feedback, investing in more data collection, and ensuring that policies are responsive to the needs of rural women will be key to creating a more equitable and effective response to climate challenges. These measures will not only improve health outcomes for rural women but also contribute to broader climate and sustainability goals.
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Special Thanks
- The Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF)
- Professor Devika Koppikar, Hampton University
- CSIS iDeas Lab team mentors/staff:
- CSIS AILA staff: Julieze Benjamin & Erin Delany
- AILA management: Donatienne Ruy
CSIS iDeas Lab Mentors
Cover Image: A woman pushing a water roller tank towards her home after drawing water from a well during the heatwave in Kasara, India, on May 1, 2024. | Indranil Aditya/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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