The Indian public is deeply concerned about the climate crisis—but this concern needs to be translated into policy support and behavioural change. For that, high-quality, inclusive, and frequent polling is indispensable.

As the world grapples with intensifying climate extremes, India, home to over 1.4 billion people, is emerging as a pivotal player in global climate discourse. From cyclones battering its coasts to heatwaves engulfing northern plains, the country faces the twin challenge of development and decarbonization.

• But what does the Indian public think about climate change? 
• Are citizens ready to support bold climate policies? 
• Recent polling data provides critical insights into India’s climate sentiment.

Climate Change Awareness: High Concern, Emerging Nuance

India ranks among the top countries globally in terms of climate awareness. According to the 2024 Pew Research Center global attitudes survey, 89% of Indians say climate change is a serious threat, compared to the global median of 72%. Notably, 58% believe it is a “very serious” threat, up from 42% in 2019—an increase likely driven by the lived experience of extreme weather.

A 2023 study by the CVoter Foundation, commissioned by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), revealed that while an overwhelming 93% of Indians had heard of climate change, only 43% clearly understood the connection between greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. Interestingly, rural respondents—despite having limited formal education—demonstrated a deep ecological awareness, frequently pointing to shifting rainfall patterns and declining crop yields as signs of environmental disruption. In contrast, urban youth between the ages of 18 and 30 showed a strong affinity for climate solutions, particularly in the form of renewable energy and electric mobility.

Who Supports Climate Action—and Why?

Support for climate action in India cuts across social strata, but motivations vary:

Group	Support Level	Drivers
Youth (18–30)	Very High	Air pollution, green jobs, sustainability values
Farmers	High	Climate variability, crop loss compensation
Middle Class (Urban)	Moderate to High	Energy security, economic incentives
Lower Income (Urban/Rural)	Moderate	Rising food prices, heat stress, flood risk
Small Business Owners	Mixed	Fear of regulatory costs vs. renewable subsidies

Political affiliations also play a significant role in shaping public support for climate policies in India. According to a 2023 Lokniti-CSDS poll, 67% of BJP supporters expressed support for stronger climate action, particularly in areas related to water and air quality. Meanwhile, 81% of Indian National Congress (INC) supporters favored accelerating the transition to clean energy. Voters aligned with regional parties, especially in southern and northeastern parts of the country, demonstrated particularly high concern over environmental issues such as forest degradation and river pollution—concerns often tied to cultural and ecological values unique to these regions.

Policy Preferences: What Indians Want

Indian respondents display strong support for practical, locally relevant climate policies. According to recent surveys, 91% back afforestation initiatives, while 78% favor increased government investment in solar and wind energy. Additionally, 62% support phasing out coal, though this support is contingent on the assurance of clean job alternatives. Urban respondents, in particular, show robust enthusiasm, with 88% endorsing the expansion of public transportation and electric vehicle infrastructure. However, when it comes to carbon taxes and pricing mechanisms, understanding and support are limited, with only 29% expressing clear approval. Insights from focus group discussions indicate a prevailing skepticism about the fairness and effectiveness of implementing such economic instruments.

Gaps in Public Understanding and How Polling Can Help

Despite a high level of public concern about climate change, climate literacy in India remains limited. Many people continue to hold misconceptions, often conflating climate change solely with air pollution, and only a small fraction are aware of India’s international climate commitments, such as its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) or the net-zero target set for 2070. While climate polling in India is gradually evolving, it still suffers from notable gaps. Large-scale polls with demographic breakdowns are conducted infrequently, and the absence of surveys in regional languages hampers broader participation and inclusivity. Moreover, existing polls tend to emphasize public opinion without adequately exploring behavioral intentions or the barriers to climate-friendly action.

 To improve the quality and impact of climate polling, India would benefit from regular, government-led climate tracking surveys—similar to the Eurobarometer in Europe. These polls should be disaggregated by caste, gender, geography, and educational background to inform more targeted and equitable policy communication. Additionally, integrating citizen deliberation and participatory methods into polling could offer more nuanced insights into public attitudes and motivations.

From Climate Concern to Climate Citizenship

The Indian public is deeply concerned about the climate crisis—but this concern needs to be translated into policy support and behavioral change. For that, high-quality, inclusive, and frequent polling is indispensable. India is at an inflection point—polling data reveals not just attitudes, but also a roadmap to shape a climate-resilient, people-centric transition.

Learn More References

1. Pew Research Center. (2024). Global Attitudes Survey: Climate Change. Retrieved from: https://www.pewresearch.org
2. CEEW-CVoter. (2023). Climate Voices India: Public Perception of Climate Change and Energy. https://www.ceew.in/publications/climate-voices-india
3. Lokniti-CSDS. (2023). Indian Voter and Climate Change: A Political Survey. https://www.lokniti.org
4. UNDP India & YouGov. (2023). People’s Climate Vote – India Snapshot. https://www.undp.org/india

This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard India Country Manager, Ankita Padelkar.