Climate change is now gradually becoming a concern for the general public, moving beyond expert discussions and understanding, which indicates a new arena for policy intervention. Taking a cue from the climate finance debate, the study Climate Change in the Indian Mind revealed growing concerns among Indians about the impacts of climate change and the challenges posed by extreme weather.

Conducted with 5,427 adults across India between December 2025 and February 2026, the nationally representative study highlights that three in four Indians are worried about severe heat waves harming their communities, while 84% report having personally experienced the effects of global warming. 

In India's most recent heat wave, temperatures soared above 45°C across northern, central, and eastern regions. By late April, 98 of the world’s 100 hottest cities were within India’s borders. 

The electricity demand peaked at more than 270 gigawatts, nearly double the average on May 21 this year, the report indicated. About 88% of respondents express concern about global warming, with over half (56%) describing themselves as "very worried." 

Over a quarter (28%) have either relocated or considered moving due to weather-related disasters such as extreme heat, droughts, flooding, or rising sea levels. 

Dr Jagadish Thaker, Senior Lecturer at the University of Queensland and one of the study’s lead authors, noted that record-setting heat waves have become a frequent occurrence in India. 

However, economic disparity leaves many households ill-equipped to cope. Only 27% of surveyed households own an air cooler, and just 15% have air conditioning. Furthermore, about 66% experience regular electricity disruptions, exacerbating the challenge of staying cool during unbearable heat, he attributed.

The survey also highlighted growing support for clean energy initiatives as a solution to climate change. An overwhelming majority - 82% - favour transitioning from coal to solar and wind energy. 

Similarly, 87% believe this shift would benefit the country, while 86% support India's long-term Net Zero commitment to reduce carbon pollution by 2070. Further, 82% of respondents advocate for banning new coal plants and phasing out existing ones in favour of renewable energy sources. 

The report recognised that India’s commitment to clean energy expansion is already evident. The country’s renewable energy capacity grew by over 22% in 2025, with solar energy alone seeing a remarkable 39% increase. In 2026, the government affirmed a new target: sourcing 60% of electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2035. 

Support for renewable energy remains strong among the Indian public, with 65% advocating for increased use of renewable sources and only 14% favouring expanded fossil fuel reliance. Additionally, 62% believe leaving most of India’s coal reserves untapped is vital for ensuring a safe and sustainable future. 

The research also sheds light on public attitudes toward clean mobility solutions. Nearly seven in ten Indians (69%) are willing to pay more for an electric vehicle - be it a scooter, car, or motorcycle, if it helps reduce travel costs and mitigate global warming.

Notably, 14% are prepared to pay over 30% more for an electric alternative. The study highlights India’s vulnerability to climate change while also recognizing its evolving energy landscape. Between 1995 and 2024, India experienced 430 extreme weather events, including cyclones, floods, and heat waves that caused an estimated 80,000 deaths and inflicted economic losses of $170 billion.

Nevertheless, support for renewable energy suggests that many Indians view clean energy as a vital pathway to addressing climate change and safeguarding future generations. 

Dr Anthony Leiserowitz of Yale University, another lead author of the study, remarked that since they began measuring Indian public opinion on climate change in 2011, there has been a clear increase in awareness and concern. 

With 78% of respondents urging stronger government action on global warming, it is evident that climate advocacy and policy have become critical priorities for Indian society as it navigates these pressing challenges, he added.