Politicians avoid discussing climate change during Indian elections

As India’s general elections approach, voters are facing climate-related hardships that politicians largely ignore.

Sibi Arasu reports for the Associated Press.

In short:

• Extreme heat and drought in Maharashtra state have left farmers struggling, with no substantial political focus on environmental issues.
• Increased cyclones along India’s eastern coasts have caused significant damage and deaths, with locals frustrated by unfulfilled political promises.
• Floods in Assam state are worsening, leaving residents on river islands vulnerable and dissatisfied with political inaction.

Key quote:

“Politicians are only talking about religion and caste. No one is talking about the environment or farmers' issues.”

— Vaibhav Maske, farmer in Maharashtra

Why this matters:

Ignoring climate change in political discourse undermines efforts to address its severe impacts on health, livelihoods, and regional stability. Effective policies are needed to protect communities from increasingly extreme weather events. Read more: Sabah Usmani on making cities healthy and just.