The Social Dimensions of Climate Change in India : From Adaptation to Mitigation

This paper focuses on the social dimensions of both climate change adaptation and mitigation actions in India. On the adaptation side, it documents how people and communities are coping and adapting to climate change, and whether these strategies and their costs vary by socio-economic vulnerability. It narrows in on actions that communities are taking to advance their resilience in climate hotspots in India and makes the case for locally led climate action and devolved climate financing, with an emphasis on empowering women as resilient champions. On the mitigation side, the paper describes the ambitious steps that India has taken towards climate change mitigation, the potential impacts they may have on India’s people (both positive and adverse), and challenges and opportunities presented, to make the case for a socially inclusive transition to low carbon energy. The paper concludes by laying down policy recommendations for India to ensure a people centered approach.