The implications of transboundary climate risks for India

This brief examines an important, emerging subject for India that warrants urgent research and policy attention: transboundary climate risks. Transboundary climate risks (TCRs) arise when the impacts of climate change in one country or jurisdiction generate a threat to the economy, society or ecosystems of another. They also manifest when mitigation or adaptation actions in one place generate adverse effects in another.

The brief concludes with four recommendations to help India examine the transboundary climate risks it faces and to make the country more resilient to these and other climate risks. The authors argue that there is an urgent need for research to examine the potential threats to India’s economy, investments and people – and to better understand the socio-economic implications at all levels, from the micro scale (effects on the most vulnerable households) to the macro scale (threats to India’s economic growth aspirations). The authors argue that stronger adaptation planning is essential to build the resilience of communities in India to present and future risks.