Climate risk country profile: India

This profile is part of a series of Climate Risk Country Profiles that are developed by the World Bank Group. This profile synthesizes the most relevant data and information on climate change, disaster risk reduction, and adaptation actions and policies at the country level. The profile is designed as a quick reference source for development practicioners to better integrate climate resilience in development planning and policy making.

Key messages of this profile include:

• Historical temperature rise in India has been slightly lower than the global average, however projections of future change are in line with, or slightly above, those expected globally.
• By the end of the century, average temperature in India is projected to increase by 1.1oC-4.1oC over the 1986-2005 baseline, with the rate of warming dependent on the 21st century emissions pathway.
• Projected temperature rises are strongest in the the northern regions of India, and annual minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to increase at a greater magnitude than national average temperatures.
• Disaster risk reduction and adaptation should be considered very high prioritiies in India in order to protect communities from the widespread and diverse increases in projected hazard intensities.