In Delhi’s early evening heat, corporate employees gather for after-work soccer matches—a growing trend in India’s urban recreation scene. Yaman Rekhi, founder of Parklife, has built a business around organizing these sessions. But his soccer-based startup is increasingly vulnerable to climate change in India. “Extreme cold or humidity stops people from coming out to play,” Rekhi says. When players skip sessions or pitches get flooded, Parklife loses income — and still has to pay for the rented football fields. This highlights how even niche sectors like recreational sports are feeling the economic effects of climate change.
Extreme weather impact on India’s economy
India has experienced over 400 extreme weather events in the past 30 years, including floods, heatwaves, and hailstorms. These events have caused an estimated $300–$400 billion in economic losses and claimed 80,000 lives, according to economist Purnamita Dasgupta from the University of Delhi. From agriculture and construction to tourism and energy, nearly every industry is affected. Scientific studies have linked events like the 2013 Uttarakhand floods and recent Kerala landslides to climate change, showing rainfall levels up to 12% higher than historical norms. As global temperatures rise, India’s vulnerability to extreme weather intensifies.
Climate adaptation strategies for a resilient future
India is investing in long-term adaptation strategies to climate change. These include cultivating heat-resistant crops, expanding green urban spaces, and developing sustainable cooling systems powered by renewable energy. In flood-prone areas, coastlines and riverbanks need protecting and building methods need to be adapted. States like Maharashtra and Gujarat are leading in climate adaptation, but also lesser developed states like Orissa are taking action. Climate experts stress that while reversing global warming is extremely difficult, reducing emissions and preparing for new risks is essential.
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