IIT-Guwahati’s report on climate risk assessment equips authorities to initiate steps for tackling change effectively

Collaborate effort

In order to address the Climate Change challenges, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, in collaboration with IIT Mandi and the Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), Bengaluru, released a report “District-Level Climate Risk Assessment for India: Mapping Flood and Drought Risks Using IPCC Framework” on December 13, 2024.

The report was launched by distinguished dignitaries from IIT Guwahati, IIT Mandi and CSTEP. Supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Embassy of Switzerland, the report provides a detailed analysis of district-level climate risks in India.

Using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) framework, the study identifies the dual challenges posed by floods and droughts and highlights their disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations. The findings underscore the urgent need for tailored, region-specific adaptation strategies to enhance resilience. The report presents a detailed analysis of climate risks at the district-level. It identifies the dual threats of floods and droughts, highlighting their disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, and emphasizes the urgent need for region-specific adaptation strategies to build resilience.

Findings of Report

The report identifies 51 Indian districts at "Very High" flood risk and 118 at "High" risk, with vulnerable regions in Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, Odisha, and Jammu and Kashmir. For droughts, 91 districts are at "Very High" risk, and 188 faces "High" risk, mainly in Bihar, Assam, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Maharashtra.

Alarmingly, 11 districts, including Patna, Alappuzha, and Kendrapara, are at "Very High" risk for both floods and droughts. The study provides a comprehensive view of district-level risks, supporting data-driven adaptation planning in line with India's disaster risk reduction agenda. The study integrated climatic hazards, exposure and vulnerability to offer a comprehensive view of district-level risks to aid in disaster risk reduction and highlight the direct impact on people and livelihoods, paving the way for data-driven adaptation planning.

Expert Analysis

According to Anita Gupta, head of scientific divisions in the Department of Science and Technology, climate change is one of the most formidable challenges of our time, impacting agriculture, livelihoods and every aspect of life. No single entity can address this alone, it requires collective efforts and innovative frameworks. Through this report, we take a significant step towards identifying vulnerabilities, assessing sensitivity, and addressing challenges faced by local communities at risk.

The report emphasizes the importance of capacity building at the state-level, equipping climate change cells and relevant departments with tools and methodologies to integrate risk assessments into adaptation plans. Workshops and training sessions conducted as part of the study have helped create a knowledge network among state departments, academic institutions, and local stakeholders. This collaboration provides a roadmap for policymakers to develop targeted, region-specific strategies, empowering communities to tackle climate challenges effectively.

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