72% respondents faced Climate Anxiety at some point: CFC India Survey

By Aayushi Sharma

In the run-up to World Meteorological Day, observed on March 23, Climate Fact Checks carried out a survey among its Indian readers and subscribers to understand their perspective on various factors related to meteorology. While it threw light on how some respondents believed that traditional methods work and on how they have benefitted from early warning systems, the number of respondents admitting to having suffered from Climate Anxiety is quite considerable. 

The survey showed that about 72% of the respondents have suffered from climate anxiety at some point in their life. 70% of the respondents to the survey are from the age group of 18-25 which translates into 210 respondents. Of these, 74% or 156 of them have suffered from Climate Anxiety. 

According to a study, Climate anxiety is being felt much more powerfully among the young. In our survey we tried to check if it resonates with the Indian readers. We found this valid as about two-third of the younger population in the age group of 18-25 who have responded, have suffered from climate anxiety at some point.  

What is World Meteorological Day and why is it observed?

World Meteorological Day takes place on 23 March every year. On this day in 1950, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) was established. It showcases the essential contribution of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services to the safety and wellbeing of society and is celebrated with activities around the world. The themes chosen for World Meteorological Day usually reflect topical weather, climate or water-related issues. This year’s theme is “The Future of Weather, Climate and Water across Generations”. 

What is meteorology? Which is the governing body on meteorology in India?

Meteorology is the branch of science that deals with the study of the atmosphere and its phenomena related to weather and climate. It is useful in examining and planning the spread of extreme weather by using various prediction models and offering advice before it happens. 

The Indian Meteorological Department was established in 1875. It is the National Meteorological Service of the country and the principal government agency in all matters relating to meteorology and allied subjects.

It major roles are:

• To conduct meteorological observations and provide current and forecast meteorological information for optimum operation of weather-sensitive activities like irrigation, shipping, agriculture, aviation, offshore oil explorations, etc.
• To warn public and state departments against severe weather phenomena like tropical cyclones, dust storms, norwesters, heavy rains and snow, cold and heat waves, etc., which can cause destruction of life and property.
• To provide weather related statistics required for agriculture, water resource management, industries, oil exploration and other nation-building activities.
• To conduct and promote research in meteorology and its allied disciplines.

Important findings of the CFC survey 

• Out of 300 respondents, 289 (96.3%) said that they are interested in weather-related information.

• 70% of respondents were under the age group 18-25, 24% were from 26-44 age group and the rest 6% were either under 18 or more than 45 years of age. 

• The ratio of female and male respondents were almost equal, i.e. 51% and 49% respectively.
• The most common source of weather information is Social Media, followed by Search Engine (Google) and news channels. 
• More than 53% of respondents found weather forecasting reliable. “When the local weather forecast is accurate, it leads to satisfaction among the masses. When people receive a forecast that accurately predicts the weather, it helps them plan their day or week accordingly and avoid any potential weather-related problems.”, said Nishant Panwar, one of the respondents. 

• Do they believe in or know about traditional systems of weather prediction?

17% said that they don’t believe in traditional methods of weather prediction. While the rest either believed or were not sure about it. 

Some of the responses on traditional methods of weather prediction were:

“Plant phenology is affected by seasonal variations in climate. It is also used as a traditional method of weather anticipation.” said Avishek Sarkar, one of the respondents. 

Another respondent, Chimismita Gogoi said “Bird migration has been seen as in relation with weather conditions both short term and long term. Change in pattern of migration due to temperature and wind direction helps in predicting weather conditions.”

“A frog’s croak is an indicator of rain”, said Sepali Lakshmi Perera while Nishant Panwar mentioned the belief that phases of the moon affect the weather conditions. “For example, a full moon is often associated with high tides and stormy weather,” stated Panwar.

Multiple responses stated about the belief in the traditional system that hotter days are followed by rainfall. 

• Do they find early warning systems effective?

An early warning system is an adaptive measure for climate change, using integrated communication systems to help communities prepare for hazardous climate-related events. A properly executed EWS helps in saving lives, land and infrastructures and also supports long-term sustainability.

When asked if they have ever received any early warning about a disaster/ extreme weather event in their region, the majority of them (60%) confirmed that they have been benefited. Although, two-third of the respondents who received early warning are benefited by it and one-third stated that they were not. 

• Psychological Stress due to climate change

About 72% of the respondents have suffered from climate anxiety at some point in their life. 

Climate anxiety is psychological stress that one feels due to worrying about the changing nature of weather and climate and their possible consequences on one’s life. It can lead to symptoms such as loss of appetite, panic attacks, irritability,  insomnia and weakness. 

Despite the number of responses being limited, the survey gives an idea that respondents do believe in early warning systems and look forward to receiving weather related information. The people in India go through psychological stress due to events triggered by climate change sometimes, especially the young generation.