Socio-economic Impacts of Climate Change in Odisha: Issues, Challenges and Policy Options

Abstract

Climate change has been affecting people around the world, threatening the basic elements of life – access to water, food, health and use of land, and the basic environment. In the case of a developing country like India and her states, climate change is an additional burden because ecological and socio-economic systems are already facing pressures from rapid population, industrialization and economic development. It is in this context, this study is an overview of the climate change scenario in Odisha, its impacts, policy options available so far, and the road ahead. In view of the 1999 super cyclone that broke the economic backbone of the State, and floods, droughts and heat waves being the constant visitors to State, the State has been relatively more vulnerable to climate change over the years. These issues have the potential to derail the growth strategy and deepen poverty in the State. Climate change has the potential to exacerbate inequality and prevent economic growth. Thus, it is essential that the private sector units, civil society and government should work together to improve environmental performance while pursuing goals of sustainable economic development in Odisha. This would certainly foster a carbon-conscious, and climate resilient development path in the State.