Abstract

Climate change has emerged as one of the largest public health challenges of the twenty-first century, with India being particularly vulnerable due to its diverse climatic conditions, high population density, fast urbanization, and socioeconomic inequality. Rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, frequent floods, droughts, cyclones, and decreasing air quality are significantly influencing the prevalence and distribution of climate-sensitive diseases while compounding existing health inequities. This study synthesizes existing information on the relationship between climate change and human health in India, stressing its direct and indirect implications on communicable and non-communicable diseases, nutritional status, mental health, occupational health, and maternity and child health. The review also evaluates the disproportionate burden borne by vulnerable people, including children, older persons, pregnant women, economically disadvantaged communities, and individuals dwelling in climate-sensitive locations. Particular attention is placed on preventative public health interventions that can increase resistance against developing climate-related health concerns. These include climate-informed disease surveillance, early warning systems, climateresilient healthcare infrastructure, health promotion, community engagement, environmental risk communication, multisectoral collaboration, and the integration of digital technologies and the One Health approach into public health practice. The assessment also addresses the existing policy landscape in India, highlights significant implementation obstacles, and outlines future research goals for establishing sustainable and evidence-based solutions. By integrating scientific knowledge with public health views, this review highlights the critical need to incorporate climate adaptation and mitigation into national health strategy. Strengthening preventative public health systems through coordinated policy action, capacity building, and community-centered initiatives will be vital to safeguard population health and promote climate resilience in India.

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