Archive · 6 Jun 2025
Punjab Faces Mounting Climate Threats: Heatwaves, Pollution, and Urgent Action
Punjab, a major agricultural and industrial region in India, is experiencing a growing climate crisis.
The state witnessed 128 heatwave days between 2010 and 2023, leading to crop losses and worsening air quality.
Pollution from farming, industry, and transport is a major issue, with emissions exceeding air quality standards.
Scientists predict that temperatures could rise significantly by mid-century without action.
To combat this, the report recommends switching to cleaner transport, improved waste management, and changes in farming practices to reduce pollution and help farmers.
This requires addressing challenges such as costs, infrastructure, and implementation.
Punjab recorded 128 heatwave days between 2010 and 2023.
Air quality in Punjab is poor, with all nine monitored cities exceeding national standards for PM2.5.
Agriculture, industry, transport, and residential activities are the primary sources of short-lived climate forcers.
The report recommends an integrated set of interventions, including electrification of public transport and cleaner cooking fuel adoption.
Implementation challenges include high costs of EVs, legacy pollution, and underdeveloped waste processing facilities.
- Who
- The report compiled by Punjab State Council for Science and Technology (PSCST), the Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development (IGSD), and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).
- What
- Punjab faces increasing climate threats including heatwaves and air pollution, requiring integrated climate action.
- When
- Between 2010 and 2023, with projections extending to mid-century.
- Where
- Punjab, India.
- Why
- Because of rising temperatures, increased air pollution, and the potential for significant negative impacts on agriculture, public health, and overall environmental sustainability.
- Heatwave Days (2010-2023)
- 128
- Projected Temperature Rise (Mid-Century)
- 2.1°C to 4.5°C
- PM10 Emissions (Industry)
- 52%
- PM2.5 Emissions (Agriculture)
- 45%
- Black Carbon Emissions (Transport)
- 38%
- NOx Emissions (Transport)
- 79%