Archive · 28 Oct 2025
Bihar's Climate Crisis: An Electoral Blind Spot
Bihar, a state in India, faces serious climate problems like floods and droughts.
But when it's time to vote, people talk more about things like jobs and corruption.
Even though experts say climate change is making things worse, politicians don't talk about it much.
Some areas get flooded, others have no water, and it's getting hotter.
Scientists predict that things will get worse if we don't reduce pollution.
Though some leaders recognize the need for change, addressing climate change effectively requires a more proactive approach.
The issue is gaining more awareness among the public.
Bihar, frequently hit by floods and droughts, is among India’s most climate-vulnerable states.
Climate change is not a major topic in the political debates ahead of the assembly elections.
Experts have identified several districts in Bihar as flood-prone or drought hotspots.
Rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns are projected.
While some leaders acknowledge climate issues, the focus remains on immediate concerns.
- Who
- Political leaders, voters, and residents of Bihar
- What
- The lack of focus on climate change issues in Bihar's upcoming assembly elections, despite the state's vulnerability.
- When
- As Bihar approaches its assembly election on November 6 and 11
- Where
- Bihar, India
- Why
- Voters prioritize basic needs and jobs, while political discourse centers on other issues.
Voters' Priorities
Political Focus
Prioritizing Needs
Voters' Priorities
Voters are more focused on immediate problems like jobs and education.
Political Focus
Politicians primarily discuss issues such as caste, crime, corruption, and leadership.
Climate Awareness
Voters' Priorities
Voters may not explicitly identify climate change as their primary concern.
Political Focus
Leaders recognize climate change as a key concern, though it's addressed reactively rather than proactively.
- Election Focus
- Caste, crime, corruption, and leadership
- Climate Vulnerability Rank
- 5th most vulnerable state (Council on Energy, Environment and Water, 2021)
- Flood-prone Districts
- Darbhanga, Madhubani, Samastipur (in Bihar)
- Drought Hotspots
- Arwal, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Bhojpur, Buxar, Darbhanga, Saharsa and Sheohar (in Bihar)
- Temperature Rise Projection
- Up to 1.5°C (business-as-usual) and up to 2°C (higher-emission scenario)
