Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Maharashtra Survey Finds Climate Concern, But Low Political Priority
A survey asked people in Maharashtra what they think about climate change.
More than half said they are worried about it.
However, only a small number said climate change should be a top political issue.
Many people want both environmental protection and economic development.
Most people do not use scientific words when talking about environmental problems.
People also said they do not strongly trust any one group to explain climate issues.
Still, many believe their own actions can help the environment.
Many also believe civic and political participation can create change.
The report says climate efforts may work better when they match local concerns and trusted community voices.
A survey found 58% of Maharashtrians are concerned about climate change, while only 3% would make it a political priority.
The study surveyed 6,160 people and was described as the largest sub-national climate-change study in India.
About two-thirds would choose environmental protection over economic development only when forced to choose.
Only 1.5% of respondents used scientific terms such as "global warming" to describe environmental problems.
Trust in government, NGOs, activists, and youth groups was modest, while 66% said their own actions matter for the environment.
- Who
- The study surveyed 6,160 people from Maharashtra and was conducted by Ek Kutumb.
- What
- The report examined citizens' climate concerns, values, trust, and views on environmental and political action.
- When
- The study was released on a Thursday; no specific date was provided.
- Where
- It focused on Maharashtra and was released in Delhi.
- Why
- The study aimed to understand local perceptions and identify how climate policies can better reflect citizens' views.
- Climate concern
- 58% of respondents said they are concerned about climate change.
- Political priority
- Only 3% would make climate change a political priority.
- Survey size
- 6,160 people from Maharashtra participated.
- Scientific terminology
- Only 1.5% used terms such as "global warming" to describe environmental problems.
- Personal agency
- 66% believe their own actions matter for the environment.
- Institutional action
- 32% place their faith primarily in institutional action.
- Civic participation
- 69% believe civic and political involvement can lead to change.
- Trust levels
- Government and local authorities, NGOs and foundations, climate activists, and local youth groups received trust levels ranging from 26% to 36%.