Climate change is significantly impacting Rajasthan, affecting public health, education, nutrition, water security, and livelihoods due to rising temperatures, prolonged heatwaves, erratic rainfall, and water scarcity. Experts and officials stressed the importance of heightened awareness, climate resilience, and coordinated efforts during a workshop held at the Constitution Club ahead of World Environment Day. UNICEF Rajasthan Head Rushabh Hemani highlighted that climate change is no longer a future developmental challenge but a current crisis, particularly affecting children, pregnant women, the elderly, and vulnerable communities.
Addressing the workshop, UNICEF Chief K.L. Rao discussed initiatives in the health sector to tackle climate-related risks, including supporting the implementation of the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health in collaboration with the Department of Medical and Health. Efforts are being made to establish district-level programs in Rajasthan to identify climate-induced health risks and enhance disaster preparedness. In the education sector, specialized heatwave awareness modules have been developed for government schools to educate students and teachers on extreme heat causes, associated illnesses, preventive measures, water conservation, and environmental protection.
Meteorological Centre Director Radheshyam Sharma emphasized the critical role of water security in climate resilience, warning about the increasing pressure on Rajasthan’s water resources due to rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and groundwater depletion. Various departments are working on source conservation, groundwater recharge, rainwater harvesting, water budgeting, and monitoring systems to address these challenges and define key indicators for achieving a water-secure Rajasthan under the state’s long-term development vision. The workshop also included online sessions by climate and public health experts discussing strategies to mitigate the impacts of rising temperatures and government initiatives related to climate adaptation and sustainability.
Officials highlighted the significance of enhancing environmental health through improved solid and liquid waste management systems, promoting resource recovery centers, and community-based waste management models to create cleaner and healthier environments. UNICEF Communication Specialist Ankush Singh introduced a new youth-focused climate initiative, ‘Youth for Climate Action,’ aimed at nurturing climate leadership among young individuals. The program intends to train youth in climate science, policy, green jobs, sustainable development, carbon markets, and community leadership to establish a network of climate-aware youth leaders across Rajasthan. The workshop concluded with a consensus on the critical importance of climate-resilient health services, water security, climate-smart schools, and youth engagement in safeguarding communities and ensuring a sustainable future amidst escalating climate challenges.
