Re-Marginalizing the Marginalized: Impact of Climate Change on the Indian Rural Community

Book: Intersectionality Between Climate Change and Sustainable Development Goals: A Socio-Legal Perspective from India by CSMFL Publications

by Soumya Chaturvedi1 & Dr. Bir Pal Singh2
1Learning Manager, Corporate Vertical, Lawctopus Law School, Former Associate, Capital Markets and Securities Team, IndusLaw, Noida, India; 2Professor of Panchayat Administration and Nyaya Panchayat; Chairperson – Centre for Tribal Studies and Research, Director- Department of Online and Distance Education, National Law Institute University, Bhopal, India.
10.46679/9788196780524ch07
This chapter is a part of: Intersectionality Between Climate Change and Sustainable Development Goals: A Socio-Legal Perspective from India
ISBN (Ebook):978-81-967805-2-4
ISBN (Hardcover Print):978-81-967805-0-0
ISBN (Softcover Print):978-81-967805-3-1

© CSMFL Publications & its authors.
Published: August 28, 2025

Chaturvedi, S., & Singh, B. P. (2025). Re-Marginalizing the Marginalized: Impact of Climate Change on the Indian Rural Community. In N. Chaudhary & S. Chaturvedi, Intersectionality Between Climate Change and Sustainable Development Goals: A Socio-Legal Perspective from India (pp 103-122). CSMFL Publications.
https://dx.doi.org/10.46679/9788196780524ch07

Abstract

Before the landslide: Wayanad tragedy is a warning—don’t ignore ecology” was the headline of a news report by Indian Express dated August 3, 2024, covering and analysing the devastating impact of floods leading to catastrophic landslides in Kerala. Surrounded by the young Himalayan cover and long shoreline, India’s varied and dynamic geographical conditions are specifically susceptible to climate change. This research paper aims to explore the multifaceted effects of climate change on rural communities in India outlining the vulnerability of India’s diverse geographical landscape to climate change and highlighting the disproportionate impact on rural populations. The paper subsequently explores the characteristics and effects of climate change on rural communities, analyzing meteorological phenomena such as droughts, floods, and cyclones, and their consequences for agricultural output and food security. The research paper concludes with certain policy and implementation recommendations suggesting a way forward.

Keywords: Climate Change, Rural Communities, SDGs, Migration, Resilience.

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