As the impacts of climate change become increasingly pronounced, Indian communities are facing heightened vulnerability to extreme weather events. According to the Global Climate Risk Index 2021, India ranked seventh among countries most affected by climate change in 2019.

The southern zone of India is particularly vulnerable, facing all three hydro-meteorological disasters—floods, droughts, and cyclones—and their compounding impacts^[1]. Coastal Andhra Pradesh is highly susceptible to cyclones; Inland regions of Telangana have experienced severe droughts; and the recent floods and heatwaves in regions like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have been reinforcing the urgent need for building resilience at the community level.

Despite these challenges, policy makers in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are adopting innovative approaches to adapt and build community resilience. Telangana has been investing in data-backed decision-making systems to enhance climate resilience. In Andhra Pradesh, the Community-Based Natural Farming (CBNF) program promotes sustainable farming practices by encouraging farmers to adopt chemical-free, natural farming methods. Programs like Mission Kakatiya in Telangana focus on restoring and rejuvenating water bodies, improving water availability for agriculture, and promoting sustainable water resource management. These integrated strategies are empowering communities to better withstand climate impacts while improving livelihoods and fostering a sense of ownership over local resources.

In its 12th edition of JSW – TOI Earth Care Awards, we seek to spotlight the exemplary community resilience efforts in vulnerable regions. By bringing attention to successful adaptation strategies, the upcoming roundtable discussion titled ” Resilient Futures: Community-Led Strategies for Climate Change ” aims to bring together policymakers, sustainability experts, community leaders, and stakeholders to discuss and collaborate on enhancing community resilience in the face of climate change. Through this platform, the Earth Care Awards aspire to amplify the voices of those at the forefront of adaptation efforts and encourage collective action towards a more resilient future.